Preparing for Catholic Schools Week

Saint Katherine Drexel
1858-1955

Hello, I am Saint Katharine Drexel. This timeline identifies the dates of my birth and date.

There are many schools in the United States that I established—some are even named after me.

My particular interest in Catholic schools primarily involved working with Native Americans and African Americans. The idea of missionary work and spreading the Gospel is a powerful dynamic. It is what leads to “Character. Compassion. Values.”

I was born into a wealthy and generous banking family in Philadelphia.

As a child, my parents taught me that privilege and responsibility go together. I never forgot this lesson.

I was even encouraged by Pope Leo XII to use the example of my generous parents to serve others.

In 1889, I entered the Sisters of Mercy religious order. My interest in missionary work began by visiting Indian reservations in the Dakotas.

In 1891, I established a new religious community, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. I also established the first American School in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Eventually I established a total of 60 schools and missions—mostly located in rural areas and in inner cities of the South and Southwest.

In 1915, I established a teachers college that would grow to become the first and only Catholic University for African Americans. Its name is Xavier University. It is located in New Orleans.

Pope John Paul II canonized me in the year 2000. I am the second American-born saint. Do you remember the name of the first American-born saint?