St. Elizabeth's Convent, Religious complex in Bensalem Township, US
St. Elizabeth's Convent is a three-building religious complex in Bensalem Township built in Spanish-French Mission style with a main convent structure, chapel, and bell tower. The roughly 8-acre property includes additional buildings for laundry and utilities that supported the daily operations of the residents.
The complex was founded in 1892 as the motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and operated in this role until its closure and sale in 2017. Its ties to Katharina Drexel's work and mission provided the foundation that guided the community throughout those decades.
The convent was dedicated to serving Native Americans and African Americans through education and community work that shaped how the sisters here understood their purpose. This mission-driven identity remained central to daily life within these buildings for many decades.
The property sits at 1663 Bristol Pike in Cornwells Heights with the chapel remaining available for visitors as an active prayer space. It is wise to check access beforehand since not all buildings are open to the public.
Katharina Drexel's remains were originally interred in the chapel at this location before being moved to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. This connection links the place to an important chapter in her spiritual journey.
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