St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Feast Day: January 4

“The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God.” – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is honored as the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized a saint. Her feast day, celebrated on January 4, commemorates her dedication as a wife, mother, teacher, and founder, whose deep trust in God led to the growth of Catholic education and religious life in America.

A Life of Faith Amid Trials

Elizabeth was born in 1774 in New York City into a prominent Episcopalian family. She married William Seton, a successful merchant, and together they had five children. Elizabeth was known for her devotion, charity, and care for the sick and poor.

Tragedy struck when her husband’s health failed. In an effort to save him, they traveled to Italy, but William died shortly after their arrival. During her stay with Catholic friends in Italy, Elizabeth was introduced to the Catholic faith and drawn deeply to its truth and beauty.

Upon returning to the United States, Elizabeth made the courageous decision to convert to Catholicism, entering the Church in 1805, despite rejection from family and friends.

Founder of Catholic Schools in America

Elizabeth felt called to serve through education. In 1809, she founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first native religious community for women in the United States.

She also opened the first free Catholic school in America, setting the foundation for the Catholic parochial school system in the U.S. Her mission combined a strong spiritual life with practical service, focusing especially on educating poor children.

A Life of Motherhood, Service, and Holiness

While raising her own children, Elizabeth cared for her religious sisters and countless students. Her life was marked by suffering—widowhood, financial struggles, and the deaths of two daughters—but her trust in God never wavered.

She lived with humility, simplicity, and unwavering faith, always striving to do the will of God in all things.

Canonization and Legacy

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton died in 1821 at the age of 46. She was canonized in 1975 by Pope St. Paul VI, becoming the first American-born saint.

She is the patron saint of Catholic schools, teachers, widows, and converts, a model of perseverance, faith, and loving service.

A Witness to Trust in Divine Providence

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s life reminds the faithful that holiness is found in responding to God’s call in whatever circumstances we are placed. Her legacy lives on in Catholic schools, religious communities, and the many who draw inspiration from her example of trust in God’s providence.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!