Lily of the Mohawks: Canada’s first aboriginal saint to be celebrated

ST. LAURENT, Sask. – A Roman Catholic church in Saskatchewan is holding a gospel jamboree to celebrate Canada’s first aboriginal saint.

Kateria Tekakwitha (KAH’-tu-reh TECK’-ah-KWITH’-ah) was an Algonquin-Mohawk woman who died in 1680.

Pope Benedict approved Kateria’s canonization late last year and she is to be sainted Oct. 21.

Roy Wilmhoff of the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church on the Sturgeon Lake First Nation says a two-day jamboree this week will feature prayers, singing and services.

An Ojibwa Catholic priest from Ontario is to make an address and lead healing prayers.

Kateria was approved for sainthood when the church recognized as a miracle the healing of a five-year-old boy who had flesh-eating disease.

(CKOM)