After Mass at the St. Katharine Drexel Shrine, students of St. Katharine Regional School in Holland pray at the tomb of their school’s patron saint. (Sarah Webb)
Before the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament sell their Bensalem property including the order’s motherhouse and Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel, they are throwing open the doors for a two-day celebration this weekend.
The July 9-10 public event marks the 125th anniversary of the order’s founding by St. Katharine and the sisters’ service to the underprivileged Black and Native American communities.
Activities on Saturday, July 9 include an opening ceremony, opportunities to visit with sisters, associates, alumni and other friends of the congregation, a presentation on Native American music and dance, displays on missions and ministries of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a book signing by author Cordelia Biddle and opportunities to meet Robert Gutherman and Amy Wall, recipients of miracles through the intercession of St. Katharine.
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Guests are welcome to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in St. Elizabeth Chapel and visit the Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel.
On Sunday Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, S.V.D., from the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas, will be the main celebrant and homilist for an outdoor Mass under a tent for 600 guests. A light reception will follow with a later presentation and book signing by author Lou Baldwin, which will conclude the day.
Activities will begin at 10 a.m. both days.
The site at 1663 Bristol Pike in Bensalem, Bucks County offers limited handicapped parking, but motorists may drop people off close to the venues prior to parking. Surrounding restaurants and convenience stores are within walking distance to the event.
This year the congregation announced its intention to sell both the Bensalem property and tracts in Virginia in order to focus on the future needs of its sisters.
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