Earlier today, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament made a major announcement. They will seek to rededicate existing resources in a way that will best support their mission in the future and enable them to provide continued care for elderly and infirm sisters.
This national plan calls for the sale of the Mother House in Bensalem, where the National Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel is located, and an additional property in Virginia. The leadership of the congregation is taking appropriate and careful steps to ensure that the national shrine will remain open through at least 2017.
They have asked that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia receive the remains of Saint Katharine Drexel at an appropriate time after the shrine in Bucks County closes. Archbishop Chaput has agreed to accept this honor and responsibility. He has also pledged collaborative support so that the congregation’s archives and artifacts can be cared for within the bounds of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Attached you will find a news release from the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and a statement from Archbishop Chaput that have been shared with the media. They contain additional and important information.
