Prayers Inspired by the Saints

USCCB’s “Open Wide Our Hearts, The Enduring Call to Love: A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” 2018. Let us pause and consider our call to steward resources as we listen to the life of St. Katharine Drexel, contemplative activist for Native and African American persons. Born into wealth, St. Katharine knew the ease and opportunity granted to those in affluential positions. Yet her father, a prominent faith-filled banker, introduced her to a life of generosity. He opened their Philadelphia family home several times each week to serve the poor and concluded each day in prayer. It is no

wonder, then, that St. Katharine was similarly called to be a contemplative in action. Seeing the destitute and vulnerable conditions of those her family served increased her desire to ensure access to health and education for all.