Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821) was the first native-born American to be canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church. Born into a prominent New York family, she faced personal tragedies, including the death of her husband. In her search for faith, she converted to Catholicism and founded the Sisters of Charity, the first American religious community for women. Seton established schools and promoted education, particularly for girls, significantly impacting the American Catholic education system. She was canonized in 1975 and is the patron saint of widows, educators, and those grieving the loss of a loved one.