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Philadelphia Archdiocese Unveils Renderings For Saint Katharine Drexel's New Tomb

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Archdiocese of Philadelphia unveiled renderings of the new tomb for Saint Katharine Drexel on Tuesday.

It will be constructed over the next few weeks at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

saint katherine drexel
Credit: (CBS3)

Once complete, the sacred remains of Saint Katharine Drexel will be transferred there from the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Motherhouse and Shrine in Bensalem.

"It seemed the most fitting for this holy woman to come continue her ministry, if you will, among us is here in our Cathedral Basilica. She knew this church; came to mass here in this church," Rev. Dennis Gill said.

For more than 60 years, the remains of Saint Katharine Drexel have been entombed at her founded congregation the sisters of blessed sacrament in Bensalem.

The decision to move the remains of the Philadelphia-area saint who was canonized in 2000 comes after another decision a year and a half ago -- a financial one -- to sell the property where Saint Katharine is currently entombed.

"Katharine was certainly a Philadelphian at heart. She was raised here, and was raised in a very prominent family," said Donna Breslin, president of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

Saint Katharine Drexel is known for foregoing a privileged life as a Drexel family heir in order to help Native American and African American people deal with poverty and discrimination.

A formal dedication will be celebrated during mass on Nov. 18.

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