Oh, if only we would have the grace to realize the infinite treasure we possess in the Blessed Sacrament! It is Jesus Himself, God with us, dwelling in our midst, pouring out His divine life for our souls. He is the Bread of Life, given for the life of the world. And what does He ask of us in return for such a gift? He asks for our love, our trust, our complete surrender to His holy will. Our work, the mission to evangelize and educate the Native Americans and African Americans, is truly His work. It is fraught with difficulties, with misunderstandings, with the heavy cross of prejudice and poverty. But in every trial, in every moment of discouragement, we must turn to the tabernacle. There, in the silent presence of our Eucharistic Lord, we find strength, courage, and renewed zeal. He is our constant companion, our unfailing support. He understands our weaknesses, our fears, our limitations. And He promises to be with us always, even to the consummation of the world. Let us never lose faith in His divine Providence. He who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field will surely provide for those who dedicate their lives to His service and to the salvation of souls. Our part is to be faithful, to labor with perseverance, to pray without ceasing, and to accept whatever cross He sends us with a cheerful heart. For it is through suffering, united to His own, that souls are purified and saved. The conversion of hearts, the transformation of society, the building up of the Kingdom of God—these are not achieved by human might or wisdom alone, but by the power of Christ working through humble and obedient instruments. Let us therefore strive to be such instruments, always mindful of our utter dependence on Him, and always centered on the Blessed Sacrament, the source and summit of our spiritual life and our apostolic endeavors. In every moment of doubt, let us gaze upon the Tabernacle, and remember that our Lord is truly there, waiting for us, loving us, and empowering us to carry out His divine will for the sake of His beloved poor.

Dear brothers and sisters, today the Church gives us a new Saint, Katharine Drexel. Born in Philadelphia, into a family of great wealth, she learned from her parents to share their material possessions with those in need. After a profound experience of God in prayer, she realized that her vocation was to be a missionary, dedicating her life and her immense fortune to the service of the most disadvantaged. This was a radical choice, one that called for great courage and a deep faith. Her encounter with Pope Leo XIII, who challenged her directly to become a missionary herself, was a decisive moment in her spiritual journey. She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People, an institute whose members were to dedicate themselves to the evangelization and education of these marginalized communities. This was a pioneering work, undertaken at a time when racial prejudice was deeply entrenched in society, and the needs of these communities were largely ignored by many. Saint Katharine Drexel’s life was a testament to the power of the Eucharist. She spent long hours in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, drawing from this divine source the strength and inspiration for her arduous mission. Her zeal for souls was fueled by her profound love for Christ present in the Eucharist. She understood that true charity flows from this sacramental encounter with the Lord, who gives Himself completely for the salvation of all. Her commitment to justice and equality for Native Americans and African Americans was not merely a social endeavor, but a profound expression of her faith. She saw in every person, regardless of race or social standing, the image of God, and she tirelessly worked to uphold their dignity and promote their integral human development. Her efforts led to the establishment of numerous schools, missions, and institutions, including Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black Catholic university in the United States. This was a concrete manifestation of her conviction that education was a key pathway to liberation and empowerment for those who had been historically denied opportunities. Saint Katharine Drexel lived a life of extraordinary sacrifice and profound humility. She faced many trials and difficulties, including the prejudice of others, financial challenges, and health issues. Yet, she persevered with unwavering trust in divine Providence, always believing that God would bring His work to completion. Her life reminds us that true evangelization requires not only words, but also deeds of love and justice, flowing from a heart transformed by Christ. She is a powerful example for us all, especially in our own time, when racial tensions and social inequalities continue to challenge our societies. Her witness calls us to a renewed commitment to justice, to charity, and to the courageous proclamation of the Gospel to all peoples, especially those on the peripheries of society. May Saint Katharine Drexel intercede for us, that we may follow her example of faith, love, and tireless service to the least of our brothers and sisters, and that through our lives, the light of Christ may shine brightly in the world. Amen.