“The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it; and thirdly to do it because it is his will.”  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

As a Catholic revert, it was with great joy and surprise that I was introduced to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  I, like many, at the beginning of my faith journey, viewed sainthood as something that was only attainable to priests and religious who dedicated their entire lives to prayer, fasting, and extreme penances.  In other words, it wasn’t for a lay person like myself.  Mrs. Seton taught me differently. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton with a dear friend, who I consider to be a spiritual mother.  It was here that I first became acquainted with this lay woman who would become saint.

The Shrine is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland and is definitely worth a visit if you have never been there.  Aside from being situated in a beautiful pastoral setting, the Shrine features several must see exhibits about this wonderful saint. 

A visit to the Orientation Theater provides a 15 minute overview of St. Elizabeth’s life, her family, and legacy.  The Basilica where St. Elizabeth’s relics are entombed is also well worth the visit.  It features beautiful European stained glass windows, mosaics and a number of gorgeous statues.  Visitors to the Basilica may receive a partial indulgence or a plenary indulgence on special occasions. 

I was amazed by the innumerable trials that she endured throughout her life.  She was widowed from her husband William, whom she dearly loved after less than ten years of marriage.  Though short, their marriage was fruitful with a deep devotion to God, each other and their five children.  Of her husband she once said, “It seemed that I loved him more than anyone could love on earth.”

When her husband became ill with tuberculosis, they thought the climate in Italy would help him.  There he died but she was assisted in her grief by his friends, the Felici’s, whose deep Catholic faith were of great comfort and inspiration to her.  She fell in love with the traditions, liturgy, and most especially the Holy Eucharist.  Her belief in the Real Presence was so profound that it lead her to her conversion despite the fact that she would become ostracized by most of her Protestant family and friends.  

Her lack of financial support from her family motivated her to begin a small school to provide for her and her children.  These humble beginnings were the seed bed which lead to the foundation of the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg and the early parochial school system in the United States.  In the process she overcame many obstacles.  Several of her loved ones died of tuberculosis and other plagues of the time.  When she moved to Emmitsburg, she and the other founders of the community were beset with harsh winters, infestations, and near starvation.  Every day was a battle to survive illness and the elements.  Many would have given up under the challenging circumstances through which she endured.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was a wife, mother, widow, friend, teacher, foundress, and spiritual leader to many.  A consistent theme throughout her life, especially after her conversion, were a deep love of Sacred Scripture, total surrender to Divine Providence, and devotion to the Real Presence.  She was also gifted with an extraordinary love for people and it was through these relationships that she was assisted in all that she accomplished.    She sought to do the Divine Will of God in every circumstance and it took her into the depths of suffering and the heights of union with Our Lord.  At each opportunity, she said “yes” and placed her complete trust in Jesus. 

I hope that you will make a pilgrimage to visit her shrine.  If you do, be sure to stop at their gift shop and pick up a copy of her biography, Mrs. Seton.  I am certain that it will inspire you as it has me and so many others over the years.  When reading more about her life, I was most struck by what a true spiritual mother she was.

Thank you St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for the many ways you said “yes” in your service to God.  Please pray that in this New Year, we may embrace the holy will of God and become all that He has called and created us to be.

“We know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life. We know that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty.”