THE STORY OF THE SAINTS - BY FATHER ED

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1874-1821) St. Elizabeth Ann Bayley (Seton) was born on August 28, 1774 in New York City. She was the daughter of a prominent physician and professor of what is now Columbia University. In 1794, Elizabeth married William Seton with whom she had five children. The loss of their fortune adversely affected William's health and they went to Livorno, Italy at the invitation of some friends. William died six weeks after their arrival. Six months later, Elizabeth returned to New York with her children. By then she was already convinced that she should enter the Catholic Church and was baptized on March 4, 1805. Because of her decision, her friends and relatives abandoned her, but God did not. She was invited by the Sulpicians to come to Baltimore and to establish a school for girls. It prospered. Archbishop John Carroll gave her permission to live a religious life with her assistants, who took vows and adopted a religious habit. In 1809 she moved her community to Emmitsburg, Maryland. Elizabeth Ann Seton laid the foundation for the American Parochial School System. She also opened orphanages in Philadelphia and New York City. She died at Emmitsburg on January 4, 1821, was beatified by Blessed Pope John XXIII in 1963 and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975.