February 22, 2019

ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA TO CELEBRATE FEAST OF SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL WITH NOVENA AND SOLEMN MASS

Faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are invited to celebrate the feast day of Saint Katharine Drexel, a native Philadelphian and the second American-born saint canonized by the Catholic Church.

Sunday, March 3, 2019
10:45 a.m. Pre-Mass Concert
11:00 a.m. Solemn Mass
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

All are invited to join in nine days of prayer (February 22- March 2) asking for Saint Katharine Drexel’s intercession for our intentions and petitions. The novena of prayer will follow all Masses celebrated in the Cathedral Basilica and Chapel.

Additional Masses on Saturday, March 2nd include 5:15 p.m. (Anticipated Mass). On Sunday, March 3rd 8:00 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.; 12:30 p.m. (in Spanish); and 6:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation will also be available at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 and 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3.

Background on Saint Katharine Drexel

Saint Katharine Drexel was canonized on October 1, 2000. She is the second American-born person ever to be canonized. Born into tremendous wealth as part of the Drexel family, she gave up her life of privilege to found the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in 1891. She dedicated her life to serve the needs of African Americans and Native Americans, and inspired so many women, who joined the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, to follow her example.

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Editor’s Note: Saint Katharine Drexel remains were translated to a newly constructed tomb at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in 2018 from the Motherhouse of the Community she founded, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. The tomb is located near the Drexel Family altar inside the Cathedral’s main entrance.

For more information about the Tomb of Saint Katharine Drexel at the Cathedral Basilica Saints Peter and Paul, please visit http://www.saintkatharinedrexelshrine.com/.

For additional information about the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, please visit http://cathedralphila.org/.

Contact:

Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)