'All is vanity except knowing, loving and serving God. This alone can bring peace to my soul.'

Mother Katharine Drexel, SBS, was a nun who dedicated her life to serving those in need, particularly Native Americans and African Americans.

Born into a wealthy family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she grew up with a strong faith and a sense of responsibility to share her family's wealth with those less fortunate. Her father, Francis Anthony Drexel, was a successful banking partner with his brother, Anthony, while her mother, Emma M. Bouvier Drexel, was a caring and loving parent to their three daughters, Elizabeth, Katherine (Katie), and Louise.

As a young woman, Katharine became aware of the injustices suffered by Native Americans and African Americans in the United States. She was deeply moved by their plight and felt a calling to help them. Fr. James O'Connor was the pastor of the Church of Saint Dominic. When he became a bishop, he was sent to Nebraska to minister to the Native Americans. Bishop O'Connor sought financial help from the Drexel family for his work, and Katharine saw this as an opportunity to make a difference.

In 1889, at the age of 29, Katharine entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the intention of founding a new congregation to serve Native Americans and African Americans. She took the three vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience, and adopted a fourth vow of Service to the "Indian and Black Races." Her deep love for the Blessed Sacrament was at the heart of her mission.

Under the guidance of her novice director, Mother Mary Inez, RSM, Katharine worked towards her goal of establishing a new congregation. In 1891, she professed her vows in the presence of Archbishop Ryan of Philadelphia, and the Foundation of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament became a reality.

As a consecrated religious, Mother Katharine wasted no time in establishing missions throughout the West and South. By 1940, more than 30 Foundations had been established in 17 states, with 400 of her sisters serving those in need. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the Great Depression, the activities of the KKK, and the hardships of World War II, Mother Katharine remained committed to her mission.

In her final years, Mother Katharine suffered from declining health, including several heart attacks. She spent her last years at the Motherhouse, which she called "her little Nazareth," and passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on March 3, 1955.

Mother Katharine lived these very words, the heart of her spirituality. The Church recognized her holiness, which was confirmed by two miracles or cures to persons not able to hear, attributed to God through her intercession. She was beatified November 20, 1988, then canonized a saint on October 1, 2000.

Mother Katharine Drexel, SBS, was a woman of great faith and courage, who dedicated her life to serving those in need. Her legacy lives on through the work of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, who continue to serve Native Americans and African Americans throughout the United States. Mother Katharine's example inspires us to work towards a more just and compassionate society, where all people are valued and treated with dignity and respect.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Teresa Eustochio Verzeri
2. Saint Cunegundes
3. Saint Winwallus
4. Saint Anselm of Nonantola
5. Saint Marinus of Caesarea