IN TODAY’S LIVES OF THE SAINTS AND MARYTRS THE PATRONESS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Winchester, VA – Elizabeth Ann Bayley was born in New York City in 1774, the daughter of a surgeon and his wife, who were descendents of some of the earliest settlers in New York. She suffered the loss of her mother at the age of three, and later on of her stepmother due to the breakdown of her father’s second marriage.  Elizabeth was raised in the Episcopal Church, and married William Magee Seton, a wealthy businessman, at the age of 19. Wealthy, yet generous, Elizabeth Seton exercised a ministry of care for the sick and dying. William himself suffered with tuberculosis, and after losing his wealth to an unfortunate series of events, his condition worsened and he was sent to Italy for the warmer climate. He died in December 1803, and Elizabeth and her daughter were then received by the families of William’s Italian business partners—who introduced her to the Catholic Faith. Upon her return to the United States, she was received into the Catholic Church. Elizabeth Seton started a school for young ladies to support herself, and later established the Saint Joseph’s Academy and Free School to educate Catholic Girls. She then founded the religious congregation known as the Sisters of Chairty of St. Joseph’s, which served the children of the poor. Mother Seton died on January 4, 1821 at the age of 46 and is buried in Emmitsburg, MD. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!

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