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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Monday 8th
Week OT
St. Luke Institute
March 3, 2014
KATHARINE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Today’s feast of the few Americans in calendar of
saints - Philadelphia's own Katharine Drexel
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Age 20s, 1 of wealthiest & most influential
women of her time
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Born in Philly after Civil War, daughter of a
wealthy intern’l banker, but parents taught her how 2B generous &
compassionate w/ wealth
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“Money’s loaned
us & 2B shared w/ others,” Drexel reminded his daughters
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Turning point in Katie's life: vacation 2 western
US
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Saw Nat. Americans mistreated & living in
poverty
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Also witnessed plight of African-Americans living
in squalor & dehumanized by brutality of racism
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Young heiress became major benefactor of the
missions in American south & west
HER GREATEST GIFT ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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But her greatest gift was herself
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In 1887, Katharine Drexel met Pope Leo XIII
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In private audience, told pope of her concern 4 plight
of Indians & Negroes
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Asked 2 recommend religious order who worked with
these minorities that she could support
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Impressed by her passion, pope said, "Why don't you become a missionary
yourself?"
SAINTHOOD FOR HER ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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In 1889, at age of 30, heiress to the Drexel
fortune entered the Sisters of Mercy
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2 years later, founded Sisters of Blessed
Sacrament w/ a 4th vow "to
be the mother and servant of Indian & Negro races"
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W/ income from father's trust built over 100
schools in rural west & south, including Xavier U. in New Orleans, only RCC
black college in US
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Fought 4 civil rights, funding NAACP's
investigations into exploitation of black workers & taking on KKK
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Was canonized by JPII in October 2000
SAINTHOOD FOR US +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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St. Katharine, a woman who put her money – & her
life – where her heart was
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J asks us 2 do same
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What stirs us & R wealth +/-, treasure or
talent, 2 create G's K of mercy & peace in R time & place?
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