St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native-born American saint. Credited with starting Catholic education in the United States, she opened the first Catholic school on February 22, 1810 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Although having successfully raised five children, as a young widow she took the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in 1809. Along with two other women, she formed a religious community, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, and was chosen to be the first superior of the community. Known as “Mother Seton”, she was a woman filled with tenacity, resilience, and spiritual fortitude. During her religious life, she achieved remarkable success as an entrepreneur, pioneer, founder, builder, administrator, and leader.
Elizabeth Ann Seton died at the youthful age of 47 in Emmitsburg, Maryland, on January 4, 1821, following a three-year illness. At the time of her death, the community had grown to fifty in number, and operated in twenty locations. Today, six congregations of Sisters trace their roots to her work.
Mother Seton was canonized on September 14, 1975. She is patron saint of Catholic schools, children near death, and persons rejected for their Catholic faith. Seton Catholic School embraces her life, energy and faith — a faith in action that serves as our daily inspiration.