Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine

Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine Saint Katharine Drexel Tomb at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia Emma M. James O’Connor, pastor of the Church of Saint Dominic.

The Drexel household was a happy one, in a large but simple home at 1503 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Francis Anthony Drexel was a hard-working successful banking partner with his brother, Anthony. Bouvier Drexel, his wife, proved to be a very loving, faith-filled and caring parent to their three daughters, Elizabeth, Catherine (Katie), and Louise. It was here that these young women realized that

their lavish wealth was to be shared, not only with neighbors in need, but also with Missionaries throughout the world who were serving the poor and destitute. When they moved to the Torresdale section of Philadelphia, they befriended Fr. Soon he was ordained a bishop and sent to Nebraska. His pastoral work to the Native Americans made it necessary for him to seek financial help from the Drexel family. Kate, now known as Katharine, who was following the plight of the native groups, saw the injustices they were suffering at the hands of the federal government. She noted as well, the severe racial injustices and torture of black people in the South, for whom she grieved. Clearly, priests were needed for both races to offer pastoral care and spiritual conversion to Christianity. On one of her final trips abroad, she begged for and was granted an audience with Pope Leo XIII to make a request for missionary priests. The Holy Father asked her to personally become a missionary, which sealed her own desire to enter Religious Life. On her return to America, at the suggestion of Bishop O’Connor, she went to the Novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh, PA in May, 1889, at age 29. She entered for the purpose of founding a new congregation which would serve the Native and African American people, tending especially to their conversion to the Catholic faith. Her deep love for the Blessed Sacrament was at the heart of her mission. She would not only take the three vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience, but also a fourth vow of Service to the “Indian and Black Races.” While in the Novitiate, Katharine gave focused attention to her personal religious development and even excelled, but often reflected on her past visits to the Native Americans, and to Sioux Chief Red Cloud. Her novice director, Mother Mary Inez, RSM, guided her toward her goal and also helped in the formation of 10 novices and three postulants who would travel with her to their own Novitiate in Cornwells Heights, PA (now known as Bensalem, PA). When Mother Katharine professed her vows, February 12, 1891, in the presence of Archbishop Ryan of Philadelphia, the Foundation of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament became a reality. As a consecrated religious, Mother Katharine Drexel, SBS, wasted no time in moving onward to the West and the South establishing missions. By 1940, more than 30 Foundations were made in 17 states, where 400 of her sisters were serving. These great accomplishments happened in spite of the challenges of the Great Depression, vicious activities of the K*K, and the challenges of World War II. These hardships, along with the fierce winters and long, arduous journeys which Katharine continued to make, all contributed to her declining health. Her final years came after several heart attacks, which then confined her to the Motherhouse, which she called “her little Nazareth.” She lived there from her 84th year until her last breath. She died peacefully at age 96, on March 3, 1955.

07/30/2026

Time for the Perpetual Novena to St Katharine Drexel!

Cathedral Philadelphia

07/27/2026
Pray this Perpetual Novena to St Katharine every Thursday with us!Cathedral Philadelphia
07/23/2026

Pray this Perpetual Novena to St Katharine every Thursday with us!

Cathedral Philadelphia

Don't forget to reach out now to start planning for the coming school year!
07/16/2026

Don't forget to reach out now to start planning for the coming school year!

Thursday is here! Join the Shrine and the Cathedral Basilica in praying this Perpetual Novena to St Katharine every week...
07/16/2026

Thursday is here! Join the Shrine and the Cathedral Basilica in praying this Perpetual Novena to St Katharine every week!

Cathedral Philadelphia

Sign up this month for our yearly SKD book club and learn more about St Katharine, patroness of racial justice and phila...
07/10/2026

Sign up this month for our yearly SKD book club and learn more about St Katharine, patroness of racial justice and philanthropy and foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

Plan a retreat or pilgrimage to the Tomb of St Katharine Drexel! We offer opportunities to customize your visit accordin...
07/10/2026

Plan a retreat or pilgrimage to the Tomb of St Katharine Drexel! We offer opportunities to customize your visit according to the needs of your group and can also provide your group with guided prayers or devotions as well as talks on St Katharine on various topics and a tour of the Cathedral Basilica!

Use the QR code to begin the planning process or email [email protected] with questions!

Cathedral Philadelphia Office for Catechetical Formation Office for Ministry with Youth The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia Archdiocese of Phila. Schools

Registration for Camp Cornelia was extended to today! Don't miss out on registering your children for a free and fun day...
07/10/2026

Registration for Camp Cornelia was extended to today! Don't miss out on registering your children for a free and fun day camp to grow in their Catholic faith, inspired by the example of Ven. Cornelia Connelly and her devotion to the Holy Child Jesus!

Cathedral Philadelphia Office for Ministry with Youth

Use the QR-code by tomorrow, July 10th, when registration ends to sign your children up!
07/09/2026

Use the QR-code by tomorrow, July 10th, when registration ends to sign your children up!

Address

18th Street And Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
19103

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5pm
Friday 7:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 6:30pm
Sunday 8am - 7:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine:

Shortcuts

Share

Category