January 4 2019 - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Catholicism Changes Lives

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was from a wealthy Episcopalian family in Manhattan, New York. In 1794, Elizabeth married William Seton, with whom she had five children.  Unfortunate circumstances led to the family losing their wealth, and having to go stay with some Catholic friends in Italy.  Even more unfortunate is that her husband died of Tuberculosis after just six weeks in Italy. 

In that time of great loss, the compassion her Catholic friends showed her brought her great comfort. She began to notice a great difference in the way that the Catholic families in Italy dealt with death and the protestants back in new York—she witnessed how deeply the Catholics were nourished by the Sacraments, by their prayer, and by the company of the Saints.

Elizabeth began to feel very attracted to the Catholic faith and especially to the Eucharist. She also began to love the Blessed Mother for the first time in her life. Despite stern opposition from her Episcopalian friends, she became Catholic on March 4, 1805. 

Here’s a woman who became Catholic and ultimately a saint because she was treated with great kindness by Catholics at moments of great tragedy—Catholics who were simply living their faith with deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin. 

Elizabeth went on to work for the conversion of souls as the foundress of the first religious congregation having its origin in the United States—the Sisters of Charity.   She basically founded the Catholic School System in the United States.

A wife, mother, widow, impoverished single-mother, convert, religious foundress, educator, social minister, and spiritual leader, Elizabeth Seton was the first person born in the United States to become a canonized saint. How many millions and millions of lives were changed, because ordinary Catholics took in a friend in need, and encouraged a grieving widow. And it was because those Catholics allowed the sacraments and devotions of Catholicism seep into their bones.

May this first canonized Saint native to the United States help us to come to the aid of those God brings into our lives, to witness by lives of Christian Charity to the truth of the Gospel of Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Christians may grow in charitable attentiveness to the needs of the poor in our midst.

That all those searching and longing for Christ may find him through the witness of His Holy Church.
Through the intercession of Mother Seaton, that all teachers, may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and concern for their students. 

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord