Saint Katharine Drexel: An Example for Advent
Our Diocesan magazine this month highlights the rich history of Newton Grove, NC, in particular as it relates to the growth of Catholicism. We are reminded that in 1910 Saint Katharine Drexel, founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and canonized a saint in 2000, visited Newton Grove. She was a benefactor of the church and expressed her great support for the African American community and their spiritual needs. I have a great devotion to this saint. She was born in the city of my birthplace, and she is a saint who assisted and visited the Diocese in which I am now so privileged to serve as Bishop.
At the end of this month, the Church will begin the celebration of the Season of Advent. I believe the example of Saint Katharine Drexel teaches us how to have hearts ready and prepared to receive the abundant graces of this Sacred Season.
Both miracles attributed to Katharine Drexel in the canonization process were cures of deafness. In our busy and noisy world, we spend less and less time listening. The Season of Advent is a special invitation to draw ever closer to Jesus Christ, especially as He reveals Himself to us in His Word. At times, we can be deaf to the countless ways He speaks to our hearts and guides us on our path. Especially throughout Advent, I encourage you to meditate carefully and in a planned and deliberate way on the Word of God. Make time on a daily basis to be still, to pray and to “listen” to Him.
The Eucharist, as the Sacrament of Hope, was the focus of the life of Saint Katharine Drexel. Like all of us, she faced many obstacles and challenges in her life and ministry. Yet, she consistently taught that the Eucharist is our only hope, for it makes us one with Christ, Who was victorious over all evil, frustration, anxiety, sin and death itself. So that you might celebrate and experience the Lord’s peace throughout the Season of Advent, I encourage you to entrust your cares to Him and to find the source of your strength in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Saint Katharine Drexel worked diligently for the unity of all people and courageously sought to eradicate all forms of prejudice, racism and injustice. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, Who unites us as brothers and sisters, we must let go of any bitterness or hatred within our hearts. This Sacred Season invites us to restore all relationships and friendships which have been broken and to forgive one another. Only when we are at peace with one another can we celebrate fully the peace of Christ. I also encourage you in your spiritual preparation for Christmas to celebrate the Lord’s forgiveness and the newness of life He brings to us in the Sacrament of Penance.
Evangelization of African Americans, Native Americans and all people, especially the poor, was at the heart of the ministry of Saint Katharine Drexel. She was truly a missionary who went to the corners of the earth inviting others to embrace the Lord Jesus and His Church. With generosity, in this Sacred Season especially, find ways to share your resources with the most needy in our midst. With love, gently invite family members, friends, co-workers and peers who may have abandoned faith to return to the Lord this Christmas. Saint Katharine Drexel, in a letter she wrote to her Sisters on Christmas Day, reminds us of the influence we can and ought to have on others:
“Reflect on the infant Jesus and how tiny were His feet. We do not have to do anything too great in our lives; just follow in those tiny footsteps. Then, let God do the rest and He will transform those tiny footsteps of ours into giant strides which will help us carry the Peace, the Hope, the Love and the Joy which is Jesus Christ to all those we meet.”
In the Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent, Jesus tells us “to be watchful” and “to be alert.” We will respond to that call if we seek God’s grace and follow the example of Saint Katharine Drexel. We ask for her intercession so that we may carry the Peace, the Hope, the Love and the Joy of Jesus Christ to all those we meet!
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge