Note: For the next several weeks, I’m featuring women with a connection to the Americas.
The Basics: Born November 26, 1858, in the United States; died March 3, 1955, in the United States; canonized November 20, 1988, by John Paul II; feast day, March 3; woman religious and philanthropist.
The Story: They called her Kate or Kitty, the baby born into Philadelphia’s wealthy Drexel clan. She and her two sisters had fine examples of philanthropy in their father and stepmother; three days a week, the family home was opened to people in need of food, clothing and money. The girls had an active role, including teaching a form of Sunday school to the children who came to the Drexel home.
Then shadows fell. Katharine spent three years nursing her stepmother as the woman wasted away from cancer. Three years or so later, Mr. Drexel died. The sisters inherited interest from his estate, a not inconsiderable amount. Katharine decided Native Americans would be focus of her gifts, and asked Pope Leo XIII during an audience to send missionaries to help. He suggested she consider becoming a missionary herself.
It took Katharine some time to discern, but in February 1891 at the age of thirty-two, she took her final vows with the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She spent the next forty-five years opening dozens of schools and missions, and didn’t slow down until she suffered a heart attack. Katharine’s final twenty years were spent in contemplation at the motherhouse. It’s estimated she contributed $20 million to charities during her time as a woman religious.
Katharine’s Wisdom: “It is for each of us to learn the path by which he requires us to follow him, and to follow him in that path.”
What We Can Learn from Katharine: Who would have thought the Lord wanted a wealthy Philadelphia socialite with a conscience to become a woman religious? Spend some time in contemplation this week on whether you are on the path God wants you to travel.
To Learn More About Katharine: Take a look at the site for the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and National Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
