10 Inspiring Aspects about St Katherine Drexel & Her life

St Katherine Drexel was a wealthy nun who had a deep desire to help Native Americans and African Americans in the late 1800’s. God gave her brains, witt, and compassion which allowed her to do so much for Jesus thoughout her life.

She developed the very first Catholic African American school that is still going strong today.

Here is her story…

Who is St Katherine Drexel?

St Katherine Drexel was born into a very wealthy family in Philadelphia in 1858. Her father was a prominent banker and philanthropist, and St Katherine Drexel grew up surrounded by privilege and luxury. However, despite her comfortable life, St Katherine Drexel was deeply concerned about the plight of those less fortunate than her. St Katherine Drexel saw the suffering and inequality that was going on in many parts of the United States and was determined to use her resources to make a difference regarding this.

This desire to serve others ultimately led St Katherine Drexel to become a nun. She felt called to a life of religious devotion and service.

In 1891, St Katherine Drexel founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a religious order dedicated to serving African and Native Americans. Through the order, St Katherine Drexel opened numerous schools and missions throughout the country, providing education and support to those who had been marginalized and neglected. Through her work with the order, St Katherine Drexel opened numerous schools and missions throughout the United States, including Xavier University in New Orleans, the only historically Black Catholic university in the country.

St Katherine Drexel was also a fierce advocate for social justice, using her influence and resources to fight against racism and discrimination. She worked tirelessly to bring attention to the injustices faced by marginalized communities and used her wealth to support organizations and causes that aligned with her values. (Catholic.org)

The schools that St. Katherine Drexel founded are truly remarkable institutions that have made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless individuals. St Katherine Drexel was a passionate advocate for education. With her resources, she established numerous schools throughout the country.

St Katherine Drexel founded Xavier University in New Orleans. It is the only historically African American Catholic university in the United States. The schools that she established continue to provide opportunities for people who might otherwise have been denied access to education, and they are a testament to Katherine’s enduring legacy of service and compassion.

In recognition of her lifelong dedication to serving others, St Katherine Drexel was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2000. St Katherine Drexel ‘s legacy continues to inspire people around the world today as an example of how we can use our talents and resources to make a positive impact on the world. (Vatican.va)

What Religious Order is Saint Katherine Drexel a part of?

St Katherine Drexel was a member of the religious order known as the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, which she founded in 1891. The order was dedicated to serving and ministering to the needs of African Americans and Native Americans, particularly in the United States. St Katherine Drexel was passionate about advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society, and this order allowed her to do so in a powerful way.

Who is Katherine Drexel patron saint of?

St Katherine Drexel is the patron saint of racial justice, philanthropy, and missionaries. Her life was characterized by a deep commitment to these causes, and she spent her life working to create a more just and equitable society for all people. St Katherine Drexel ‘s faith and dedication to serving others is so inspirational for anyone seeking to make a difference in the world.

How did St. Katherine Drexel use faith and reason throughout her life?

St Katherine Drexel was a true example of someone who used faith and reason in equal measure throughout her life. She recognized that her faith and her intellect were both gifts from God, and that she could use them together to make a meaningful difference in the world.

For example, when she founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, St Katherine Drexel used her knowledge of finance and business to ensure that the order had a strong financial foundation. She recognized that this was necessary to ensure the sustainability of their mission over the long term. At the same time, she remained deeply committed to her faith and prayer life, and made sure that the order’s work was always grounded in love and compassion.

When did St. Katherine Drexel die?

St Katherine Drexel passed away on March 3, 1955 at the age of 96 years old. Her legacy, however, continues to live on through the work of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and other organizations dedicated to serving the marginalized and vulnerable members of society.

Where are the Relics of St Katherine Drexel?

There are a number of churches and institutions around the world that hold items associated with St Katherine Drexel ‘s life and work. Some of the most significant relics include a piece of her habit and a rosary that she carried with her throughout her life.

If you’re interested in seeing these relics, there are a number of places you can visit. One of the most notable is the National Shrine of St Katherine Drexel in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, which houses many artifacts and documents related to her life and work. Additionally, the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Bensalem is another important site that honors St Katherine Drexel’s legacy.

St Katherine Drexel is actually interred at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The cathedral is a beautiful and historic church that has been an important site of worship and reflection for over a century. St Katherine Drexel’s tomb is located in a peaceful and reverent space within the cathedral, and it serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy of service and compassion.

How Can I take a Pilgrimage to see St Katherine Drexel?

One of the most popular things to see in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence and freedom. You can see the bell up close and learn more about its fascinating history at the Liberty Bell Center when you travel on your pilgrimage to see St Katherine Drexel.

When you’re planning your pilgrimage to Philadelphia, there are a few things you simply must see and do while you’re there. Independence Hall is also extremely significant to our country. It played a pivotal role in the birth of the United States of America. This is where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed, and visitors can take a guided tour of the building to learn more about the events that helped shape American history.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is another destination you won’t want to miss. This famous museum is the home to an extensive collection of art from all corners of the globe including Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali.

It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience that is not to be missed.

And finally, let’s talk about the cuisine. Philadelphia is famous for its delectable and iconic foods, such as the classic Philly cheesesteak, soft pretzels, and hoagies. You simply can’t leave without trying some of these mouth-watering treats for yourself. So, come and explore all that this amazing city has to offer, my dear friend. You won’t be disappointed!

Last but certainly not least, one of the must things I do in every city I visit that offers it is to ride the Red Bus Tours throughout the city to see all of the historical and tourist highlights. It’s a great way to get around the city in a very affordable fashion.

Here is a link to the Red Bus Tour in Philadelphia that you can take to make your pilgrimage in Philadelphia even better. You can check it out HERE.

What are Some Quotes of St Katheine Drexel?