Elizabeth Ann Seton, (1774 - 1821) is the first canonized American born saint (She was canonized in 1975 by Pope Paul VI). She founded the first congregation of religious sisters to be founded in the United States. She is the patron saint of Catholic schools and of widows. We celebrate her feast day today. Pope Paul VI had this to say about her: “Elizabeth Ann Seton is a saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American. All of us say this with special joy, and with the intention of honoring the land and the nation from which she sprang forth as the first flower in the calendar of the saints. Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage.” Here is a great quote of hers, a quote that has a basis in the psalms: “He raises me from the dust to feel that I am near him. He drives away all terrors to fill me with his consolations. He is my guide, my friend and Supporter. With such a guide, can I fear? With such a friend, shall I not be satisfied. With such a supporter, can I fall?”
In our psalm today, the psalmist pleads to the Lord: “Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.” We see the leper in the Gospel also approach Jesus in his mercy, hoping that Jesus will make us clean. As we celebrate Elizabeth Ann Seton today and her great example of faith, we ask unite our prayers with her prayers, and may we approach God in his love and mercy.
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