Bringing Saint Katharine Home
Saint Katharine Drexel was born in Philadelphia, worshipped in the Cathedral, and began her journey of faith and vocation in this city. Her connection to the Cathedral is especially visible in the Drexel Family altar, which was donated in the nineteenth century by Katharine and her sisters, Elizabeth and Louise, as a memorial to their parents, Francis and Emma Drexel.
The Shrine’s presence in the Cathedral therefore represents a return to a place deeply connected to her family and her faith.
The Shrine
The Shrine to Saint Katharine Drexel was dedicated in 2009. The marble statue was carefully created to reflect Saint Katharine’s true likeness. The original Drexel Family altar was retained as part of the Shrine.
The sacred remains of Saint Katharine were later translated to the Cathedral Basilica from the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Bensalem on August 2, 2018. This solemn return to Philadelphia brought the city’s beloved daughter home.
The translation was a moment of profound significance for the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Drexel family, and all who look to Saint Katharine as an example of holiness. On November 18, 2018, the new tomb of Saint Katharine Drexel was solemnly installed at the Cathedral Basilica.
Today, the tomb is a place of prayer and pilgrimage. Pilgrims, retreatants, and visitors come with intentions written on behalf of loved ones, families, communities, and people throughout the world. The Shrine continues to grow as a place where people encounter the living faith of a Philadelphia saint.
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