St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Patron Saint of Catholic Schools

Elizabeth Ann Seton was born in 1774 in New York. She is remembered for becoming the first saint in the newly independent United States. After her husband died, she converted to Catholicism in 1805 after seeing the rich Catholic traditions. Her husband’s death left her without money and with five children. She handled her grief by serving the Church, especially in Maryland where she lived. She opened the first American parish school, the first American Catholic orphanage, and founded the Sisters of Charity: the first American religious community for women. The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. “Put your heart at His feet; it is the gift He loves best.” -St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Catholic Apostolate Center Blog Posts on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

• Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Will of God

• First American Saint

Pilgrimage Site in the United States

• Basilica and National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton — Emmitsburg, MD