ROMAN INC - SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA - PATRONESS OF ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Figurine comes nicely displayed in a box with a front window, with a prayer on the front and the story of the Saint on the back, and a prayer card inside.
"Prayer to the Lily of the Mohawks:
St. Kateri, you are revered as the mystic of the American wilderness. Though orphaned at age four, and left with a scarred face and damaged eyesight from illness, you were esteemed among the Mohawk tribe. When you asked to be baptized a Christian, you subjected yourself to abuse by your people and were forced to run away. You endured many trials but still flowered in prayer and holiness, dedicating yourself totally to Christ. I ask you to be my spiritual guide along my journey through life. Through your intercession, I pray that I may always be loyal to Jesus in all things. Amen."
Nine years after Saints Isaac Jogues and Jean de Lalande were killed by Mohawk warriors, a baby girl was born near the place of their martyrdom, in Auriesville, New York. Kateri Tekakwitha was born to a Mohawk chief and a Christian Algonquin woman. When she was four years old, a smallpox epidemic killed her family and left her scarred and half blind. She was adopted by her uncle who became chief after her father. When she was 11, her village was visited by three Jesuits who made a big impression on Kateri. She began to live her life inspired by their example. She resisted all attempts by her family to marry her off. At 18, she secretly received instruction in the Catholic faith, and at 19 was baptized by Fr. Jacques de Lamberbille, a Jesuit missionary.
After she was baptized, Kateri endured ridicule, hunger, harrassment and threats from her village. After two years, she fled 200 miles to the Mission of St. Francis Xavier near Montreal. There she came to be known as the "Lily of the Mohawks" for her prayer, kindness, faith and heroic suffering. There she made her First Holy Communion and vow of perpetual virginity. She was known for her great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and long hours in prayer. Kateri died at only 23 years of age. Her last words were, "Jesus, I love you." Witnesses reported that minutes after her death, the pock marks from smallpox disappeared, and her face became radiantly beautiful. Kateri Tekakwitha was canonized as the first Native American saint on October 21, 2012.
Feast Day: July 14
Material: Resin, Stone Mix
Dimensions: Approx. H 9.5cm x W 3.2cm
