ALL SAINTS: Novena to St. Katharine Drexel

Mar 27, 2025

Novena to St. Katharine Drexel

Day 1 - February 22

Wealth for the Poor
Katharine Drexel, born in 1858 to a wealthy Philadelphia family, heard God’s call to give all for the poor. Renouncing millions, she served Native Americans and African Americans. “Sell what you have and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21). Reflect: what riches—material or otherwise—can you share?
Prayer: O St. Katharine, you traded gold for grace! I begin with (state your intention). Open my hands to give as you did, seeing Christ in the needy. May your generous heart inspire me to bless others with what I hold. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 2 - February 23

Foundress of Hope
In 1891, Katharine founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a beacon for the marginalized. Her schools and missions lifted the oppressed. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Ponder: how can you build hope in your world?
Prayer: Holy Katharine, your vision bore fruit! I seek your aid for (state your intention). Plant in me a seed of service, that I may labor for God’s kingdom. Guide me to create where there is lack, as you did. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 3 - February 24

Eucharistic Love
Katharine’s life flowed from the Blessed Sacrament, her order named for this mystery. Daily, she knelt before Christ’s presence. “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4). Ask: how can you deepen your union with Him?
Prayer: O St. Katharine, Eucharistic soul, hear me! I bring (state your intention). Draw me to the altar, where love dwells, and let me abide in Jesus as you did. May His presence be my strength. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 4 - February 25

Justice’s Voice
Facing racism, Katharine built schools for those denied dignity, her wealth a sword against injustice. “Let justice roll down like waters” (Amos 5:24). Reflect: where can you stand for what’s right?
Prayer: Brave Katharine, champion of the wronged, help me! I ask for (state your intention). Give me courage to fight inequity, to speak for the silenced, as you did. Let justice flower through my deeds. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 5 - February 26

Humble Service
Though an heiress, Katharine scrubbed floors and taught children, her humility a silent hymn. “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Consider: how can you serve in smallness?
Prayer: O St. Katharine, lowly servant, guide me! I seek help for (state your intention). Strip me of pride, that I may serve with your quiet joy. Teach me the beauty of hidden acts. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 6 - February 27

Trusting God
Katharine gave away her fortune, relying on providence. When funds faltered, she prayed, and God provided. “Your Father knows what you need” (Matthew 6:8). Ponder: where can you trust more?
Prayer: Faithful Katharine, you leaned on God’s care! I bring (state your intention). Free me from worry, teaching me to rest in His hands. May I trust His provision, as you did. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 7 - February 28

Enduring Trials
Illness and opposition tested Katharine, yet she persevered, offering her final years in prayer. “In all these things we are more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). Ask: how can you endure your struggles?
Prayer: O St. Katharine, steadfast in pain, uphold me! I seek aid for (state your intention). Grant me resilience to bear my cross, uniting it to Christ’s. Let trials refine my soul, as yours were. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 8 - March 1

Legacy of Love
Dying in 1955, Katharine left schools and a mission thriving, canonized in 2000. Her love endures. “Let us not grow weary of doing good” (Galatians 6:9). Reflect: what legacy will you leave?
Prayer: Holy Katharine, your love lives on! I ask for (state your intention). Inspire me to sow goodness that lasts, tireless in charity. May my life echo your gift to God. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 9 - March 2 (Eve of Feast Day)

Patroness of Mercy
On March 3, we honor Katharine, patroness of racial justice and philanthropy. She intercedes for us. “Blessed are the merciful” (Matthew 5:7). Celebrate: how will you live her mercy?
Prayer: O St. Katharine, mercy’s herald, bless me! I bring (state your intention). Lead me to serve the forgotten, reflecting your heart. On your feast, draw me to Christ’s throne of grace. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

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