LOCAL HISTORY
Of The
TOWN OF LAKE LUZERNE
Kateri Tekakwitha
Kateri was born of an Algonquin mother and a Mohawk chief in the Mohawk village of Gandaouaga or Ossernenon, believed to be located in present day Auriesville, NY on the north side of the Mohawk River. During the ten years she lived there she was the only member of her family to survive a smallpox epidemic.
She was adopted by her Mohawk uncle and aunt. After the village was destroyed by French settlers and Canadian Indians, the surviving Mohawks built a fortified villaged on the south side of the river. It was here that Kateri lived most of her life and where she was baptized on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1676 in the Jesuit Chapel of St. Peter’s.
She was greatly persecuted by her own people because of her faith and fled the Mohawk Valley for the Christian Indian village of Kahnawake near Montreal. Known for her gentleness, kindness and good humor, her life of piety ended when she died on April 17, 1680. After her death, her scarred face became beautiful.
Historical Sketch of Kateri’s Life
1656-Kateri’s birth in Ossernenon (Auriesville, NY).1666-French soldiers and Canadian Native Americans destroy Ossernenon.
1667-The surviving Mohawks construct and move the fortified village of Caughnawaga (Fonda, NY).
1676-Kateri baptized by Fr. deLamberville, S.J.in St. Peter’s Chapel, Caughnawaga.
1677-Persecuted Kateri flees to Kahnawake, Canada.
1679-Kateri pronounces vow of perpetual virginity.
1680-After a life of penance and heroic ministry to others, Kateri dies on April 17 at the age of 24.
1943-Pope Pius XII, recognizing her heroic virtues, declares Kateri Venerable.
1980-Pope John Paul II declares Kateri, born of strife and one who preached love and healing, Blessed.
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