City gathers to honor its soon-to-be saint

A Philadelphian will become the second saint from within the city limits when she is officially canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 1 in Rome. The Blessed Mother Katharine Drexel, famous for giving up her family fortune to work with the underprivileged, was honored yesterday at an ecumenical service at Drexel University. "She was a first citizen of our great city," said Mayor John Street, who organized the event. Many world religions were duly represented, with more than 500 people in attendance, at the service celebrating Drexel, who died in 1955 at the age of 96. Drexel, who was born to one of America's wealthiest families in the 19th century, spent her fortune -- worth close to $300 million in today's dollars -- on her missionary work, according to Philadelphia City Council President Anna Verna. "She could have done anything," Verna said to the audience. "Her devotion came out of the strong Catholic faith and the devotion to the poor she learned from her parents." "[Drexel's] values and her ideas provide inspiration to people throughout the world," Constantine Papadakis, president of Drexel University said. Katherine Drexel was the niece of the university's founder, Anthony Drexel. Reverend Monseigneur Frederico Britto, pastor of the St. Cyprian Church, and Bishop Audrey Bronson, pastor of the Sanctuary Church of the Open Door, joined Burt Siegel, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, and Imam Shamsud-Din Ali of the Philadelphia Masjid on a stage to offer prayers in honor of Drexel. Chief Buffy Red Feather Brown of the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania was also on hand for the ceremony. She offered a "blessing of the four directions" in Drexel's honor. Drexel was known for her work with Native Americans. Referring to Drexel's work in the southwestern United States -- where she established many schools -- Father Charles Brinkman, director of the Newman Center at Drexel University, told a story of a 7-year-old Navajo girl who was being interviewed by a reporter. The child was asked if she knew of Drexel, and then what she knew about Drexel. The child replied, "I know she loved us." Street was supposed to go to Rome for the canonization, but decided this week that he will stay to assist in the ongoing negotiations between the Philadelphia School District and the city's teachers union. A member of Street's staff will be going to Rome, however, to present a gift from Philadelphia to the Pope. A giant cross will be given to the Vatican, commemorating Drexel's entry into sainthood. Those who were at the event were pleased with how things went. "The celebration was just beautiful in every way," said Sister Monica Loughlin, president of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Drexel founded the SBS in 1891. Ali, who offered a prayer entitled "Of the past for the future," said that the celebration was "insightful of the mayor." "It was good to be a participant," Ali said. Chief Brown described the event as "one word -- fantastic," adding, "second word -- beautiful."