She Gave Away a Fortune to Serve the Forgotten. Pray with St. Katharine Drexel.

Born into one of Philadelphia's wealthiest families in 1858, St. Katharine Drexel could have lived a life of comfort and privilege. Instead, she gave away her entire $20 million inheritance — and her entire life — to serve Native Americans and African Americans at a time when few in the Church were willing to do so. She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, established over 60 schools, and built Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black Catholic university in the United States.

When she met Pope Leo XIII and asked him to send missionaries to help the people she loved, he turned the question back to her: "Why don't you become a missionary yourself?" She did. This beautifully laminated Kilgarlin novena card invites you into nine days of prayer with one of America's most courageous and generous saints, finished with gold color accents and crafted for daily devotion.

Card Details

• Beautifully laminated with gold color accents
• Classic St. Katharine Drexel image on the front
• Full Novena prayer on the back
• Cardstock — 2.5" × 4.5" (standard prayer card size)
• Doubles as a bookmark for your Bible or devotional
• Available in Single, Pack of 3, 10, 25, 50, and 100

The Novena Prayer

O God, who among the many marvels of Your grace in the New World, did cause to bloom on the banks of the Schuylkill a pure and fragrant lily, St. Katharine Drexel, who left the pleasures of a life of ease to become the spouse of Christ and devote herself to the service of the poor and neglected, grant we beseech You, that we, inspired by her example and assisted by her prayers, may carry out faithfully the mission You have entrusted to each of us. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Mission Behind Every Card

ShopCatholic was founded by Shawn Kilgarlin — wife, mother of four, mental health clinician, and life coach. Every Christmas Eve, Shawn donates thousands of gifts to those in need through Holy Angels. She volunteers at addiction treatment centers, offering grounding boxes and group classes. Her children, Loyola University students, and local high school students help make gift bags for families in need — all funded from her own heart. When you purchase a Kilgarlin prayer card, you're participating in that mission of giving.

Perfect for Catholic Schools, Social Justice Ministries & Xavier University Alumni

St. Katharine Drexel is the patron saint of racial justice and philanthropists. This card is a meaningful gift for anyone involved in Catholic education, social justice ministry, Native American or African American Catholic communities, and alumni of Xavier University of Louisiana. Her feast day is March 3rd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was St. Katharine Drexel?
St. Katharine Drexel (1858–1955) was an American heiress, religious sister, and saint who founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and dedicated her life and fortune to serving Native Americans and African Americans. She established over 60 schools and missions across the United States and founded Xavier University of Louisiana in 1925. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and is one of only two American-born saints canonized in the United States.

When is her feast day?
The Feast of St. Katharine Drexel is celebrated on March 3rd. It is a wonderful day to pray this novena, beginning nine days before on February 22nd.

Can I order in bulk for my parish or ministry?
Absolutely! Cards are available in packs up to 100 for standard orders. For custom print orders, the minimum is 1,000 cards with approximately a 5-day turnaround — and you can order any quantity above that. When Pope Francis made his 2016 Apostolic Journey to the US/Mexico border, he ordered 80,000 Kilgarlin prayer cards for distribution. Contact us to discuss your custom order.