St. Elizabeth Seton Icon

Born two years before the American Revolution, Elizabeth Bayley Seton grew up in the affluent society of New York. Despite her privileged background, Elizabeth's early life was marked by simplicity and solitude. However, she found comfort and guidance in the Bible, which she would continue to hold dear for the rest of her life. In 1794, Elizabeth married the love of her life, William Seton, and enjoyed a brief period of happiness before facing numerous trials and tragedies. After her husband's death, Elizabeth's deep faith and love for the Catholic Church led her to convert and establish the first free Catholic school in America. Despite her poor health, she continued to serve and guide her community until her death at the age of 46. Today, Mother Elizabeth Seton is honored as the first native-born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church.