Katharine Drexel was an American Catholic nun and educator born in Philadelphia in 1858. Coming from a wealthy banking family, she eventually dedicated her inheritance to serving marginalized communities. She established schools for both Indigenous peoples and African Americans across the United States. By founding the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, she focused her missionary efforts on supporting these populations. She is recognized as the first citizen of the United States to be canonized as a saint.
Life and work
After meeting Pope Pius IX in Rome, Drexel committed her resources to social justice. She provided significant funding for Native American educational institutions and founded Xavier University of Louisiana. To further her mission, she established the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Although she served as a superior, she later resigned from this leadership role following a heart attack. She passed away in 1955 in Pennsylvania.
Veneration
Katharine Drexel is venerated in the Catholic Church, with her feast day observed on March 3. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II. Her remains were transferred to a shrine located in Philadelphia, where she continues to be honored by the faithful.