About St. Katharine Drexel
St. Katharine Drexel (1858–1955) was born into a wealthy family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rather than living a life of comfort, she answered God’s call to dedicate her fortune and her life to serving those most in need.
Inspired by Pope Leo XIII, she founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a religious congregation devoted to educating Native Americans and African Americans and promoting devotion to the Holy Eucharist. During her lifetime, she established more than sixty schools and helped found Xavier University of Louisiana, the first Catholic university in the United States established for African Americans.
Her life was centered on prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, from which she drew the strength to carry out her mission of charity and justice.
St. Katharine Drexel died on March 3, 1955, and was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II in 2000. Her feast day is celebrated on March 3.
Who was St. Katharine Drexel?
St. Katharine Drexel was an American Catholic nun, philanthropist, and foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She dedicated her life and fortune to serving the poor and expanding Catholic education, especially among Native American and African American communities.
What is the St. Katharine Drexel Novena?
The St. Katharine Drexel Novena is a traditional nine-day Catholic prayer asking for her intercession for greater charity, faith, generosity, devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and the grace to serve others faithfully.
When should I pray the St. Katharine Drexel Novena?
Many Catholics begin the novena on February 23 to finish on March 3, her feast day. However, the novena may be prayed at any time during the year.
What is St. Katharine Drexel the patron saint of?
St. Katharine Drexel is the patron saint of racial justice and philanthropists. She is also a powerful intercessor for Catholic education, charitable works, missionaries, and those serving the poor.
Why is St. Katharine Drexel important?
St. Katharine Drexel gave away much of her great fortune to establish schools, missions, and churches for those who were often neglected by society. Her witness reminds Catholics that authentic charity flows from love of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
What can I pray for through St. Katharine Drexel’s intercession?
You may ask St. Katharine Drexel to pray for:
- Greater charity and generosity
- Love for the Holy Eucharist
- Growth in faith
- Catholic education
- Missionaries and evangelization
- Justice rooted in Christian charity
- The poor and marginalized
- Religious vocations
- Families and children
- Your personal intentions
Why was St. Katharine Drexel devoted to the Eucharist?
St. Katharine believed that Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament was the source of her strength. Her daily prayer before the Eucharist sustained her lifelong mission of serving others with humility and love.
What religious order did St. Katharine Drexel found?
She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, whose mission is to spread devotion to the Eucharist and provide Catholic education, especially among communities in need.
Can I pray this novena for someone else?
Yes. You may offer the St. Katharine Drexel Novena for loved ones, teachers, students, missionaries, those serving the poor, those discerning a religious vocation, or anyone in need of God’s grace.
| Novena Begins: | February 22 |
| Feast Day: | March 3 |
Day 1 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Katharine Drexel Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let us pray.
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise and thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints who now share in Your eternal glory.
You called St. Katharine Drexel to dedicate her life completely to Your service, embracing poverty, charity, and the work of the Gospel. Filled with love for the Most Holy Eucharist, she faithfully served the poor, promoted justice, and led many souls closer to Christ.
Through her powerful intercession, hear the prayers we bring before You today. Grant us the grace to grow in faith, charity, humility, and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
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