Millionaire Saint Enters Pittsburgh Convent, November 1889

MISS DREXEL ENTERS THE CONVENT OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY.
The New York Times, November 8, 1889

Pittsburg, Nov. 7.
Kate Drexel, the second daughter of the late F.A. Drexel, the well-known Philadelphia banker, and heiress to about $6,000,0000, took the white veil of the novitiate at the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in this city this morning. The ceremony, which was conducted by Archbishop Ryan of Philadelphia and Bishop Phelan of this city, was very impressive and particularly exclusive, none but the nearest and dearest relatives of the postulant being permitted to enter within the sacred walls.

Promptly at 10 o’clock Archbishop Ryan and Bishop Phelan, followed by Bishops Blondel and Kentrich, issued from the vestry. They were followed by a large number of the Catholic clergy of Pittsburg and Eastern cities. Miss Drexel entered a few minutes later, accompanied by the Superioress and assistant. She was attired in a superb wedding dress of the purest cream-white satin. When she reached the altar, she knelt down and received the blessing of the Superioress and asked that she be known in religion simply as Sister Catherine.

After the usual services Archbishop Ryan delivered his sermon. The Archbishop in two or three instances spoke directly to the young novice. He presented in beautifully-touching language the career which the young girl kneeling before him had chosen, and quoted the outburst of joy by the psalmist as interpreting her feelings. At the close of the sermon Miss Drexel, supported on either side by the Mother and Assistant Mother of the Order, left the chapel. The train of the bridal dress was borne by two children. In a few minutes the black dress, for which the satin robe was to be exchanged, was given by the Archbishop from the altar and carried to Miss Drexel. Shortly after she re-entered, wearing it. Singing and short prayers concluded the ceremony, and then the newly-veiled Sister Catherine passed out, following the clergy, the sisters of the order, the relatives and friends, and lastly, by the Pittsburg guests.

An elaborate banquet was served after the morning celebration, at which about three hundred friends of Miss Drexel were present. Among the most prominent guests were Mr. and Mrs. George W. Childs, Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Drexel, Jr.; Miss Josephine Drexel, and Mrs. Edward Morrell, all of Philadelphia.

Miss Drexel will continue two years more before she will be eligible to make her solemn profession and receive the black veil. This interval she will devote to acquiring a full knowledge of the religious life, its spirit, the rules to be observed, and the perfection it demands. Her object is not to become an ordinary member of the Sisterhood of Mercy, but to gather about her those, who, like herself, may be inspired to consecrate themselves to the service of neglected Indians and colored people. She sees especially that there is great work to be done for the education of Indian and colored girls, and that it can be done effectively only by those who devote themselves to it from a motive of religion.

Catherine Mary Drexel (1858-1955) was born to a prominent Philadelphia family. Her father was one of the leading American financiers, and her uncle Anthony founded Drexel University in 1891. At the death of her parents, she inherited a sizeable fortune, which she ultimately used for the benefit of Native Americans and African Americans. It was Pope Leo XIII who suggested that she enter religious life. In 1888, as described above, she entered the Sisters of Mercy, where she learned the basics of religious life. In 1891, she founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People (known for short as the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament). Known as the “Millionaire Nun,” she spent nearly twenty million dollars during her lifetime on various causes related to her ministry. In 1915, she founded Xavier University in New Orleans, the only historically African-American Catholic university in the United States. She was beatified in 1980 by Pope John Paul II and canonized by him twenty years later. She is the patron saint of philanthropists and racial justice. Nearly twenty parishes and several schools throughout the United States are named for her.