Program is a Special Presentation of 6abc’s FYI Philly
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the presentation of “Saint Katharine Drexel: The Holy Heiress,” a 30-minute documentary on the life and work of Saint Katharine Drexel, to air at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, on 6abc. The program is a special presentation of 6abc’s FYI Philly. Encore presentations of the documentary will air at 1:00 p.m. and midnight on Sunday, March 31.
“The Holy Heiress” focuses on the life and legacy of Katharine Drexel, from her early years growing up in Philadelphia, to her religious life dedicated to serving the needs of African Americans and Native Americans, and how she became a saint. It also tells of the translation and installation last year of her sacred remains to a newly constructed tomb, now Archdiocesan shrine, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul from the Motherhouse of the Community she founded, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Designated an Archdiocesan shrine last month, the tomb, located near the Drexel Family altar inside the Cathedral’s main entrance, is open for visitation and prayer.
Several people join in the telling of the story of the life of Saint Katharine Drexel, including: sisters from the Community she founded, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament; a sister from the Sisters of Mercy, the Community where Katharine entered religious life as a postulant; Saint Katharine Drexel biographers Lou Baldwin and Cordelia Frances Biddle; Dr. Trudy Brown, who as a young girl met Saint Katharine Drexel; Robert Gutherman, whose hearing was restored through the miraculous intercession of Saint Katharine Drexel; and Reverend G. Dennis Gill, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and Director of the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship.
“The life and mission of Saint Katharine is a beautiful story of holiness,” said Father Gill. “Through this program, viewers will learn more about her early life, her consecrated life and legacy, her holy and virtuous life and how she selflessly provided for the needs of African Americans and Native Americans.”
The program was underwritten by the Connelly Foundation, with support from the Knights of Columbus, to increase awareness and appreciation for the inspiring life and work of Saint Katharine Drexel.
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: For more information, please visit http://saintkatharinedrexelshrine.com.
Contact:Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)