Saint Katharine Drexel was an American heiress who chose a life of radical generosity and service to the poor. Born in 1858 into a wealthy family in Philadelphia, she was raised to understand that her riches were a gift meant to be shared for the glory of God and the good of others.
Moved deeply by the suffering and injustice faced by Native Americans and African Americans, Katharine dedicated her life and fortune to their education and spiritual care. She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, establishing schools, missions, and charitable institutions across the United States. One of her most enduring legacies is the founding of Xavier University of Louisiana, the first Catholic university for African Americans.
Saint Katharine teaches us that true wealth is found not in what we keep, but in what we give away for love of Christ.
Did You Know?
Saint Katharine Drexel gave away nearly her entire fortune—worth millions in today’s terms—to support education and evangelization.
Prayer of the Day
Saint Katharine Drexel,
faithful servant of Christ and generous steward of God’s gifts,
teach us to see Christ in the poor and forgotten.
Help us to use our time, talents, and resources
to build justice, charity, and faith in the world.
Pray for us, that our hearts
may be rich in love and service.
Amen.
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