Learning about Prayer with
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
October, 2012
Parent Drop-in Session
In 1656, a baby girl was born
to an Algonquin woman and a Mohawk
Chief.
The baby and her
family lived in a
village in presentday New York
State.
Kateri became an
orphan at age four
when her parents and
brother died of
smallpox
Her uncle became the
new chief, took care
of Kateri and named
her “Tekakwitha”
Jesuit priests came to Kateri’s
tribe.
Kateri was inspired by their
teachings and recalled her
mother’s love for the Catholic
faith.
She was baptized on Easter
Sunday, 1686.
Her family and tribe did not
approve of her new faith.
She moved to a Christian
village.
Kateri loved Jesus and loved to
pray.
 The cross reminded her of Christ’s love
and sacrifice
 She prayed constantly and asked for
healing and help for those in need
 She became ill and died at age 24 on the
day before Holy Thursday
 Her final words were the simple prayer,
“Jesus, I love you”
I have given myself to Jesus…
“I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus. He must be
my only love. The state of helpless poverty that may befall me
if I do not marry does not frighten me. All I need is a little
food and a few pieces of clothing. With the work of my hands,
I shall always earn what is necessary and what is left over I’ll
give to my relatives and to the poor. If I should become sick
and unable to work, then I shall be like the Lord on the cross.
He will have mercy on me and help me, I am sure.”
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
In 2000, a baby boy, named Jake, was
born to Don and Elsa Finkbonner, who
lived in Fernwater in Washington State.
Jake’s father, Don, was a member of the
Lummi Tribe.
Like Kateri, Jake Finkbonner
became very ill.
Jake got a very bad infection from a
cut lip.
Jake’s doctors believed he would die.
People began to pray and ask Blessed
Kateri Tekakwith to join in prayer to
help Jake be healed.
The infection stopped and Jake
recovered!
Healed through the
Power of Prayer
 In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared
that Jake’s healing was a miracle!
 Over the centuries, many people
reported physical healings because of
the intercession of Kateri.
 On October 21, 2012, Kateri Tekakwitha
will be canonized as the first Native
American Saint. Jake and his family will
be there!
 St. Kateri is considered to be the patron
saint for the care of the environment,
and for those who have lost their
parent.
What do you think we can
learn from St. Kateri?
Prayer for the Canonization of
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
O God, who, among the many marvels of your grace
in the New World, did cause to blossom on the banks
of the Mohawk and of the Saint Lawrence, the pure
and tender Lily, Kateri Tekakwitha, grant we beseech
you, the favor we beg through her intercession; that
this Young Lover of Jesus and of his cross may soon
be counted among her saints by Holy Mother Church,
and that our hearts may be enkindled with a stronger
desire to imitate her innocence and faith.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.