Daily Devotions

Second Reading from the Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours for the Optional Memorial of Blessed Katharine Drexel, virgin

Katharine Drexel was born in Philadelphia, on 26 November 1858, the daughter of Francis A. Drexel, a prominent banker, and Hannah Langstroth, who died shortly after Katharine's birth. Her father later married Emma Bouvier Drexel. It was from them that Katharine and her two sisters learned the lessons of love of God and neighbor, especially the poor. Katharine gave her fortune and her life to serve the poor and oppressed, particularly African American and Native American people. She helped finance many missions among them. In 1891, she founded a missionary community, The sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. The eucharist was the center of and sustenance for her life; she saw it as the source of unity among races. Katharine died on 3 March 1955, in her 97th hear, and was beatified by Pope John Paul II, on 20 November 1988.

Note: Katharine Drexel was canonized by Pope John Paul II, on Sunday October 1, 2000. His homily at the canonization Mass is available on the internet here.

From a sermon On the Dress of Virgins by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr

(Nn. 3-4, 22. 23: CSEL 3, 189-190. 202-204)

The more numerous her virgins, the greater the joy of mother Church

Now I wish to address the order of virgins. Because their way of life is more exalted, our concern for them must be greater. If we compare the Church to a tree, then they are its blossom. Virgins show forth the beauty of God's grace; they are the image of God that reflects the holiness of the Lord; they are the more illustrious members of Christ's flock. They are the glory of mother Church and manifest her fruitfulness. The more numerous her virgins are, the greater is her joy.

To these virgins then I speak and address my exhortation, out of love rather than any sense of authority; and I do this without claiming the right to censure them, for I am among the last and the least and fully aware of my lowliness; I do it rather because the more anxious and concerned I am about them, the more I fear the devil's attack. For it is no idle concern nor vain fear that takes thought of the path of salvation and keeps the Lord's life-giving commandments.

They have dedicated themselves to Christ, and, renouncing the pleasures of the flesh, have consecrated themselves body and soul to God, in order to finish a task that is destined to win a greater prize; they should not strive to adorn themselves or give pleasure to anyone but the Lord, from whom they hope to receive the reward for their chastity.

Virgins, persevere in the way of life you have begun, persevere in what you are to be. For you will receive a glorious prize for your virtue, a most excellent reward for your chastity. You have already begun to be now what we shall all be in the future. You already possess, here in this world, the glory of the resurrection. You pass through this world without the world's infection. If you persevere in chastity and virginity, you are equal to God's angels. Only keep your profession of virginity strong and inviolate. You began your way of life courageously; now persevere without faltering. Seek right conduct as your adornment, not jewelry or attractive clothing.

Listen to the voice of the apostle Paul, God's chosen vessel, sent to announce the commands of heaven. Paul said: The first man was made of the dust of the earth; the second is from heaven. Those who are made from earth are like him who was on the earth. Those who are of heaven are like him who is from heaven. As we have borne the image of the man who is of the earth, so let us bear the image of the man who is from heaven. This image is shown forth in virginity, purity, holiness and truth.

Responsory: 1 Corinthians 7:34; Psalm 73:26

The thoughts of the virgin are always upon God.
--Her desire is to be holy both in body and soul.

The God of my heart is my portion for ever.
--Her desire is to be holy both in body and soul.

Prayer

Ever-loving God,
you called Blessed Katharine Drexel
to teach the message of the Gospel
and to bring the life of the Eucharist
to the African American and Native American peoples.

By her prayers and example,
enable us to work for justice
among the poor and the oppressed,
and keep us undivided in love
in the eucharistic community of your Church.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Let us praise the Lord.
--And give him thanks.

Posted by billw at March 3, 2004 01:14 AM