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Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton SC (August 28, 1774 – January 4, 1821) was a Catholic religious sister in the United States and an educator, known as a founder of the country's parochial school system. Born in New York and reared as an Episcopalian, she married and had five children with her husband William Seton.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (born August 28, 1774, New York, New York [U.S.]—died January 4, 1821, Emmitsburg, Maryland, U.S.; canonized 1975; feast day January 4) was the first native-born American to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church.
Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first citizen born in the United States to be given the title of “Saint.” Mother Seton was canonized by Pope Paul VI. Open Daily 10am-5pm
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American to be canonized as a saint. She was raised Episcopalian, but later converted to Catholicism. Through the struggles and tragedies she faced in life, she remained devout.
Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was the first native born American to be canonized by the Catholic Church. Born two years before the American Revolution, Elizabeth grew up in the upper class of New York society. She was a prolific reader, and read everything from the Bible to contemporary novels.
Jun 4, 2024 · Historic and religious site of first American-born saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. All welcome to visit the museum, historic homes and Basilica with her Shrine.
From 1809 to 1821, the year she died, she laid the foundation for the Catholic parochial system in the United States, founded her Sisters of Charity, and ran her school and lived with her community at her headquarters in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Loving by nature, she grew in faith and hope because of trial, not in spite of it. And with each trial God revealed resources, strength, and courage she did not know she possessed. Mother Seton was canonized the first American-born saint by Pope Paul VI in 1975.
2021 marks the 200th anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s death. It also marks the 46 years since her canonization, at which Pope Saint Paul VI declared her—a wife, mother, teacher, religious sister, and Catholic convert—America’s first native-born saint.
The Basilica is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. Masses are held Sunday through Friday at 1:30 pm. Confession and Adoration are available Monday through Friday prior to Mass from 12:15-1:15pm. Check our calendar for events.
