Saint Katharine Drexel

Biography

Saint Katharine Drexel, born on 26 November 1858 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, was the daughter of Francis Anthony and Emma (Bouvier) Drexel, who were extremely wealthy railroad entrepreneurs and philanthropists. From an early age, Katharine was taught by her parents to use her wealth for the benefit of others, with her parents even opening their home to the poor several days each week.

Katharine's upbringing in a family dedicated to helping those in need influenced her greatly. Her older sister, Elizabeth, founded a trade school for orphans in Pennsylvania, while her younger sister established a liberal arts and vocational school for poor blacks in Virginia. These examples of philanthropy and service inspired Katharine to make a difference in the lives of others.

In 1883, Katharine nursed her mother, Emma, through a three-year illness, which ultimately proved fatal. This experience deepened her compassion and reinforced her commitment to serving those in need.

Katharine had a particular interest in the condition of Native Americans. In 1887, during an audience with Pope Leo XIII, she asked the Pope to send more missionaries to Wyoming for her friend, Bishop James O'Connor. The Pope surprised her by suggesting, "Why don’t you become a missionary?" Taking the Holy Father's words to heart, Katharine visited the Dakotas, where she met with the Sioux chief and began her systematic aid to Indian missions, even spending millions of her family fortune in the process.

Motivated by her desire to serve others, Katharine entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy and founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, in 1891. Mother Frances Cabrini provided guidance and assistance in getting the order's rule approved in Rome, and the approval was granted in 1913.

Katharine's dedication to education and social progress led to the establishment of numerous institutions. By 1942, she had created a system of black Catholic schools in 13 states, 40 mission centers, 23 rural schools, 50 Indian missions, and Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, which became the first university for blacks in the United States.

Sadly, Katharine's noble work faced opposition from segregationists who harassed her efforts. However, she persevered, seeking to fulfill her mission of serving marginalized communities, particularly Native Americans and African Americans.

Following a heart attack, Katharine spent her last twenty years in prayer and meditation, devoting her time to spiritual reflection. In 1955, she passed away peacefully at the mother-house of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, dying of natural causes. She was interred at the National Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel in Bensalem, which was declared a national shrine in 2008.

Recognizing her remarkable dedication and her impact on the lives of many, Pope John Paul II venerated Katharine Drexel on 26 January 1987. She was later beatified on 20 November 1988 and canonized on 1 October 2000, all by Pope John Paul II. Her relics were moved to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia in the summer of 2018 and made available for public veneration in September 2018.

Saint Katharine Drexel's life serves as an inspiration to all, exemplifying a true commitment to service, social justice, and a deep faith in God. Her legacy lives on through the institutions she founded and the countless lives she touched, reminding us of the importance of using our resources and talents for the benefit of others.