The Lily of the Mohawks

Kateri Environmental Center is named for Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, known as the Lily of the Mohawks. Kateri was born in a village called Ossernenon near Auriesville, NY in 1656. Her mother was a captured Christian Algonquin and her father was Mohawk. When Kateri was a young girl, a smallpox epidemic swept through her village. Kateri suffered greatly; she lost her family and was scarred and weakened by the disease. She nearly lost her eyesight.

Kateri then lived with adoptive parents in a nearby village at Fonda, NY. Here she was drawn toward the Catholic faith and lived a life of innocence and purity. On Easter Sunday in 1676, against the wishes of her stepfather, she was baptized. The following year, she was able to receive Holy Communion and live her dream of worshipping in her chosen religion. Here, she was well regarded as a sacred person and a source of strength to others.

Her childhood illness and difficult life weakened her and she died at the age of 24 in 1680. Upon her death, many miracles and cures were attributed to her intercession. Over 300 years later, this Indian maiden, who dedicated her life to Christ, is still remembered. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980.

Kateri has been called the Patroness of Ecology because of her great respect for the natural world. A lovely wooden statue of Kateri is the centerpiece of our Carriage House lounge area.