St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, born on August 28, 1774, in New York City, was the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized as a saint. She was raised in a prominent Episcopalian family and married William Magee Seton, a wealthy merchant, in 1794. Together, they had five children. However, her life took a dramatic turn when her husband’s business failed, and he died of tuberculosis in 1803, leaving Elizabeth a widow at the age of 29. During a trip to Italy with her ailing husband, Elizabeth was introduced to Catholicism through the kindness of the Filicchi family, who were devout Catholics. This experience, combined with her own spiritual searching, led her to convert to Catholicism in 1805, a decision that caused significant social and familial strain. Despite these challenges, her faith only deepened. In 1809, Elizabeth moved to Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first religious community for women in the United States. This community was dedicated to serving the poor and educating children, particularly girls. She also established St. Joseph’s Academy and Free School, the first free Catholic school for girls in the country, laying the foundation for the parochial school system in America.