Saint Katharine Drexel: The Total Gift

Encounter the Saints #15

by Susan Helen Wallace, Barbara Kiwak (Illustrator)

This biography captures the inspiring story of a Philadelphia heiress who became the second US-born saint who founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Dedicated to helping the poor and forgotten, Katharine's work for Jesus was among the African American and Native American people. Inheriting her family's great fortune, she and her sisters built schools, convents, and churches. Her story will help children ages 9-12 rethink the value of money and consider how it can be used for great works of charity.

Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

About the author

Sr. Susan Helen Wallace, FSP, holds a B.A. in Catechetics from Notre Dame College in Cleveland, Ohio, an M.A. in Catholic Doctrine from St. John’s University, Queens, N.Y., and an M.S. in journalism from Boston University. She has written several children’s biographies, which are part of the Encounter the Saints Series. She has also written a number of books for adults, including Basic Catechism, which she co-authored with Sr. Mary Lea Hill, FSP. Sr. Susan Helen is also part of the staff at the Pauline Books & Media Center in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing! Between my three children and I we have now read 29 of the books in this series. Either by myself, or with one or more child. My children ages 12, 10, and 8 love these books. My son keeps asking to buy his own set so he can keep them in his room. And as soon as we finish one book he wants to begin on another. With each of the books we read we appreciate this series more. And to be honest hope there will be even more books in the future. But now back to this specific book on Saint Katharine Drexel.

I must admit I was familiar with the name Katharine Drexel but beyond the name I knew little of her story. My son and I were amazed as we worked out way through this book. About her devotion, her faith, her generosity, and her service. My son was particularly fascinated by her family's prayer room their house. She travelled so far and wide in an age when travel was not nearly as easy as today. She was friends with numerous bishops, and met Popes. But her greatest achievement was founding an order of religious sisters that specialized in schools for black and natives. Whenever there was a request for her nuns she found a way. She worked hard, she travelled to each school and each house of the order every year. She gave of her own inheritance and supported the ministry of others also.

The chapters in this book are:
Hannah's Gift
Life on Walnut Street
Learning to Help
Happy Memories
The Grand Tour
Fireworks!
Peace in Suffering
Unexpected Sorrow
Friend of the Missions
"Why Not You?"
No Turning Back
A Share in the Cross
Growing Pains
Southern Beginnings
To the Navajos
A Dream Come True
Louisiana Adventures
When Saints Meet
So Much to Do
A Matter of the Heart
"Do You See the Children?"
Prayer
Glossary

This book is deeply moving. Often my son asked for one more chapter when we should have been done reading for the night. The story of Katharine and her nuns really encouraged and challenged both of us.

The prayer in this volume is:

"Saint Katharine, there's so much I can learn from you. Even though many persons today act as if money is the most important thing in the world, you show me that it isn't. It's people who are more important than anything else. And you teach me how to treat them with care, compassion and love, just as Jesus would.

I want to become as unselfish as you were, Saint Katharine. It's not always easy, so I need your help. Ask Jesus to show me how I can use the gift of my own life to make the world a better place for everyone. Thank you, Saint Katharine.

Amen."

This is one of eight books in the series written by Susan Helen Wallace. And one of seven illustrated by Barbara Kiwak. It follows the format of the series in that there are 5 illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. They appear to either be pencil drawings or charcoal sketches. My son was fascinated by the sketches and went over them almost every time we read the book.

Reading this book you will find out many details about Katharine's life. About her sisters. The loss of her mother at a young age. About her step mother. And her fathers and step mothers devotion. You will find out a lot about this second US born saint. But what will move you most is her commitment to following Jesus. Where ever God led she followed. And that is what we took away most from the book. Our personal need to live for God and follow where he leads.

My son and I loved this book, and all three children and I love this series! We have now read 28 of the books in the Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media. And every one has been a gem. Another amazing read in an wonderful series!

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Pauline Books and Media, especially the Encounter the Saints Series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I read to learn more about Catholicism! St. Katharine led an incredible life, and this book really shows how she used her money to help others. The writing style was a bit bland, but the glossary at the end was very helpful. I feel like the second half of her life could have been expanded on, there were a lot of awkward time skips throughout the book. But overall, a really helpful read!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to give this such a low rating, but I was completely underwhelmed and really did find it just ok and I can not see any of my children reading and enjoying this book. It will remain on my shelf for now as part of the series and I will have to decide between selling / donating the whole series or just the books I did not like from it once I’ve read them all.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always had a special connection to Saint Katharine Drexel, and after reading her biography, it is very clear that nothing has been a coincidence. There are many miracles.

[KieraK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story felt like a business report in some parts.

[Elisabeth Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So inspirational!

St. Katharine Drexel did so much for the United States during her life time 🤍