St. Kateri Tekakwitha – Lily of the Mohawks

Encounter the gentle radiance of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, in this vibrant portrait. Framed by woodland trees and a flowing creek, Kateri stands in serene confidence, holding a simple wooden cross close to her heart. Her braided hair, beadwork, and feathered earrings honor her Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) heritage, while a luminous golden halo proclaims her sanctity. An ornate border delicately weaves natural motifs—birds, leaves, and river designs—symbolizing her deep love for God’s creation.

Short Biography

St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656 – 1680) was born in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon (present-day Auriesville, New York). Orphaned by smallpox, which left her face scarred and her eyesight weakened, she was baptized at 20 after meeting Jesuit missionaries. Enduring ridicule and hardship for her new faith, she journeyed 200 miles to the Catholic mission at Kahnawake (near Montréal), where she lived a life of prayer, penance, and charity. Called the “Lily of the Mohawks,” Kateri offered her sufferings for the conversion of her people and died at 24; witnesses testified that her scarred face became radiant and clear moments after death. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

Symbolism in the Art

• Wooden cross – Kateri’s unwavering love for Christ and courage in persecution

• Golden halo – Her recognized sanctity and purity of heart

• Feather & bead adornments – Respect for her Mohawk identity and craftsmanship

• Forest, river, wildlife border – Her close bond with nature and title “Patroness of Ecology”

• Warm woodland light – The dawn of faith that shone through her short life

Perfect For

• Families devoted to nature-friendly, indigenous saints

• Youth or confirmation candidates seeking models of purity and courage

• Prayer corners, retreat houses, and ecology ministries

• Catholic schools studying North American evangelization

• Feast-day displays (July 14 in the U.S.; April 17 in Canada)

Product Details

• Format: Digital Download

• File: 1 high-resolution PNG (portrait orientation)

• Style: Realistic sacred portrait with Art-Nouveau–inspired border

• Printing Tips: Looks stunning on textured fine-art paper or canvas

Patronage & Feast Day

• Patron Saint of: Indigenous peoples, ecology, environmental stewardship, those ridiculed for piety

• Feast Day: July 14 (U.S.) | April 17 (Canada)

• Title: “Lily of the Mohawks”

“I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus.”
Let St. Kateri’s image invite you to a deeper love for Christ, creation, and every human heart.