Feast of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is the patron saint of environment and ecology and was just recently canonized in October 2012. She is also the patroness of Native Americans and people in exile. She is known as the Lily of the Mohawks. She was the first Native American to be recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church. She was orphaned as a child because her mother, father and younger brother were killed during a smallpox outbreak. Saint Kateri was scarred horribly but survived the outbreak. She did many outdoor devotions by forming crosses with sticks to pray the Stations of the Cross and creating rosaries out of rocks and praying with them. These unique and special outdoor devotions are the reason she is the patron saint of ecology and environment. She died at a very young age of 24 and all of her scars disappeared from her face.

The simplistic beauty of this saint make her a perfect example for children. In the Book of Saints Part 2 there is a nice little biography about Saint Kateri Tekakwitha too. There are many different ways for you to introduce your family to her as well. I would suggest trying out a few of the suggestions below:

Holy Heroes Glory Stories: Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

National Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine in New York

Catholic Icing: Headband Craft

Catholic Playground: Coloring Page

Pinot Noir and Prayers: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha 

Pinot Noir and Prayers: Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Catholic Mom: Catholic Dream Catcher

This year I really wanted to go on a nature walk, unfortunately the weather did not hold up today. Severe thunderstorms rolled in during the afternoon and I was quite busy with an IEP/ kindergarten transitional meeting for Goalie. I will discuss that later though.

Since my nature walk and picnic were rained out, I decided it was best to stay inside and have an indoor picnic instead for dinner. I made Chili and Cornbread and placed our picnic blanket in the living room to enjoy dinner. We opened up our screen door so we could enjoy the peaceful sound of the rain falling and the gentle roar of thunder. We will do a nature walk tomorrow or Sunday if the weather clears up.

I have plans to watch In Her Footsteps: The Story of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha with my husband when he gets home from work this weekend. I would love to hear how your families celebrated today!

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us!