As we prepare to welcome Pope Francis to Canada, let us invoke the intercession of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the Mohawk saint who bears the title, “Protectress of Canada.”
Please join in praying this novena to St. Kateri for the healing of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, as they prepare to share from their hearts with Pope Francis. The novena begins on July 14th, the American feast day of St. Kateri.
A special thank you to Karen Wildcat of Maskwacis for her reflections on St. Kateri, which helped create this novena. Rev. Glenn McDonald also consulted Sr. Kateri Michelle, SSA, about the novena and she approved of it.
Beginning on the American feast day of St. Kateri:
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha,
daughter of the Mohawk of Ossernenon,
Protectress of Canada,
suffering wounded you from an early age.
Smallpox took your family.
Scars marked your beauty.
Your eyes struggled to see.
Amidst the pain you carried,
you heard the call of your Beloved,
and followed Him to Kahnawake.
The Spirit taught you how to encounter Jesus through the mystery of the Cross.
You honored the Creator by decorating your land with crosses.
Upon your death,
you were transfigured.
Glory shone forth.
Your scars were healed.
Only love remained.
Saint Kateri,
Lover of the Cross
and Betrothed of Jesus,
we call upon your zeal for prayer and penance
and ask for your intercession.
Your people are suffering.
Walk with them.
Carry their cross close to your heart.
Transfigure their pain into love.
May the prayers of our novena
aid you in your journey
as you heal hearts and families.
Grant that we may experience your closeness
and witness the greatness of your love for the Bridegroom.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be…
Saint Kateri, pray for us. Amen.
You can download or print this Novena
Photo Credit: Newman Centre Catholic Mission, Toronto
Designed by: Joseph Aigner of Artistic Glass in Toronto