March 3, St. Katharine Drexel

Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.-- Psalm 31:17

Mass readings: Jeremiah 18:18-20 / Matthew 20:17-28

Model for Faith Formation

Unlike her parents and grandparents, our 2-year-old granddaughter, Lilia Therese, is just about perfect! I often think about how Lilia is being influenced spiritually -- and the images and spiritual practices that are shaping her view of God.

Perhaps you know about the heiress and socialite, Katharine Drexel, who contributed millions of dollars of her personal fortune to improve the lives of African-Americans and Native Americans. Perhaps you already admire this contemporary saint, who died as recently as 1955. But are you aware of Katharine's early formation? She was taken by her parents to daily Mass, as well as being encouraged in a half hour of mental prayer each day. Out of that early formation, she was able to say ''yes'' to Pope Leo XIII's request that she fulfill the mission that tugged at her heartstrings.

Prayer: Please help us, Lord, to consciously strengthen spiritual formation in our children's and grandchildren's lives.