St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
First American-Born Saint
Feast Day: January 4
Biography
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774–1821) was the first person born in the United States to be canonized. Born into a prominent Episcopalian family in New York City, she married William Seton, a wealthy merchant. After his business failed and his health deteriorated, they traveled to Italy, where he died of tuberculosis. During her time in Italy, Elizabeth was deeply moved by the Catholic faith of the families who cared for her — especially their devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She returned to New York and entered the Catholic Church in 1805, a decision that cost her nearly all her family and social connections. Undeterred, she moved to Baltimore and founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph — the first religious community for women established in the United States. She also founded St. Joseph's Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, which became the first free Catholic school in America, effectively creating the foundation for the entire Catholic parochial school system that would educate millions of American children. Despite enduring the deaths of her husband and two of her daughters, she maintained an extraordinary spirit of faith, joy, and service. She was canonized by Pope Paul VI on September 14, 1975.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, first American-born saint, you faced loss, rejection, and hardship with unshakable faith and remarkable courage. Help me to trust in God's plan through every trial and to find in my own suffering a share in the Cross of Christ. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.