Katharine Drexel, virgin                                                   3-3-06 dcn.ca

            When a person reads about the lives of the saints it’s interesting how many were, at one time or another, materially wealthy. St Anthony of Egypt and St Frances of Assisi, whose memorials we celebrated in January, gave away vast inheritances and lived very austere lives.  Their decisions contributed to the development of the monistic way of life and community.

            St Katharine Drexel, whose memorial we celebrate today, was born to a wealthy banking family from Philadelphia. Both of her parents eventually died leaving her a substantial fortune. Not only materially, but her father and mother highlighted the importance of love of God and care for those in need, as they raised their family.

             St Katharine took both these forms of wealth with her as she first joined the Sisters of Mercy and later formed her own order, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, in 1891. Their mission was to work among the African and Native Americans establishing schools and missions with the monies she had inherited. The one mission we, in this area of the country, are most familiar with is the Red Lake Mission. Most do not know Sr Katherine played a major roll in its development and was said to have visited it at least one time.

               There are several others, religious as well as laity that either work or have worked at the Red Lake Mission since its establishment. They come from all over the country contributing their time talent and treasure to better the lives of a people that have been, so to speak,” pushed in the corner”.  It is a monumental undertaking with few recognizable rewards, in this life. During the time of lent we are given a special invitation to follow the example of those that give what they can in acts of charity, although we like most of them might receive little notice. But we can find the words of St Katherine consoling. “ The patient and humble endurance of the cross whatever nature it may be is the highest work we have to do.”  And might a Catholic Household Blessing encourage us, “May our fasting be hunger for justice, our alms, a making of peace; our prayer, the chant of humble and grateful hearts.