Every saint’s story has something particular to it that teaches us about the faith and how to live it out. The first American saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton, offers a beautiful and courageous witness to the faith despite much suffering and anti-Catholic sentiment that surrounded her. Listen up with Deacon Michael Niemczak to learn more about this vibrant saint, and what we can learn from her to grow in holiness…
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)
Elizabeth Ann Seton was born in New York City in 1774 to a prominent Episcopalian family. She married wealthy businessman William Magee Seton, and they had five children together. Financial problems arose when William’s health began to decline. He passed away from tuberculosis in 1803 while they were visiting Italy.
While in Italy, Elizabeth found herself drawn to the Catholic faith of their host family. Upon returning to New York, she converted to Catholicism to the consternation of her family and friends who ostracized her.
Financial problems continued, and Elizabeth established a boys’ school to support her family. There, she would experience more anti-Catholic bias as parents withdrew their children due to her faith.
In 1809, Elizabeth founded the first order of religious women in the United States, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, who were dedicated to education. Based in Emmitsville, Pennsylvania, this was a Catholic starting point in an otherwise Protestant educational system.
Elizabeth’s teaching philosophy blended moral, religious, and academic training, serving as a template for the US Catholic school system. She believed that discipline and order were insufficient in educating children without treating them with kindness.
Elizabeth founded St. Joseph’s Academy Free School for girls in 1810, the first free school in the United States staffed by religious women. She was committed to providing education without parish funding to as diverse a student body as possible.
Ultimately, Elizabeth expanded her educational endeavors beyond Emmitsville in response to a growing need. She started the first Catholic orphanage in Philadelphia and educational programs in New York City. One of her most famous quotes was “Oh my God, forgive what I have been, correct what I am, and direct what I shall be.” She was canonized in 1975, and her Sisters of Charity congregation continues to live on today.
Further Resources:
- Online: Access to all the writings of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Book: American Saint: The Life of Elizabeth Seton, by Mary Hilaire Tavenner
