St. Katharine Drexel
St. Katharine Drexel
When they lived: St. Katharine Drexel lived from November 26, 1858, to March 3, 1955.
Where they lived: Katharine Drexel was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She spent much of her life in the United States, with a significant portion of her work focused on the American West and the Native American and African American communities.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- American Civil War (1861-1865): St. Katharine Drexel was born shortly before the outbreak of the American Civil War. The war brought about significant social and political changes, including the abolition of slavery, which had a lasting impact on the nation’s history.
- Industrial Revolution: Drexel witnessed the height of the Industrial Revolution, a period marked by rapid technological advancements, urbanization, and changes in labor practices. This era saw the rise of factories, new transportation systems, and shifts in economic structures.
- Women’s Suffrage Movement: St. Katharine Drexel’s life spanned the time when the women’s suffrage movement gained momentum. Women in the United States were fighting for their right to vote and seeking broader equality in society. Drexel’s own efforts reflected a commitment to social justice and empowerment.
- World War I (1914-1918): St. Katharine Drexel was actively engaged in charitable and philanthropic work during World War I. The war brought challenges and changes globally, influencing the socioeconomic landscape and the role of women in society.
- Great Depression (1929-1939): The Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn, unfolded during St. Katharine Drexel’s later years. Her philanthropic activities became even more crucial during this time as she responded to the needs of those affected by poverty and unemployment.
Their patronage: St. Katharine Drexel is the patron saint of racial justice and philanthropy. She dedicated her life and inherited wealth to support the education and well-being of marginalized communities, particularly Native Americans and African Americans. Her work focused on promoting equality, fostering understanding among different racial and cultural groups, and advocating for social change. Drexel’s legacy serves as an inspiring example of using one’s resources and influence for the betterment of society, transcending boundaries and embracing the principles of compassion and justice.
Early Life
According to recorded history, St. Katharine Drexel is the second U.S.-born saint, and he was born on November 26, 1858, in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. Her father, Francis Anthony Drexel, was a wealthy businessman and an associate of J.P. Morgan. Katharine’s mother, Hannah Jane Langstroth, died five weeks after Katharine was born.
Katharine, along with her sister, was taken care of by their uncle and aunt until 1860.
In 1860, her father married Emma Bouvier, who took great care of the girls and taught them the virtues of giving and helping the needy.
Dedication and Devotion
Katherine was home-schooled and raised as an heiress in Philadelphia. Her family had great wealth and was committed to philanthropy. They gave to the needy and did charitable work often.
Emma, Katharine’s stepmother, battled terminal cancer for a long time until she died in 1883. This period had an immense impact on Katharine’s life.
In 1884, she traveled all over the United States with her father. On this journey, she became aware of all the suffering and injustice that faced African Americans and Native Americans across the country. She was deeply moved and decided to make a difference.
Following her father’s death in 1885, she and her sisters inherited misfortune. She took the baton from his family by establishing and funding schools and churches. She strongly believed that education should be accessible to everyone. She was particularly devoted to the Native Americans and African Americans in the southern and Western parts of the country.
On one of her trips abroad, she had a private conversation with Pope Leo XIII to ask for the recommendation of a religious order that could send missionaries to staff her mission schools.
She was then challenged by the pope to also devote her life and money to mission work.
At 29, without any experience, Katharine devoted her life to mission, and she started her training with the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania.
In 1891, she took her vows.
Legacy
She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament with the help of some nuns. This was devoted to the Native Americans and the African Americans. Her money went into the mission.
In 1894, Katharine founded a school for Native Americans in New Mexico.
She went on to set up schools across the country for African Americans, which included a secondary school in New Orleans. In 1915, the secondary school became Xavier University.
In 1927, she built convents across the country in Columbus, Chicago, New York City, and other places. In 1941, Pope Pius XII commended her great devotion to missions.
The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament grew in numbers and set up 145 missions and 62 schools, including Xavier University.
In 1935, Katharine had a heart attack, and two years later, she retired from the leadership of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
It is estimated that during her lifetime, she gave over 20 million dollars to charity. The Order she founded is still dedicated to mission.
Death and Canonization
On March 3, 1955, Katharine died at 96 in Pennsylvania. In 1988, she was beatified. St. Katharine was canonized on October 1st, 2000 by Pope John Paul II.
5 Interesting Facts About St. Katharine Drexel
- Did you know that St. Katharine is the patron saint of
racial justice and philanthropy? - Did you know that St. Katharine’s feast day is March 3rd?
- Did you know that St. Katherine never called Emma “stepmother”
called her mother? - Did you know that St. Katharine had two sisters?
- Did you know that St. Katharine was the first saint born in the U.S.?
citizen?
Prayer to St. Katharine Drexel
Ever Loving God, you called St. Katharine Drexel to teach the message of the gospel and to bring the life of the Eucharist to the Black and Native American peoples. Through her prayers and example, enable us to work for justice among the poor and oppressed. Draw us all into the Eucharistic community of Your Church, that we may be one in You. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reference
[https://www.biography.com/religious-figure/saint-katharine-drexel]{.ul}
