St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774–1821) was born in New York City to a wealthy, virtuous, and influential family.  She married a businessman, and together they lived on Wall Street.  They attended an Episcopalian church where Elizabeth was very active in charitable works to the poor.  When her father-in-law died, she became like a mother to her husband's six younger siblings, in addition to their own five children.  During a trip to Italy she was introduced to Catholicism, and she converted to the Catholic Church following the death of her husband.  After losing her family fortune, Elizabeth spent her life working to improve education and provide for the poor, as well as the needs of her own children.  She established the first Catholic school in the nation, and also founded the Sisters of Charity, the first American religious community.  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native-born citizen of the United States to be declared a saint.  She is also the patron of widows and those who have lost parents or children.  Her feast day is January 4th.