Tekakwitha definitions
| Word backwards | ahtiwkakeT |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Proper noun. |
| Syllabic division | Te-ka-kwi-tha |
| Plural | The plural of Tekakwitha is Tekakwithas. |
| Total letters | 10 |
| Vogais (3) | e,a,i |
| Consonants (5) | t,k,w,h |
Tekakwitha: The Lily of the Mohawks
Who Was Tekakwitha?
Tekakwitha, also known as Kateri Tekakwitha, was a Native American woman who lived in the 17th century. She was born in 1656 in a Mohawk village in present-day New York. Tekakwitha's mother was a Christian Algonquin woman, and her father was a Mohawk chief.
Tekakwitha's Early Life
Tragically, when Tekakwitha was only four years old, her family was struck by a smallpox epidemic that claimed the lives of her parents and younger brother. Tekakwitha survived the disease but was left with scars on her face and impaired eyesight. She was then raised by her uncle, who was the new chief of the tribe.
The Conversion to Christianity
Despite growing up in a traditional Mohawk culture, Tekakwitha felt drawn to Christianity from a young age. She was introduced to the teachings of Jesuit missionaries who visited her village, and she decided to convert to Christianity at the age of 20. Tekakwitha was baptized with the Christian name Kateri, in honor of Saint Catherine of Siena.
Tekakwitha's Life as a Christian
After her conversion, Kateri faced persecution and ostracism from her tribe for her faith. She decided to leave her village and traveled to a Christian Native American community in Quebec, Canada, where she lived a devout and ascetic life. Kateri dedicated herself to prayer, penance, and serving the sick and elderly.
Legacy and Sainthood
Kateri Tekakwitha died at the young age of 24 in 1680. She was known for her holiness and devotion to God during her short life. After her death, many reported miracles and healings attributed to her intercession. Kateri was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. She is the first Native American saint in the Catholic Church.
Remembering Tekakwitha
Kateri Tekakwitha's life continues to inspire people around the world with her unwavering faith and dedication to serving others. She is often referred to as the "Lily of the Mohawks" for her purity and beauty of soul. Tekakwitha's feast day is celebrated on July 14th each year, honoring her memory and legacy as a Native American saint.
Tekakwitha Examples
- St. Kateri Tekakwitha is known as the Lily of the Mohawks.
- Tekakwitha National Shrine is a popular pilgrimage site in New York.
- Many Native American communities honor Tekakwitha as a symbol of resilience.
- Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2012.
- The life of Tekakwitha is celebrated during the annual Tekakwitha Conference.
- Tekakwitha's devotion to Christianity inspired many followers.
- The Tekakwitha Peace Conference focuses on unity and reconciliation.
- The legacy of Tekakwitha continues to inspire Indigenous peoples around the world.
- Tekakwitha's story is often shared as an example of faith and perseverance.
- Visitors come from far and wide to pay tribute to Tekakwitha at her shrine.