A portrait of St. Katharine Drexel
St. Katharine Drexel
26 November 1858 – 3 March 1955
Feast
March 3 · XX c.
Patron of
Racial justice · Philanthropists · Indigenous and Black Catholics · Catholic education
Order
Religious / Foundress
American foundress (1858-1955), Philadelphia banking heiress who at Leo XIII's challenge consecrated her vast inherited fortune (some $20 million in 1890s dollars) to the evangelization of African and Native Americans; founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (1891), Xavier University of Louisiana (the only historically Black Catholic university), and over 60 schools. Canonized 2000 by John Paul II.
Life & Times
Born: 26 November 1858 · Died: 3 March 1955 · From: United States.
Patronage
St. Katharine Drexel is invoked as the patron of racial justice, philanthropists, indigenous and black catholics, catholic education. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“The patient and humble endurance of the cross — whatever nature it may be — is the highest work we have to do.”— Letter to her sisters, recorded in the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament archives
Shop St. Katharine Drexel Products
Devotional items honoring St. Katharine Drexel, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
Gold-Filled St. Katharine Drexel Pendant
$114.00
Sterling Silver St. Katharine Drexel Medal | Medium | Engravable
$62.00
Saint Katharine Drexel Engravable Rosary Bracelet with Pink Beads
$80.00
Saint Katharine Drexel Engravable Rosary Bracelet with Sapphire Beads
$80.00
Saint Katharine Drexel Engravable Rosary Bracelet with Emerald Beads
$80.00
Saint Katharine Drexel Engravable Rosary Bracelet with Peridot Beads
$80.00
Saint Katharine Drexel Engravable Rosary Bracelet with Crystal Beads
$80.00
Saint Katharine Drexel Engravable Rosary Bracelet with Aqua Beads
$80.00
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Katharine Drexel, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.