Elizabeth Seton: American Saint Catherine O’Donnell

Elizabeth Ann Seton, canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975, is the first native-born American saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Author Catherine O’Donnell offers this exceptional biography of Seton utilizing the newest resources available.  O’Donnell draws on a wealth of materials from archives in the United States and Europe. These include Seton’s own diary; the correspondence, spiritual reflections, copybooks, and letters of her contemporary Sisters; as well as account books, architectural plans, discipline records, and the papers of priests and prelates.

Seton’s life is both representative and extraordinary. Through her experiences one can see the specific effects of revolution, early nation building, foreign war, and territorial and economic development. Her conversion marks her out as exceptional, and the opportunities for leadership and institution building afforded her by the Catholic Church are unique.  This much needed and long awaited biography is a compelling, well-written, and meticulously detailed account of the inspiring life of Elizabeth Ann Seton.  As a daughter, wife, mother, convert, widow, foundress, and teacher, Mother Seton is truly a saint for us all.  Having lived through times of epidemic, quarantine, war, upheaval, loss, and tragedy, Mother Seton is a true saint of our times.  This wonderful biography will touch and inspire readers as they journey through the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American born saint.