St. Kateri of Tekakwitha, patroness of ecology and of people in exile, stands in beautiful harmony with St. Francis. The friars steward the National Shrine of St. Kateri of Tekakwitha and Historic Site guided by their Franciscan charism. The Shrine is a sacred place of encounter, where the Gospel is lived in fraternity with all who enter. 

The Shrine stands in the Mohawk Valley of New York State and is on the historic site of a Mohawk Village. The Shrine’s grounds carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Due to its location and programming, the Shrine welcomes many who might not otherwise enter a Catholic Church. In the spirit of St. Francis, who went to the margins, embraced the poor, and preached peace through presence, the Shrine friars and lay staff accompany all who visit, including those whom the Church may not have otherwise encountered. The Gospel is proclaimed from the altar and through hospitality, simplicity, and reverence for creation.

With an active events calendar, the Shrine is most busy during the months of May to October. The grounds are open yearround from dawn to dusk, as is the candle chapel for quiet prayer.