Tekakwitha was orphaned by smallpox as a child of four in New York State (and was herself visually handicapped and scarred by the disease) and raised by relatives. In 1676 she converted to Christianity (her mother had been a Christian), but violent opposition from an uncle forced her to flee to a Catholic mission in Canada.

She was famous for her austerities and penances. In 1980 she was beatified and her cause for canonization is being supported by Canadian Native Catholics.

References

Hirschfelder, Arlene, and Molin, Paulette. Encyclopedia of Native American Religions: An Introduction. (New York: Facts on File, 1992)
Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia, 1993-97
Brown, Evelyn M. Kateri Tekakwitha: Mohawk Maid. (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1991)
Bunson, Margaret, and Bunson, Matthew. Kateri Tekakwitha. (Huntington: Our Sunday Visitor, 1993) (Saints You Should Know Series)
Handbook of North American Indians: Vol. 15: Northeast, edited by Bruce G. Trigger. (Washington: Smithsonian Institution, 1978)
Savilla, Edmund. "The Prophetic Spirit of Kateri Tekakwitha within Our Indian Churches." Available at: http://www.cin.org/kat10.html

Indexes

Native American and Alaskan Native, Inuit
Canada
USA
Christian
Ethnic or Religious Identity Confused or Concealed, Racism
Estrangement from Adoptive or Foster Family
Physical Handicaps
Orphaned (Both Parents)
Relatives
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care
Parent(s) Died, Disappeared or Became Incapacitated