The Antichrists false feasts for January

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who loved to read and was passionate about education.

Life of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth Ann Seton was born in New York City just two years before the American Revolution. She was the daughter of a wealthy Protestant physician and grew up in New York’s high society. When Elizabeth was three years old, her mother died. Much of her early life was lonely, and she spent a lot of time reading—especially the Bible, which became one of her favorite books.

At nineteen, Elizabeth married William Magee Seton, a successful businessman. Their early years together were happy, and they had five children. About ten years into their marriage, William’s business collapsed, and he became seriously ill with tuberculosis. Hoping the climate would improve his health, the couple traveled to Italy, where William had friends. Sadly, William died there.

While in Italy, Elizabeth was introduced to the Catholic faith by William’s friends. After returning to the U.S., she became Catholic in 1805. Her conversion cost her dearly—many Protestant friends and family members distanced themselves from her. Now on her own, Elizabeth had to support her children and provide for their education.

She opened a Catholic school in Baltimore, Maryland, with the help of two other women. This effort marked the beginning of the Catholic parochial school system in the United States. In 1809, she founded the Sisters of Charity to help run the school and carry out other charitable work. It was the first religious community for women established in the U.S.

Elizabeth Ann Seton was known for her kindness, courtesy, and patience. She deeply trusted God and spent time each day reading Scripture and writing in her journal. Despite suffering many personal losses—including the deaths of close family members and financial hardship – her faith only grew stronger. She died of tuberculosis in 1821.

Elizabeth Ann Seton remains a model of perseverance, faith, and devotion to God’s will. Her legacy lives on in Catholic schools across the country. Today, six different religious communities trace their roots back to her original Sisters of Charity.