St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Though she was not a Franciscan, we celebrate St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as the first American-born saint. Born Elizabeth Ann Bailey on August 28, 1774 in New York City, she was raised as an Episcopalian. Later in life, after being widowed and despite fierce opposition from family and friends, she converted to Catholicism. She ultimately founded a religious order of sisters and began what would become the parochial school system in America.

Elizabeth married William Seton at an early age and bore five children. After her husband’s death, she converted to Catholicism in 1805.

Works of mercy had always been part of her life, and soon she opened a school in Baltimore. There, she was joined by other women and in 1813 they pronounced religious vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Elizabeth then became known as Mother Seton.

The community that Mother Seton and her sisters created took the name The Sisters of Charity. They were dedicated to the education of Catholic girls and the care of children of the poor. It was the first congregation of religious sisters founded in the United States, and the school they founded in Baltimore was the first free Catholic school in America. It formed the basis of the parochial school system that continues today. 

Mother Seton died 4 January 1821 at the age of 46. She was beatified in 1963 and canonized in 1975. Elizabeth’s Feast Day is celebrated on January 4.