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Saint19th–20th century · Feast March 3

St Katharine Drexel

Also known as Catherine Mary Drexel, Mother Katharine Drexel, Saint Katharine Drexel

Religious sister
Founder
Educator
Heiress

An American heiress who founded a religious community and invested her wealth in education serving Black and Indigenous communities.

Pray with St Katharine Drexel

A short prayer

God of grace, through the intercession of St Katharine Drexel, guide us in truth, courage and love. Amen.

The story of their life

An American heiress who founded a religious community and invested her wealth in education serving Black and Indigenous communities. She worked during legal segregation, anti-Black racism, land dispossession and paternalistic approaches to Indigenous education.

Historical context

She worked during legal segregation, anti-Black racism, land dispossession and paternalistic approaches to Indigenous education.

Defining moments

  • Inheriting wealth
  • Visiting underserved communities
  • Founding the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
  • Supporting schools and Xavier University
  • Living with reduced mobility

Faith and spirituality

Stewardship of wealth, Eucharistic prayer and sustained investment in education and racial justice.

Why this saint matters today

A strong companion for philanthropists, education founders and wealthy people discerning responsible use of resources.

Patronage and intercession

People turn to St Katharine Drexel in matters of:

Philanthropists
Educators
Racial-justice workers

Sources and further reading

  • https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
  • https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/

Source-quality status: unverified prototype