She did. In 1891 she founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to serve Native American and Black communities, at a time when few others would. Over the next sixty years she spent around twenty million dollars of her inheritance on schools and missions, including Xavier University of Louisiana, for decades the only Catholic university in the US founded for Black students. She died in 1955 at ninety-six and was canonized in 2000.
Historical Context
Her work drew opposition. In 1922 the Ku Klux Klan posted threats against her sisters and their mission in Beaumont, Texas. She kept building.
A March 3 Prayer to St Katharine Drexel
St Katharine Drexel, you had everything,
and you gave it all to those the world ignored.
Pray that I may use what I have, money, time and talent, for others.
Pray for Native American and Black communities,
for Catholic schools,
and for an end to racism in our Church and our country.
Teach me to love Jesus in the Eucharist, as you did.
Amen.
A Prayer About Wealth
Lord, whatever I have came from you.
Show me how to give it back generously.
Amen.
For Catholic Educators
Lord, bless teachers in mission schools and struggling neighbourhoods.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 3 March, her feast in the United States.
- During Black History Month or Native American Heritage Month.
- When deciding how to give.
Scripture Connection
“Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” — Matthew 19:21
The rich young man went away sad. Katharine Drexel heard the same call and said yes.
Related prayers
For American saints, see the St John Neumann Prayer and St Kateri (July 14 Prayer). For the Eucharist, the Sacrament Prayer.