St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was the first native born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Born two years before the American Revolution, Elizabeth grew up in the upper class of New York society. She was a prolific reader, and read everything from the Bible to contemporary novels. In spite of her high society background, Elizabeth's early life was quiet, simple, and often lonely. As she grew a little older, the Bible was to become her continual instruction, support and comfort - and she would continue to love the Scriptures for the rest of her life. In 1794, Elizabeth married the wealthy young William Seton, with whom she was deeply in love. The first years of their marriage were happy and prosperous. Elizabeth wrote in her diary at first autumn, "My own home at twenty-the world-that and heaven too-quite impossible."

This time of Elizabeth's life was to be a brief moment of earthly happiness before the many deaths and partings she was to suffer. Within four years, William's father died, leaving the young couple in charge of William's seven half brothers and sisters, as well as the family's importing business. Events moved quickly from there with devastating effect. Both William's business and health failed. He was finally forced to file a petition of bankruptcy and, in a final attempt to save William's health, the Setons sailed for Italy, where William had business friends. Unfortunately, William died of tuberculosis while in Italy. Elizabeth's one consolation was that he had recently awakened to the things of God. The many enforced separations from dear ones by death and distance served to draw Elizabeth's heart to God and eternity. The accepting and embracing of God's will - "The Will," as she called it - would be a keynote in her spiritual life.

Elizabeth's deep concern for the spiritual welfare of her family and friends eventually led her into the Catholic Church. In Italy, Elizabeth captivated everyone by her kindness, patience, good sense, wit, and courtesy. During this time Elizabeth became interested in the Catholic Faith and, over a period of months, her Italian friends guided her in Catholic instruction. Elizabeth's desire for the Bread of Life was to be a strong force leading her to the Catholic Church. Having lost her mother at an early age, Elizabeth felt great comfort in the idea that the Blessed Virgin was truly her mother. She asked the Blessed Virgin to guide her to the True Faith and officially joined the Catholic Church in 1805.

At the suggestion of the president of St. Mary's College in Baltimore, Maryland, Elizabeth started a school in that city. The school had originally been secular but once news of her entrance to Catholicism spread, several girls were removed from her school. It was then Seton, and two other young women who helped her in her work, began plans for a Sisterhood. They established the first free Catholic school in America. When the young community adopted their rule, they made provisions for Elizabeth to continue raising her children. On March 25, 1809, Elizabeth Seton pronounced her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, binding for one year. From that time she was called Mother Seton.

Although Mother Seton became afflicted with tuberculosis, she continued to guide her children. The Rule of the Sisterhood was formally ratified in 1812. It was based upon the Rule St. Vincent de Paul had written for his Daughters of Charity in France. By 1818, in addition to their first school, the sisters had established two orphanages and another school. Today, six groups of sisters can trace their origins to Mother Seton's initial foundation. Seton's favorite prayer was the 23rd Psalm and she developed a deep devotion to the Eucharist, Sacred Scripture, and the Virgin Mary. For the last three years of her life, Elizabeth felt that God was getting ready to call her, and this gave her great joy. Mother Seton died in 1821 at the age of 46, only sixteen years after becoming a Catholic. She was beatified by Pope John XXIII on March 17, 1963 and was canonized on September 14, 1975 by Pope Paul VI.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is celebrated on January 4th, during the early days of the new year when many people are making resolutions and beginning new projects. This feast is celebrated as a memorial in the Roman Catholic Church, recognizing Elizabeth's importance as the first native-born American saint and her pioneering work in Catholic education. The feast falls during a time when many students are returning to school after the Christmas break, making it an ideal time to remember Elizabeth's dedication to education and her commitment to forming young minds in the Catholic faith. The feast provides an opportunity to honor Elizabeth's memory and to reflect on the importance of Catholic education in our own communities. It is also a time to pray for all those who work in Catholic schools and educational ministries, asking for Elizabeth's intercession in helping them to serve their students with wisdom, love, and faith.

Traditions and Customs

On the feast day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, many people participate in special prayers and devotions to honor her memory and seek her intercession. Catholic schools, particularly those named after St. Elizabeth Ann Seton or those with connections to the Sisters of Charity, hold special Masses and services. Many people gather to pray for Catholic education and for all those who work in schools and educational ministries, asking for St. Elizabeth's intercession in helping them to serve their students with wisdom and love. The day is also marked by prayers for those who are considering conversion to the Catholic faith, asking for St. Elizabeth's guidance and support. Many people also take time to reflect on their own educational journey and to pray for the grace to be lifelong learners and faithful witnesses to Christ. The feast is also a time to reflect on how we can incorporate Elizabeth's virtues of faith, courage, and service into our daily lives.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of wisdom and the ability to serve others with love and dedication. Many people make special petitions for Catholic schools and educational ministries, asking for St. Elizabeth's intercession in helping them to provide quality education infused with Catholic values. The day is also a time to reflect on the importance of education and to pray for the grace to be faithful witnesses to Christ in our own learning and teaching. St. Elizabeth's feast day encourages us to remember that we are all called to be lifelong learners and to use our gifts and talents for the service of others. It is also a time to pray for the grace to trust in God's will, even when we face difficulties or uncertainties. The feast reminds us that education is a sacred calling and that we should approach learning and teaching with reverence, humility, and love for God and neighbor.