Meet Katharine Drexel: Heiress and God's Servant of the Oppressed

First let me say I am neither a reader nor a writer, so this review will be plain spoken and direct. Having said that, be aware that this book has lifted me up and sailed me through my troubling times. I read this book in the waiting room while my mother was having open hear surgery. I read this book to my mother during her recovery. What a blessing this book was for the both of us! I read this book while struggling with the news of sexual abuse of boys in the Catholic Church. Again, this book pulled me through. I am so grateful that I can retreat to this book, in that while reading I can be at peace while experiencing the life of such a wonderful SAINT! This book has and continues to remind me that just because I don't see others around me helping those less fortunate than they or I, that is no excuse for me not to do so. Thank you so very much Mary van Balen Holt for this wonderful book!

What an interesting and inspiring book! Woven carefully into Katherine Drexel's biographical information are intimate glimpses into her discernment of the direction her life would take. Through her personal writings and correspondance, and rich stories from her family life, we witness her spiritual growth and celebrate with her the crystalization of her unique call. Mary vanBalen Holt has presented us with a truly accessible saint whose circumstances, though likely quite different from our own, provide us with insight into the choices we all must make in discerning and following our individual roads to holiness. Katharine Drexel's story is fascinating. The breadth of her life experiences, the selflessness of sharing her personal fortune, the extent of her impact on the lives of countless poor and oppressed people in the United States, and the depth of her devotion to her God and to his work on earth, is an inspiration to all of us. It is also an affirmation of that little voice we each hear within ourselves. One life, when lived prayerfully and courageously, can touch countless others. Mary vanBalen Holt's conversational writing style makes this book easy to read and its message easy to take to heart.

What an interesting and inspiring book! Woven carefully into Katherine Drexel's biographical information are intimate glimpses into her discernment of the direction her life would take. Through her personal writings and correspondance, and rich stories from her family life, we witness her spiritual growth and celebrate with her the crystalization of her unique call. Mary vanBalen Holt has presented us with a truly accessible saint whose circumstances, though likely quite different from our own, provide us with insight into the choices we all must make in discerning and following our individual roads to holiness. Katharine Drexel's story is fascinating. The breadth of her life experiences, the selflessness of sharing her personal fortune, the extent of her impact on the lives of countless poor and oppressed people in the United States, and the depth of her devotion to her God and to his work on earth, is an inspiration to all of us. It is also an affirmation of that little voice we each hear within ourselves.One life, when lived prayerfully and courageously, can touch countless others. Mary vanBalen Holt's conversational writing style makes this book easy to read and its message easy to take to heart.

This new life of this new saint is detailed enough to give a good sense of Katherine Drexel's life and times, but short enough not to be intimidating. Considering that St. Katherine lived almost 100 years, and very eventful years at that, this is a significant accomplishment. I knew virtually nothing about her before reading Mrs. Holt's book, but I now find her a real inspiration. I especially appreciate the attention given to the saint's family background and early life. As a family man myself, I was very edified by the depiction of the Drexel family, and the description of the saint's struggle to discern her vocation would, I think, be very encouraging to a young person facing a state of life decision today. The chapters recounting the missionary efforts of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament during the first decades of the 20th century give a view of American history that is usually overlooked by contemporary education. And the chapter on St. Katherine's spirituality and the selection of her prayers and counsels reminded me at the end of the story that this was not just a courageous and gifted woman, but one chosen by God to be a reminder of God's call to each of us, the call to holiness.

"Meet Katharine Drexel" is a wonderful read. The material is well researched and Mary Holt captures the soul and heart of a holy woman who has left her imprint on the American landscape.It's a thoughtful account of Kate Drexel's journey to sainthood. The reader is drawn into a story of family, service, friendship, humility, adventure and Kate's relationship with God.St. Katharine's vision of unity among all people and her deep love of Christ and her Church prompts the reader to reflect and discern along with the author. "Meet Katharine Drexel" is a great first resource on the saint.