St. Katharine Drexel Mission Center and National Shrine - Bensalem, Pennsylvania

(Photo courtesy of the Archives of the
Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament)

Destination: The St. Katharine Drexel Mission Center and National Shrine is just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the religious order established by St. Katharine Drexel in 1891. Historically, the apostolate of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament has been primarily with African and Native American peoples.
There is no daily Mass schedule on the website, but check http://masstimes.org/ for area churches.
Why to go: St. Katharine Drexel’s story is told through an exciting collection of furniture, photo displays, and artifacts. There is a five minute video which makes St. Katharine Drexel’s life come alive. Pilgrims can pray, reflect and leave written prayer intentions in the Apache Burden Basket located next to St. Katharine’s crypt. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament pray daily for these intentions.
The shrine area, which holds the entombed remains of St. Katharine Drexel, was built in 1949. The bas relief of the angels above the tomb was designed by Mother Mary of the Visitation, SBS, and Kathleen Dorsey.
Events: There is an open house scheduled May 15, but if you plan to be in the area that day, the sisters would like to know you’re coming. Email them at skdcenter@comcast.net.
Accessibility: All facilities are wheelchair accessible.The shrine is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, but it is closed on major holidays.
Ammenities: There are a gift shop, auditorium, indoor cafe and open air patio. A covered entrance accommodates busses and cars, and there is a large parking lot.
(Grand) Kid friendly: The Motherhouse grounds and the Mission Center offer visitors a serene place to pray, relax, learn, and converse — something to keep in mind.
Info: Address: Saint Katharine Drexel Mission Center and National Shrine, 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020. Phone: 215/244-9900. Web: http://www.katharinedrexel.org/Mission_Center.html

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org