“Go to him with faith, love and confidence – He will help. Fill yourself with his Spirit and He himself will govern ” St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American born Saint in the History of the Church. She was also highly impactful in Catholic Education. She in a particular way embodies the American experience as she was first a Episcopalian that converted to the Catholic faith during a visit to Italy.
She was also fairly unique in that she was a married woman who eventually ended up founding the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first community for apostolic, religious women established in the United States after her husband passed away unexpectedly.
She also founded the first free Catholic school for girls in the United States including one in Emmitsburg Maryland which continues to operate today. She inspires us as Catholic Educators that holiness is not foreign but authentically American.
May we strive to imitate her during this month dedicated to Catholic Schools and through her intercession may our schools thrive and spread the Glory of the name of Christ.
“Elizabeth Ann Seton is a saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American. All of us say this with special joy, and with the intention of honoring the land and the nation from which she sprang forth as the first flower in the calendar of the saints. –Pope St. Paul VI
In Christ,
Fr. Paul Kostka