“The Eucharist is a never-ending sacrifice. It is the Sacrament of love, the supreme love, the act of love.”
Image: Saint Stephen, Martyr Roman Catholic Church, Chesapeake, Virginia | Stained glass of Saint Katharine Drexel | photo by Nheyob
In this episode, host Tom Shrewsbury delves into the life and legacy of one of America’s remarkable Catholic saints, Katherine Drexel. Tom begins the episode by drawing a parallel between the everyday fantasies of winning the lottery and the real-life story of Katherine Drexel, who was born into significant wealth but chose a path of devout service and extraordinary philanthropy.
Born to a wealthy and philanthropic family, Katherine experienced the loss of her mother at a young age but was lovingly raised by a devoted stepmother who instilled strong religious values. Influenced by her father’s generosity and faith, Katherine grew up with a deep sense of social responsibility and a commitment to help the underprivileged. After the death of her stepmother and a transformative trip to Europe, Katherine felt a profound calling to dedicate her life to God and serving those in need.
Despite facing challenges, including the initial lack of official Church approval, Katherine’s determination never wavered. She established an order specifically aimed at addressing the needs of Native Americans and African Americans. With her sisters, she founded numerous schools and mission centers, culminating in the establishment of Xavier University in New Orleans, a groundbreaking institution as the first Catholic university in America for African Americans.
Throughout her life, Katherine’s impact grew, and by the time of her death, her order operated 63 schools with over 500 sisters. Her holy life and miraculous intercessions, such as the healing of a deaf child named Amy Wall, led to her beatification in 1988 and eventual canonization by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
Tom closes the episode by reflecting on St. Katherine Drexel’s life as a testament to the power of faith and charity, encouraging listeners to consider how they, too, can make a difference in the world, drawing inspiration from St. Katherine’s commitment to service and love.
Chapter 1: Introduction to St. Katherine Drexel – Tom introduces the life and legacy of St. Katherine Drexel, focusing on her extraordinary transformation from wealthy heiress to a dedicated servant of God. 0:00
Chapter 2: Family Background and Early Influences – Learn about Kate’s upbringing in a philanthropic family and how her father and stepmother shaped her early views on charity and religion. 3:15
Chapter 3: Personal Tragedy and Spiritual Awakening – Following the loss of her parents, Kate’s spiritual journey deepens, leading her to question her purpose and calling in life. 8:40
Chapter 4: Call to Action – Hear how a meeting with Pope Leo XIII and a trip to Europe pivotally influence Kate’s decision to serve the marginalized. 15:20
Chapter 5: Formation of a New Religious Order – Describes Kate’s steps to establish her own religious order dedicated to helping Native and African Americans despite initial challenges. 22:05
Chapter 6: Expanding the Mission – Explore the expansion of Sister Catherine’s mission as she opens numerous schools and the first Catholic university for African Americans. 29:00
Chapter 7: Signs and Wonders – Discuss the miraculous events attributed to Sister Catherine, including the story of Amy Wall, which supported her path to sainthood. 37:50
Chapter 8: The Legacy Continues – Reflect on St. Katherine Drexel’s enduring impact on education and how her legacy lives on through the institutions she founded. 45:10
Chapter 9: Closing Thoughts – Tom wraps up the episode by reflecting on the inspirational life of St. Katherine Drexel, inviting listeners to consider what legacy they hope to leave behind. 52:40
Saint Katharine Drexel was an American heiress and philanthropist born in 1858. Despite her privileged upbringing, she dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and education of Native Americans and African Americans. In 1891, she established the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People, a religious order focused on providing quality education for minority communities. Drexel personally funded the construction of numerous schools and missions across the United States, with a particular focus on the South. Her tireless efforts toward racial equality and social justice earned her a reputation as a champion for the marginalized. Saint Katharine Drexel was canonized in 2000, making her the second recognized American-born saint in the Catholic Church.
Tom Shrewsbury (1930-2012) was born in Springfield, MO. He spent several years in the professional theatre where he worked with such celebrities as Vincent Price, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.
An initiative of Covenant Network