π Life Timeline
1858
Born in November 26, 1858 AD, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1858
Born Nov 26, 1858 in Philadelphia to a wealthy banking family
1887
a wealthy banking family
1900
reted as a call to serve marginalized peoples
1955
storically black Catholic university
1955
Died β March 3, 1955 AD, Pinehurst, North Carolina
2000
Canonized β 2000 by Pope John Paul II
1887
Inherited fortune after father's death; dedicated wealth to missionary work
β Biography
Born Nov 26, 1858 in Philadelphia to a wealthy banking family. Inherited $5 million in 1887 after her father's death. Had a vision of the faces of Native American and African American children, which she interpreted as a call to serve marginalized peoples. In 1900, at age 42, she entered the newly formed Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People. Sold her estate and invested her fortune in founding 45 missions, schools, and colleges across the American Southwest for Native Americans and African Americans. Established St. Mary's Indian Mission in Arizona, St. Benedict's Mission in New Mexico, and Xavier University of Louisianaβthe only historically black Catholic university. Died Mar 3, 1955 at age 96. Canonized in 2000 by John Paul II. Patron of racial justice.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Native Americans, African Americans, missionaries, and those who give generously.
π¬ Words of the Saint
I want to be a missionary to the Indians and the colored people.
π Key Facts
Born
November 26, 1858 AD, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died
March 3, 1955 AD, Pinehurst, North Carolina
Feast Day
Mar 3
Canonized
2000 by Pope John Paul II
π Legacy
Katharine Drexel's 60+ institutions educated generations of Native American and African American Catholics. Her generosity transformed the Catholic Church's approach to racial justice. She proved that wealth, used generously, can be a tool of sanctification.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π Diary
On the Mission to the Native Americans
I have sold my inheritance to serve the Native Americans and the African Americans. I have built schools and churches, I have educated the young, I have evangelized the poor. I am happy to suffer for Christ, to serve His people, to spread His Gospel.
β St. Katharine Drexel