Elizabeth Ann Seton is known as the first American-born saint, but her story began in ordinary life.
She was not a nun at the start.
Born in 1774 in New York, Elizabeth married and raised five children. Her life focused on family and daily responsibility. No convent life. No religious order. Just commitment to home and work.
After her husband’s death, she continued raising her children and later became Catholic. This decision shaped the direction of her life and service.
In 1809, Elizabeth founded the Sisters of Charity, the first religious congregation for women in the United States. Only after founding it did she formally enter religious life and become a sister.
That same year, she opened the first free Catholic school in the United States, offering education to poor children, especially girls. She believed faith should be lived through action, learning, and care for others.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s legacy is clear. Holiness can grow from family life, work, and service. Faith lived simply can build something that lasts.
⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ
