Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was born in 1774, just two years before the American Declaration of Independence was signed. She grew up in a prominent and wealthy Episcopal family in New York City. Well educated and known for her beauty and grace, she married William Magee Seton at the age of 19. Together, they had five children.

In 1803, Elizabeth and her family traveled to Italy in hopes of improving William’s failing health. Upon their arrival, they were quarantined for 40 days in a tower. During this difficult time, Elizabeth cared for her gravely ill husband. Sadly, William died at the age of 37, leaving her a widow with five young children.

While waiting to return to America, Elizabeth stayed with friends in Italy and began attending Mass with them. She was deeply moved by the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith. After returning to New York in 1805, she made the courageous decision to convert to Roman Catholicism, despite strong opposition from her family and friends. To support her children, she opened a school.

In 1809, Elizabeth founded a religious community in Emmitsburg, Maryland—the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph's—which became the first American congregation of religious sisters. With the support of John Carroll, they established a Catholic school, laying the foundation for the parochial school system in the United States.

Elizabeth experienced great personal sorrow throughout her life. Two of her daughters, Anna Maria and Rebecca, died in childhood. Her son Richard became a merchant seaman and died at sea. Her eldest son, William, struggled with the strict discipline of religious life but later married; one of his sons eventually became a bishop. Her youngest daughter, Catherine, entered religious life as a Sister of Mercy and lived to the age of ninety-one.

Elizabeth Ann Seton died of tuberculosis on January 4, 1821. Her life of faith, charity, and perseverance led to her canonization on September 14, 1975, in St. Peter’s Square by Pope Paul VI. She became the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized a saint.

Today, her remains are entombed at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, a place of pilgrimage honoring her enduring legacy of education, charity, and faith.