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Katharine Drexel was a truly remarkable woman whose life and legacy have left an indelible mark on the world. She was a dedicated religious sister, philanthropist, and advocate for social justice. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her faith and worked tirelessly to bring about positive change.

Early Life

Katharine Drexel was born into a prominent Philadelphia family in 1858. From a young age, she showed a deep devotion to her faith. Her father, Francis Drexel, was a wealthy businessman and a devout Catholic. Her mother, Emma Bouvier Drexel, was also a devout Catholic and had a significant influence on her daughter's religious upbringing.

Katharine Drexel's childhood was marked by a strong Catholic education. She was homeschooled by private tutors from the age of seven until she was fourteen. These tutors instilled in her a deep knowledge and understanding of Catholic doctrine.

Katharine Drexel's relationship with her faith grew even stronger during her teenage years. She developed a close relationship with the Sisters of Charity and regularly attended Mass at their convent. It was during this time that Drexel developed a desire to become a religious sister.

Religious Calling

In 1881, Katharine Drexel made the decision to leave her privileged life behind and enter the religious life. She joined the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a small religious community dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized.

As a member of this community, Katharine Drexel devoted herself to a life of prayer, service, and sacrifice. She took a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience, committing herself completely to God and his work.

Throughout her religious life, Katharine Drexel worked tirelessly to serve those in need. She dedicated herself to educating and uplifting African Americans and Native Americans, who had been marginalized and underserved by society.

Katharine Drexel established numerous schools and missions dedicated to these communities. She believed in the value of education as a means to empower individuals and bring about positive change. Her efforts were instrumental in providing access to education for thousands of marginalized children.

In 1915, Katharine Drexel founded the Institute of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, which later became the Xavier University in New Orleans. This institution provided education for African American students, empowering them to become leaders in their communities.

In addition to her educational endeavors, Katharine Drexel worked tirelessly to promote racial justice and equality. She advocated for fair hiring practices, fair wages, and voting rights for African Americans. She worked tirelessly to break down barriers of racial prejudice and segregation, challenging the dominant social attitudes of the time.

Katharine Drexel's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to her faith were not go unnoticed. In 1935, Pope Pius XI bestowed upon her the title of Venerable. This recognition of her holiness and virtue paved the way for her eventual canonization.

In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Katharine Drexel as a saint. She was recognized for her extraordinary devotion to God and his work, her tireless efforts on behalf of marginalized communities, and her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Saint Katharine Drexel's life is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of serving others. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her tireless efforts and her example of compassion and love. She serves as a shining example of someone who devoted her life to making a difference in the world.

Reference: https://www.katharinedrexel.org/st_katharine_drexel_overview/