About us ...

In the precious and holy name of Jesus, you are most welcome to the Sanctuary of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha - Lily of the Mohawks, which is the National Shrine in honour of Saint Kateri in Canada. The Shrine is situated at the Mission of Saint Francis Xavier on the Mohawk Reservation of Kahnawake. The Jesuit Missionaries established this historic site between 1716-1718. However, the First entry of the Mohawk peoples into Canada, was in 1667 when they first landed at La Prairie in Quebec. According to Parks Canada Directory of Federal Heritage Designations “The site comprises four components: the Saint François Xavier Church (1845), the old presbytery (1716-1719) including its west wing and corridor, the sacristy (1831-1832), and the museum (1914).”

This is the home of the First Indigenous Saint of North America – Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. She was canonized by Pope Benedict the XVI on October 21st, 2012. This is the home of two more Saints of the Jesuits Order: Francis Xavier and Ignatius of Loyola. The Mission is situated in the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, whose Bishop is Monsignor Claude Hamelin. The Present Mission priest is Fr. Vincent Esprit FMI from the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Immaculate.

Silence is a critical aspect of the Sunday Masses. All is welcomed to visit and pray at the tomb of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. The Sunday Mass is celebrated at 10: 45 am. Presently because of the Corvid Pandemic only locals are permitted to celebrate the Mass at the Sanctuary, with a maximum of 50 people.

May Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Francis Xavier and Saints Ignatius of Loyola pray for you and your families, in the name of the Holy Trinity.