St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Novena
This novena honors St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint, foundress of the Sisters of Charity. Her feast day is January 4.
Novena to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Day 1
Novena to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Day 1
Opening Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, first American-born saint, we ask your intercession with confidence. You who walked the soil of this nation and sanctified it with your holiness, pray for us before the throne of God.
First American-Born Saint
On September 14, 1975, Pope Paul VI canonized Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, making her the first person born in the United States to be declared a saint. A daughter of New York, a wife, a mother, a convert, a foundress, and an educator — her life encompasses the full breadth of the American Catholic experience.
"He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly." — Luke 1:51-52
Born in 1774, just two years before the Declaration of Independence, Elizabeth Ann grew up in a young nation still finding its identity. She would become a pioneer of American Catholicism — proving that holiness could flourish on American soil, that the faith could take deep root in the New World, and that an ordinary American woman could become an extraordinary saint. Her canonization was a gift not only to the Church in America but to the universal Church.
Prayer
Almighty God, through the intercession of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, bless the Church in America. As she sanctified this nation by her holy life, may we continue her legacy. Raise up saints in every American city and town, and help us to live our faith with the same courage and love she showed.
Prayer for the American Church
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, first flower of American sanctity, you showed that holiness knows no borders. Pray for the Church in the United States — for our bishops, priests, religious, and laity. May we be faithful witnesses to the Gospel in this land. Through your intercession, may America be a nation of saints. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, glory of the American Church, pray that we may follow your example and bring the light of Christ to this nation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!