C. 1774 – 1821
Feast – January 4
The first American-born saint was a married mother of five. Following the death of her husband in 1803, Elizabeth became a Catholic and formed a community of women in Maryland. She spent her life helping the poor and the sick and dedicated her years as a religious sister to education. She established the Sisters of Charity in the United States. They are considered founders of the parochial school system. Seton was canonized in 1975. A shrine in her name is located in Maryland.