MEMORIAL: JANUARY 4
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was born into a wealthy family in New York City, in 1774. She grew up an educated young woman and married a wealthy man named William Seton. After a short time, misfortune fell on the family leading to bankruptcy and William having to travel to Italy in hopes of restoring his health. He would die in Italy, but it was here amidst her grief that Elizabeth felt drawn to the Catholic faith and was converted in 1805. Upon returning to the United States, Elizabeth opened the first Catholic Schools in America, aiming to educate young girls. She would form her own sisterhood called the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph which served the poor in North America. St. Elizabeth died at the age of 46 and was the first native born American to be canonized a saint.
