Elizabeth Ann Seton Research Paper

Elizabeth Ann Seton, a Catholic of 16 years, was the first native born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church. She is known for her charitable works and establishment of the group Sisters of Charity. Elizabeth Ann Seton was born on August 28, 1774. Her parents, Dr. Richard Bayley and Catherine Charlton of New York City, were an important couple in society. In contrast, Elizabeth’s childhood was quiet, simple, and often lonely. Her mother died when Elizabeth was just three years old. Her father then married Charlotte Amelia Barclay to provide a mother figure for Elizabeth and her older sister. Charlotte was involved with the Episcopal Church’s social ministry. She would often take young Elizabeth on her charitable rounds visiting …show more content…
This was a short period of earthly happiness in her life. Soon after their marriage Will’s business and health began to fail. As a last effort to safe Will’s health, the family sailed to Italy where Will had business friends. When in Italy, Will died of tuberculosis. Elizabeth’s one comfort was that Will had recently opened her eyes to the things of God. The many separations from dear loved ones by death and distance, served to draw Elizabeth's heart to God and eternity. She had a deep concern for the spiritual prosperity of her family and friends. Because of the loss of her mother and step-mother, Elizabeth found great comfort in the idea that the Blessed Virgin was truly her mother. She would soon ask the Blessed Virgin to guide her to the true faith. This led Elizabeth to join the Catholic Church in 1805. In 1809 Elizabeth moved to Emmitsburg, Maryland. She dedicated her adult life to addressing the educational needs of the poor. Elizabeth established the Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School, a school that provided a safe haven for academic education and spiritual learning for Catholic girls. She is the foundress of the group Sisters of Charity and known as “Mother Seton”. Elizabeth spent the rest of her life teaching children and establishing

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