St Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth Ann was born into a rich family and she received a good education.  She loved to read and she read many books, including the Bible.  Elizabeth Ann grew up knowing about God, but she was not part of the Catholic Church at that time.  Elizabeth Ann did many things to help poor people, even when she was just a teenager. When Elizabeth was 19 she got married to a rich man called William Magee Seton; he owned a fleet of ships. Elizabeth and William had 5 children, and they were very happy.  Then Mr. Seton's ship business lost all its money and he became very sick.  He soon died and Elizabeth Ann was very sad, because she loved her husband very much.  Her friends helped her to find joy in Jesus and they taught her about the Catholic faith.  The Bible became her favorite book during this time, because she learned that the Bible was God's word speaking to her and helping her to make good decisions.  She always kept her Bible close to her for the rest of her life.  After studying about the Catholic Church and praying about it, she decided to join the Catholic Church.  She then spent the rest of her life serving God and His people.  She opened many schools for children and lots of other women came to help her and live with her.  They all became nuns and started the order of the American Sisters of Charity and helped lots of poor and sick people.