countries: International ; religion: Christianity
Elizabeth 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 "cream" of New York society. She was a prolific reader, and read everything from the Bible to contemporary novels. The many enforced separations from dear ones by death and distance, served to draw Elizabeth`s heart to God and eternity.

She established the first free Catholic school in America. On March 25, 1809, Elizabeth Seton pronounced her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, binding for one year.

From that time she was called Mother Seton. Although Mother Seton was now afflicted with tuberculosis, she continued to guide her children.

The Rule of the Sisterhood was formally ratified in 1812. It was based upon the Rule St. Vincent de Paul had written for his Daughters of Charity in France. By 1818, in addition to their first school, the sisters had established two orphanages and another school. Today six groups of sisters trace their origins to Mother Seton`s initial foundation.

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