Saturday, Jan. 4, is the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She is the first American-born saint. Born on Aug. 28, 1774, in New York City, Elizabeth Ann Bailey was an Episcopalian. She later married William Seton, who, because of health issues moved to Italy with his wife and daughters. Soon after, he died. Elizabeth was staying with a family in Italy who were devout Catholics. When she returned to the USA, she became Catholic and worked as a teacher to support herself and her family.
    
She would eventually move to Baltimore, Maryland and then to Emmitsburg, Maryland. Because of her deep faith, other women joined her as she founded St. Joseph Academy and started her own religious order, known as the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. This is the same order that founded Mount St. Joseph College in Cincinnati. She and her sisters were especially committed to providing education to young women and founded many schools.
    
In September of 1975, Mother Seton, as she was known, was canonized by Pope Paul VI in Rome. There were many celebrations at St. Joseph Academy in Emmitsburg.  I had just moved to Emmitsburg a month before to begin my studies in theology at Mount St. Mary Seminary.  Bishops from around the country were coming to Emmitsburg to celebrate Mass that day, and I assisted in serving at one of those Masses.