"The patient and humble endurance of the cross whatever nature it may be is the highest work we have to do."
What the world was like
During Katharine Drexel's life, the Civil War was fought between the American North and South. World Wars I and II took place. African Americans and women were given the right to vote in the United States. The first railroad connecting the eastern United States with California was built. The United States purchased Alaska. Some of the inventions created during her lifetime include the radio, the television, the telephone, airplanes, air conditioning, antibiotics, and plastics.
Who she was
Katharine Drexel was the daughter of wealthy parents. She was well educated and traveled all around the world. Her parents taught her to be kind to those who were poor and needy. They believed that wealth must be shared with those who are in need. Several times during the week, her parents would invite poor people into their home. During the summers, Katharine helped her mother teach Sunday school to poor local children.
When Katharine's mother became ill, Katharine took care of her. This taught her that all the money in the world could not buy health or happiness. This thought changed her life.
When her parents died, Katharine inherited a large sum of money. She became involved in helping those in need. She traveled to the northwest and visited the Native American missions. She decided to devote her life to God and to spend her time and money helping both Native Americans and African Americans. In 1891, she became a nun and started the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
Katharine started schools and churches for Native Americans and African Americans all over the United States. She began Xavier University in New Orleans. This was the first university in the United States for African Americans. Katharine believed that everyone had a right to a free education and that education was the only way for Native Americans and African Americans to improve their lives. At this time in history, Native Americans and African Americans were not given the same rights as other Americans.
What this saint means to us
The order of nuns founded by Katharine Drexel still exists today. This order continues to practice her beliefs and not only serves Native American and African American people, but also helps the people of Haiti. Xavier University in New Orleans continues to offer and provide a quality education to all people regardless of race and religion.
