A lily grew among Mohawks,

a people of pagan belief,

bringing God’s love and His mercy,

by raising a saint from her grief.

When heartbreak struck little Kateri

with loss to deep to bear,

God with His almighty comfort,

gave her His own heart to share.

Small pox ravaged her family,

killing Kateri’s brother,

her dad, the Mohawk chief,

and her Christian Algonquin mother.

The illness marred Kateri’s face,

and left her almost blind.

Kateri now, an orphaned child.

had to leave her home behind,

to live with the great chief, her uncle,

who condemned her Christian belief.

Causing Kateri more heartache,

she turned to the priest for relief.

Her love for the Lord grew intensely

her sacrifice and prayers never ceased.

Kateri, became new, His creation,

when at baptism, her sins were released.

Christian life for Kateri, wasn’t easy

persecutions and threats she endured;

finally taken to Caughnawaga,

 a place where her peace was assured.

Kateri’s example of Christ to her people,

helped open their hearts to His love,

and brought many Native people,

to His Heavenly Kingdom above. 

(C) Joni J Seith, 2021

(This is one of 40 saint poems and pictures that Joni has compiled into 2 saint books, Cloud of Witnesses I and II. Please contact her at jonijseith@gmail.com for more information on these books and how to share them with others)