Kateri makes time for prayer

Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1656. Her father was Mohawk and her mother was an Algonquin Christian. She later lived in a Christian community near Montreal. She worked, prayed and tried to live her faith with care.

Kateri died in 1680 and was canonized in 2012. Her story belongs to a particular person and community. Indigenous peoples have many different histories, languages and traditions; one life cannot stand for all of them.

Prayer can begin with paying attention. What are you thankful for? Who might need help? What would you like to ask God? You can speak aloud, pray quietly or ask a grown-up to pray with you.

Try one calm minute today. You do not have to force every thought away or find impressive words. Notice something good, bring one concern to God, and decide on one kind action.

Background: Benedict XVI, canonization homily, 21 October 2012. Original retelling and activity; no invented dialogue.

For a grown-up: read the full biography.

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