December 17, 1972 , Translation of the rests of Saint Kateri

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine

The Shrine of St. Kateri Tekakwitha is located in the main Church of the St. Francis Xavier Mission.

In 1972, a sacred chest containing her relics were placed in a marble tomb. The tomb, located in the right hand transept of the Saint Francis Xavier Mission is inscribed with these words.

“ KAIATANORON KATERI TEKAKWITHA”, Precious Kateri

Tekakwitha Kateri, a Mohawk woman from Kahnawake, is the first native woman to be canonized a Saint on October 12, 2012 in Rome Italy by Pope Benedict XVI. This event was the culmination of years of homage to Kateri Tekakwitha and dedication to honor and recognize her as a special and precious woman.

Kateri Tekakwitha has always been respected by the Mohawk community who view her in many ways, a woman, a saint, our ancestor. The Mohawk people, First Nations and all Nations alike have prayed to Kateri for years asking for her intersession or to obtain special favors.
Many people share their personal miracles with Kateri, how their family members were cured, how a special favour was granted. Their faith in her and their thankfulness for her intercession needs no words, their faces say it all.