Preparing for Catholic Schools Week

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
1774-1821

Hello, I am Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. This timeline identifies the years of my birth and death.

Many schools are named after me. In fact, some people say that my work gave energy and vision to the Catholic school movement in the United States.

My work took place about 200 years ago. As you celebrate Catholic Schools Week you can expand my dream of “Character. Compassion. Values.”

I came from a prominent family. My father was a very successful doctor.

When I was 20 years old, I married William Magee Seton, a wealthy merchant. We had five children. Even with a large family, I was very involved in social work.

1803 was a double whammy for me. I will never forget it. My husband’s business not only went bankrupt in that year, but he also became very sick.

In search of a warm climate to help his health, my husband, my oldest daughter, and I temporarily moved to Italy. My husband’s health did not improve and he soon died.

My daughter and I returned to the U.S. soon after 1803 so our whole family could be together again.

My financial situation became very meager during this time of limited money, which is why I did various part-time jobs for extra income.

I became a Catholic in 1805 because of the friendly and generous spirit of a family that I met during my short stay in Italy. In my mind that generous family without really knowing it, showed me the way.

In 1808, I established a school for girls and one year later I founded a religious community, the Sisters of Charity. Our members are dedicated to teaching in parochial schools. In fact, I am frequently credited with laying the foundation for the Catholic school system in the U.S.

I was canonized in 1975 by Pope John XXIII. This made me the first American-born saint.

My feast day is celebrated on January 4.