Born into an Episcopalian family in New York, this widowed mother of five became a Catholic. She founded the Sisters of Charity and laid the foundations of Catholic schooling, becoming the first native-born American saint.
Life
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was born in 1774 into an Episcopalian family in New York. She married the merchant William Seton and had five children, but the business failed and her husband fell ill. On a journey to Italy for his health, she lost him in 1803, and she was deeply moved by the kindness and Eucharistic devotion of the Catholic family who cared for them there.
Back in America, she entered the Catholic Church in 1805 despite opposition from those around her. In 1809 in Emmitsburg, Maryland, she founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph and opened a school for children, laying a foundation for Catholic education in the United States. She died in 1821 and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975 as the first native-born American saint.
Spirituality
Elizabeth Ann Seton's spirituality is trust that accepts God's will. Through the loss of her husband and children, poverty and misunderstanding, she found comfort in the Lord present in the Eucharist. As mother, widow, religious and educator, she shared God's love wherever she was placed.
Reflection
Mother Seton was born on American soil and opened schools for immigrant and poor children. For the faith formation of our own families and children living in America, what could you do today?