Saint Katherine Drexel
By Gloria Barboza
Saint Katharine Drexel
was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 26, 1858 to Francis Anthony
Drexel and Hannah Langtsroth. Her family owned a considerable banking fortune
and her Uncle Anthony Joseph Drexel was the founder of Drexel University in
Philadelphia. Katherine’s mother, Hannah, died 5 weeks after her birth. For two
years their aunt and uncle, Ellen and Anthony Drexel, cared for Katherine and
her sister, Elizabeth. When Katherine’s
father married Emma Bouvier in 1860 he brought his two daughters home. A third daughter, Louise, was born in
1863. The children grew up in a loving family atmosphere, premeditated by deep
faith. The girls were educated at home by tutors. They had the added advantage
of touring parts of the United States and Europe with their parents. By word and example Emma and Francis
taught their daughters that wealth was meant to be shared with those in need.
Three afternoons a week Emma opened up the doors of their home to serve the
needs of the poor. When the girls were old enough they assisted their mother.
Katherine became imbued
with love for God and neighbor; she took an avid interest in the material and
spiritual wellbeing of black and Native Americans. She began by donating money
but soon concluded that more was needed; the lacking ingredient was
people. Katherine took
religious vows and now carried the name Sister Katherine. She dedicated herself
and her inheritance to the needs of oppressed native and African Americans. She
was a vocal advocate of racial tolerance. She established a religious
congregation, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, for black and Native
Americans. She also financed more than 60 missions and schools around the
United States and founded Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historical
black Roman Catholic university in the United States to date. At her death in
1955 there were more than 500 sisters teaching in 63 schools throughout the
country. Drexel was beautified by Pope John Paul II on November 20, 1988 and was
canonized on October 1, 2000. She is one of only a few American saints. The
Vatican sighted a fourfold legacy of Drexel: a love of the Eucharist and
perspective on the unity of all peoples; courage and initiate in addressing
social inequality among minorities; her efforts to achieve quality education
for all; and selfless service, including the donation of her inheritance for the
victims of injustice. Katherine is
known as the patron saint of racial justice and of philanthropists. Her feast
day is observed on March 3rd, the anniversary of her death. She is
buried in Corn Wells Heights, Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania.
When Father Landry asked
that the parish family celebrate our 100-year anniversary by selecting a saint
and reflecting on that saint’s life, I believed I had plenty of time to select
a saint that I was familiar with. To my surprise when I was able to review the
list, the saints I had some knowledge of were already chosen, so I randomly
chose Katherine Drexel. To my surprise nothing is ever left by chance when it comes
to God. As I began to research saint Katherine I found out that I already knew
her spiritually, without knowing of her. I too, like Katherine, was privileged
to be raised by two of the most loving, selfless, God loving parents. My parents not only taught us always to
keep God in the center of our lives but they also led us by example. We were not well off financially but as
children we never knew it because our family was wealthy with love, compassion,
and service to others.
Till this day even with
my father’s passing, I have people who come up to me and say how generous my
father had been to their families. My parents taught my brothers, sisters and
me that there is always something that we can do to spread Christ’s kingdom
here on earth. My parents always welcomed all people into their home,
regardless of race. They taught me to see Christ in all people, young, old,
black, white, rich and poor, and that God loves each and every one of them and
is calling all of us to spend eternal life with our Him in heaven. My parents’
teaching influenced my life in many ways. I knew I wanted to serve people in
the medical field so I became an occupational therapist. When I treat my
patients I do not look at them as being old, black or white, broken hipped or
stroke victims; I look at them as God’s children and ask God to work through my
hands to serve them. My love for people is not only demonstrated in my line of
profession but also in my personal life. My husband is an African-American and
has always been welcomed by my family with open arms. My parents have always treated him with respect and dignity,
and in return my husband demonstrates unconditional love toward my parents. I
too have tried to teach and lead my children by example.
My youngest daughter,
Sarah, at age five had asked me if she could give the money she had saved in
her Cinderella bank to help the poor. I was very pleased and absolutely agreed.
Ever since then Sarah eagerly collects soda cans from all family events and cashes
them in to donate to the Catholic Charities Appeal. My two oldest daughters and
I also participate in sponsoring a less fortunate child every month. Saint
Katherine and my family share the common ground that God
loves each and every one of us, regardless of how we look or where we come
from. It is our duty and responsibility to help our brothers and sisters here
on earth to achieve the greatest give of all: eternal life with our heavenly Father.
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