St. Katharine Drexel, whose feast day we celebrate during Lent on March 3, lived a life of almsgiving. An American heiress born just before the Civil War, she gave up her wealth (equivalent to $200 million today) and entered a convent. She had a heart for missions, and devoted her life to serving Native Americans and African Americans, opening schools for them across the country. Ever loving God, you called St. Katharine Drexel to teach the message of the Gospel and to bring the life of the Eucharist to our Black and Native American brothers and sisters. By her prayers and example, enable us to work for justice among the poor and oppressed. Draw us all into the Eucharistic community of your Church, that we may be one in you. Amen.