Description Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was born in the village of Ossernenon (present-day New York). Smallpox killed her family & caused scaring to her face. At the young age of 19 she converted to Catholicism. After taking a vow of perpetual virginity she left her village. Moving to a Jesuit mission village just south of Montreal. Sadly, she passed away only 5 years later. People believed in her healing powers. It was said that carrying her graveyard dirt as a relic was very powerful charm. One story spoke of a woman who carried this charm was saved from pneumonia. She later gave it to her husband who was also healed from the disease. Mohawk scholar Orenda Boucher noted that there were “mixed feelings” around the canonization of Tekakwitha. Some feel her story is tied to tragedies of colonization that have deeply affected the people of Kahnawake. Despite this Saint Kateri is generally respected among Catholic and traditionalist Mohawk. Much of the debate surrounding canonization surrounds bolstering the image of the Church among Indigenous. Others feel her sainthood reflects her unique position bringing together the two cultures in unity. This medal can be used to connect through ritual & mediation work. Made in Italy
