Saint Katharine Drexel
Feast Day March 3

Patron of people of color and of those who experience helplessness in trying to reach out to others.

Sometimes we in the MMG feel as if our prayers are doing no good, that those we love are rejecting us and our faith.  In such times, let us ask St. Katharine to help us find hope and the strength to continue in spite of the struggle we face.

Who was Saint Katharine Drexel?

St. Katharine was born into wealth which she used for the benefit of others.  She developed programs to aid Native Americans and invested much of her fortune in Indian missions.  With the help of Mother Cabrini, she founded the the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Santa Fe, NM.  

She eventually was responsible for establishing Catholic schools for Blacks in 13 states, 40 mission centers, 23 rural schools, 50 Indian missions, and Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana (first University for blacks in the USA).

 She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000.

Her shrine was declared a National Shrine in 2008.

Prayer from Day 5
Saint Katharine Drexel Novena

Often in my desire to work for others I find my hands tied, something hinders my charitable designs, some hostile influence renders me powerless. My prayers seem to avail nothing, my kind acts are rejected, I seem to do the wrong thing when I am trying to do my best. In such cases I must not grieve. I am only treading in my Master’s steps. ~St. Katharine Drexel

More Words of St. Katharine Drexel

The patient and humble endurance of the cross whatever nature it may be is the highest work we have to do.  Oh, how far I am at 84 years of age from being an image of Jesus in his sacred life on earth!  ~ Mother Katharine Drexel