Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American Saint, was born at New York City in1774 of a wealthy Episcopalian family. In 1794, Elizabeth married William Seton, and they were blessed with 5 children. During their trip to Livorno, Italy, in 1803, William died. Roman Catholic friends displayed such great kindness to her that she became interested in their faith. In 1805, despite strong opposition from her Episcopalian friends, she became Catholic.

3 years later, she opened a grade school in Baltimore, Maryland. The following year, she established in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the 1st house of what later grew into the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph. Elected the first superior of the order, she held that office until her death in 1821. The Sisters of Charity, whose rule was modeled upon that of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent dePaul, laid the foundation for the Parochial School system in America.