St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
1774-1821
📅 Feast Day: Jan 4
📖 Life Timeline
1774
Born in August 28, 1774 AD, Charleston, South Carolina
1774
Born Aug 28, 1774 in New York City to a wealthy Anglican family
1803
's business failed and he died of tuberculosis in 1803, she inherited debts and moved to Baltimore with her children
1786
udying the faith, was received into the Church in 1786—the first American-born Catholic saint
1810
holic school for girls in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1810
1975
Canonized — 1975 by Pope Paul VI
✝ Biography
Born Aug 28, 1774 in New York City to a wealthy Anglican family. Married William Seton, a merchant, at 18, had five daughters. After her husband's business failed and he died of tuberculosis in 1803, she inherited debts and moved to Baltimore with her children. There she encountered Catholicism and, after studying the faith, was received into the Church in 1786—the first American-born Catholic saint. Founded the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1809, the first religious community of women in the United States. Opened the first free Catholic school for girls in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1810. Her educational philosophy emphasized that 'the education of the young is of all things the most important.' Died Jan 4, 1821 at age 46. Beatified in 1963, canonized in 1975 by Paul VI. First American-born saint.
🛡 Patronage
Patron of: Widows, religious educators, Catholic schools, and the United States.
💬 Words of the Saint
Abandon yourself wholly to God.
📜 Key Facts
Born
August 28, 1774, New York City
Died
January 4, 1821 AD, Emmitsburg, Maryland
Feast Day
Jan 4
Canonized
1975 by Pope Paul VI
🕊 Legacy
Elizabeth Ann Seton's Sisters of Charity grew into one of the largest religious orders in America. Her schools became the foundation of Catholic education. She proved that an American could be a saint.
📜 Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words — their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
📖 Letters
On Trust in God
Trust in God, my dear. He will never abandon you. He will provide for your needs, He will guide your steps, He will protect you from evil. He is your father, your mother, your friend, your refuge. Trust in Him, and you will find peace.
— St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
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