Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native born American to be canonized a saint. Although born to non-Catholic parents, her strong religious beliefs led her to Catholicism after the death of her husband. Elizabeth's entrance into the Catholic Church caused her to be isolated from her wealthy Episcopalian family. Even though she was financially poor, she welcomed her work ahead. It was just the beginning of Elizabeth's establishments of hospitals, orphanages, and schools.

Elizabeth Ann was born on August 28, 1774. Her father was Richard Bayley and her mother was Catherine Charlton. When Elizabeth was only three years old, her mother passed away. A year later, Elizabeth also lost a younger sister. As a child, Elizabeth was mainly educated by her father, who was the first professor of anatomy at King's College, later called Columbia University in New York City. Elizabeth was very religious and always wore a small crucifix around her neck. She was always interested in religious subjects. She had a passion for reading, taking special interest in reading the Scriptures and the psalms.

In 1794, Elizabeth married William Magee Seton at age nineteen. Shortly after her marriage, she formed a special relationship with her sister-in-law, Rebecca Seton. Together they were called the "Protestant Sisters of Charity" and went on missions of charity. Over a period of ten years, Elizabeth and her husband had five children.

Suddenly in 1803, Elizabeth's husband became sick and his health required a sea voyage. Elizabeth, her husband, and their oldest daughter left for England. The rest of the children were left to stay with Rebecca Seton. When they arrived in Italy, the family was quarantined due to a yellow fever outbreak. They eventually are released to stay with friends of William. William's health continued to fade and Elizabeth remained strong by his side. Eventually, William died in Italy in 1803. After his death, Elizabeth and her daughter were invited to stay with some of Mr. Seton's Italian business partners in Italy. While she stayed in Italy, Elizabeth first experienced the Catholic religion and became interested in it. In 1805, she and her daughter finally returned to the United States.

After Elizabeth's return to the United States, she made the decision to convert to Catholicism. Her conversion left her rejected from her family and friends, who were strong Episcopalians. She was also left financially poor. In 1808, at the request of a priest, and in order to support her family, she established the Paca Street School in Baltimore. This became the first Catholic Elementary School in the United States. It was around this time that she also established a congregation of nuns, known as the Daughters of Charity. In 1814 she established the Orphan Asylum of Philadelphia; the first Catholic children care intuition. By 1818, she had also helped establish