Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton Carol Gates, Cathedral Pastoral Ministries Our Diocese is blessed with three patrons, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Peter Claver, and the Immaculate Conception. We will be taking a look at their lives and their example to us all on how we may strive for sainthood. Our first patron to celebrate is the patroness of our diocese and also of a local parish in Shreveport, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Born into an Episcopalian family in New York City on August 28, 1774, Elizabeth Ann Bayley married William Magee Seton in 1794 and became active in social ministry offering assistance to the sick and dying. While in Italy with her husband, he died of tuberculosis in 1803, leaving her to raise their five children. It was at this time she discovered and fell in love with the Catholic faith and the Blessed Virgin Mary, returned to the United States and joined the Church in 1805. Living in Maryland she founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, the first religious community for women in the U.S. She also established St. Joseph Academy & Free School, the first in the U.S., helping grow the option for Catholic parochial schools in our nation. In 1809, she declared her vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, and along with the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph established an
additional school and orphanage. Her legacy continues. How can we emulate her saintly example and reach out to help the sick, the dying, the orphan, and all children?
Name: Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton Feast day: January 4
“Elizabeth Ann Seton is a saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American. All of us say this with special joy, and with the intention of honoring the land and the nation from which she sprang forth as the first flower in the calendar of the saints. Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage.” –Pope Paul VI
Note: First native born American to be canonized a Saint Patron: of in-law problems, against the death of children, widows, death of parents, and opposition of Church authorities Birth: August 28, 1774 Death: January 4, 1821 Beatified: by Pope John XXIII on March 17, 1963 Canonized: by Pope Paul VI on September 14, 1975
Lord God, you blessed Elizabeth Seton with gifts of grace as wife and mother, educator and foundress, so that she might spend her life in service to your people. Through her example and prayers may we learn to express our love for you in our love for all your children, and our fellow men and women. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. JANUARY 2021 23
