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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Our Patron

           Elizabeth Ann Bayley was born on August 28,1774, in New York City.  In 1794 she married William Seton, a successful merchant, and they had 5 children.  She accompanied her husband to Italy in 1803, following a reversal in their fortunes; some months after his death in Pisa she returned to New York City and, in 1805 became a Roman Catholic.  In 1809 she established in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the first house of later grew into a widespread religious community know as the Sisters of Charity, with a rule, or constitution, modeled on the daughters of Charity of the French priest St. Vincent de Paul.  Elected the first superior of the order, she held the post until her death.  Parochial education in the United States began with her establishing a Catholic school in Emmitsburg.  She was noted for her ministrations to the poor and sick.


The National  Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland,  is just 45 minutes from Mechanicsburg. Emmitsburg was home to Elizabeth from 1809 until her death in 1821.  She is buried in the Basilica at this site and a museum and two historic homes help to interpret the story of her life and accomplishments.

Please see the link to the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton on our links page.