Saint Katharine Drexel
Stored in Cargo: Saint Katharine Drexel
| Saint Katharine Drexel | |
| Feast Day | March 03 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Racial justice, Philanthropy, Education of Black and Native American people |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Death Place | Bensalem, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Cause of Death | Natural Causes |
| Primary Shrine | Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine, Bensalem, Pennsylvania |
Saint Katharine Drexel was born into a wealthy Philadelphia family known for their philanthropy. She used her inheritance to support education and welfare for Native American and African American communities. In 1891, she founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People to work specifically with these marginalized groups. Katharine established numerous schools, including Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black Catholic university in the United States. Her life was marked by dedication to social justice, education, and evangelization, leading to her canonization in 2000.
Biography
Birth
Katharine Drexel was born on November 26, 1858, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Early Life
Growing up in a prosperous family, she was exposed to philanthropy from an early age, influencing her later life's work.
Occupation
Before her religious life, Katharine was involved in charity work, leveraging her family's wealth for social causes.
Vocation
In 1891, she took her vows as a nun and founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, dedicating her life to the upliftment of Native Americans and African Americans through education.
Death
She died peacefully on March 3, 1955, in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, at the age of 96.
Significant events
- Founded Xavier University of Louisiana in 1915, the first Catholic university for African Americans in the U.S.
- Established over 145 missions, 50 schools, and two universities across the country for the education of Native and African Americans.
- Was an advocate for civil rights before it became a widespread movement.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: None
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Death
Katharine Drexel passed away peacefully from natural causes in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize her as a Servant of God began in the late 20th century, with investigations into her life and works.
Venerable
Declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II in 1987 for her life of heroic virtue.
Beatification
Beatified on November 20, 1988, by Pope John Paul II after the confirmation of a miracle involving the healing of Amy Wall, a baby with severe ear and hearing issues.
Canonization
Canonized on October 1, 2000, by Pope John Paul II following a second miracle, the healing of Robert Gutherman from a severe skin condition.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
Healing of Amy Wall, a baby with severe ear and hearing issues.
Miracle for canonization
Healing of Robert Gutherman from a severe skin condition.
Other notable miracles
No other specific miracles widely documented beyond those for beatification and canonization.
Patronage
Katharine Drexel is the patron saint of racial justice, philanthropy, and the education of Black and Native American people.
Feast day
Saint Katharine Drexel's feast day is celebrated on March 3.
Veneration
She is venerated through various educational and charitable initiatives. Her shrine in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, is a significant place of pilgrimage, and her legacy continues through the work of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
Books
Written about the saint
- Katharine Drexel: The Riches-to-Rags Life Story of an American Catholic Saint
- Saint Katharine Drexel by Evelyn Brown
Written by the saint
No known writings by Saint Katharine Drexel exist.
External links
- Catholic Online - Saint Katharine Drexel
- Wikipedia - Katharine Drexel
- Official Katharine Drexel Shrine Website