Ref. #2-3729
OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 4, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today issued the following statement on the November 4, 2012 national celebration of the canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to be held at Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, Quebec:
"Saint Kateri was canonized on October 21st by Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City, Rome, due to her unwavering dedication and devotion to God, making her the first North American Native person to become a Saint. She is entrusted with the renewal of the Catholic faith among all Catholics, but most notably among First Nation people.
Saint Kateri, also known as 'Lily of the Mohawks' was born in 1656 in upstate New York to a Mohawk father and a Christian Algonquin mother. Shortly after her baptism at age 20, she moved to a Christian Mohawk village in what is now Kahnawake, Quebec, where she lived until her passing at the age of 24. Saint Kateri remained constant to her faith throughout her short life and is a beloved figure in the Catholic Church.
Following today's national celebration of the canonization of Saint Kateri at Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, another celebration will take place at the Kateri Shrine in Kahnawake, Quebec.
Saint Kateri's canonization is a deep honour for many Aboriginal peoples and Catholics across North America. The Government of Canada is pleased to celebrate the life and contributions of Saint Kateri along with all those who value her unfaltering devotion and faith."
Minister's Office
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
