As we get ready to welcome 2009, many people are taking the time to look back before looking ahead. And in Bucks County, there's a sacred space devoted to reflection. WFMZ's Karin Mallett takes us to the St. Katharine Drexel Mission Center and National Shrine in tonight's One Tank Trip.  No matter what faith you follow.. it's awe inspiring. >> Sr. Patricia Downs: They come in a spirit of faith, a spirit of looking for peace and just some kind of quietness. >>nats: >> REPORTER: You'll find it here at the St. Katharine Drexel Mission Center and National Shrine in Bucks County. The chapel was built in 1891 and underneath it.. a crypt.. where St. Katharine is buried. People of all faiths are welcome and pilgrims have been making the journey for years.. but St. Katharine's story started long before she became a saint. >> She knew struggle and she knew pain and she had a passion for goodness. >> REPORTER: Born into a wealthy Philadelphia family, Katharine Mary Drexel was taught from a young age to share her good fortune with others. Three days a week, the Drexels would open their home to the poor. Katharine was soon called to religious life and founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Many of her missions focused on helping Native Americans and black communities in the South and Southwest. There are pictures and artifacts of her work scattered about the center. >> We have an apache burden basket next to Mother Katharine's tomb and people can write a petition or a prayer request there and it's placed there. >> REPORTER: Katharine passed away in 1955 and 45 years after her death.. she was raised to sainthood. >>Standup: After her canonization, crowds began to come into the crypt to pray as Mother Katharine became more known.. so this mission center where we are now was built as a place to receive those visitors. It's fairly new built in 2002. >> Because of her love for God she really believed that all of us, no matter who we are or where we are were created in God's image. That there should be a matter of justice in everything that we do and that if we were just there would be peace and love in our world. >> REPORTER: Reflecting on the past, present and future here at the St. Katharine Mission Center and National Shrine, Karin Mallett, 69 News Berks Edition.

website: http://www.katharinedrexel.org/missioncenter.html
One-way distance: 75 miles
One-way time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
original airdate: 12/31/2008

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