Let us open wide our hearts. ,, ,, - Catholic Community Foundation

1858
Born on November 26, 1858 in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter
of extremely wealthy railroad entrepreneurs
and philanthropists, Francis Anthony and
Emma (Bouvier) Drexel.
8
St. KAthArinE DrExEL
Patron Saint of the Catholic Community Foundation
1887
Asked Pope Leo XIII to send more
missionaries to Wyoming for her
friend, Bishop James O’Connor.
The pope replied, “Why don’t you
become a missionary?”
Inspiring
In 2008, the Foundation adopted Katharine Drexel as its patron saint. Because of her dedication
to philanthropic work, we invite you to pray to her for intercession on our behalf and let her
inspire your own call to service.
“St. Katharine has already been a blessing to the Foundation,” explains Cindy Todare, the
Chairwoman of the 2009 Crozier Gala. “She is watching over our fundraising efforts and inspires
us with her wise words, ‘Freely you have received. Freely give.’”
St. Katharine was born into a wealthy family. Her parents were noted philanthropists, and she
answered the call to serve, using her fortune to help others. She had a special affinity to serve
African and Native Americans by establishing schools throughout the South and Southwest.
At 77, she suffered a heart attack and was forced to retire. For nearly 20 years, she rested quietly
in a small room overlooking the sanctuary of the order of nuns she established, the Sisters of
the Blessed Sacrament. Small notebooks and slips of paper record her various prayers, ceaseless
aspirations, and meditations. She died at age 96 and was canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II.
St. Katharine Drexel — A Life of Heartfelt Service to God and Man, 1858 to 1955
1891
Founded the Sisters
of the Blessed Sacrament in
Santa Fe, New Mexico.
1894
Took part in opening the
first mission school for Native
Americans in Santa Fe,
New Mexico.
1900-01
Made two visits to Arizona,
to build mission buildings for
the Navajo people.
1913
Received approval from
Rome for her Order’s rule.