St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Wife, mother of five, widow, convert, and the first native-born American canonized.

The story

Raised Episcopalian in New York high society, Elizabeth married William Seton and bore five children. His business failed and he died of tuberculosis in Italy, where the Filicchi family's Catholic faith, especially the Real Presence, drew her to the Church. Received in 1805 and shunned by many friends, she moved to Emmitsburg, founded the Sisters of Charity, and began the parochial school system in America.

What Elizabeth teaches

Grace works through loss. Elizabeth's widowhood and poverty became the soil of a mission that shaped a nation's faith.

Patronage

Catholic schools, widows, converts.

Prayer

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, you found Christ in the Eucharist and gave your life to teaching children. Pray that our families and schools may be filled with the same faith. Amen.