St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American saint, was born on August 28, 1774 into an influential Episcopalian family. Her father was a distinguished physician who belonged to the high society of New York city.
At three years old, she lost her mother and was subsequently treated poorly by her new stepmother. At age 19, Elizabeth married a wealthy businessman, William Magee Seton, who died ten years later leaving St. Elizabeth with five young children and a failed business.
Elizabeth converted to the Catholic Faith even though all financial and material support were withdrawn by her protestant relatives. Rampant anti-Catholicism also impeded her from obtaining a position to help raise her children. Through numerous trials and deaths of those close to her including two of her children, St. Elizabeth remained steadfast in her new Faith.
Her strength came from unfailing devotion to Our Lady and to the Blessed Eucharist. Armed with many graces from these devotions , she founded the Sisters of Charity. On her deathbed, she repeated, "Be children of the Church, be children of the Church." She died on January 4, 1821.
Let us follow St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's admonition to be a "child of the Catholic Church", concerned about the Church's welfare, fighting her detractors and supporting her faithful. Then, we surely will be able to accomplish God's Will and prove our love for His Mother.
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