Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)
for January 4
Elizabeth Ann Seton is a great American saint who was born wealthy but found her happiness in serving the poor. She was born in New York City into a wealthy Episcopal family. She was home-schooled by her father, and she read voraciously. At the age of 19, she married the wealthy merchant William Magee Seton, and they had five children. With her soul-mate and sister-in-law Rebecca Seton, she went about doing works of mercy. In 1797 she founded the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Children. Six years later her husband died. Attracted to the Catholic faith, she became a Catholic in 1805, facing rejection by her family. Encouraged by others, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph, whose priority was to serve poor people in works of charity and through Catholic education. She is credited with founding the first Catholic school and the first orphanage in the United States. She was canonized in 1975, making her the first saint born in the United States. We can be inspired by her life to reach out to those in need and experience the joy of serving Christ in the process. Her feast day is January 4. (Taken from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.")
Read more about Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)
Reflection
During his public life, Jesus was a teacher. He explained to all who would listen how much God loved them and how they should live their lives taking care of one another. Elizabeth Ann Seton, an American woman, did much the same. She was concerned about her children’s education, so she started a school in Baltimore. She grew to have a great concern for the education of poor children, and started an order of nuns dedicated to teaching poor children and doing other works of charity. This saint didn’t work miracles or have visions in her lifetime. She did what each of us is to do: live as well as we can the life we’ve been given. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Prayer
Loving God, I want to follow the example of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and live this day the way you want me to. Let me remember that I also teach through my actions and the values that guide my life. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
