Catholic Saints Podcast — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Host: Mary McGeehan
Guest: Dr. Chris Mooney (Augustine Institute)
Date: January 4, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of the Catholic Saints podcast delves into the remarkable life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, focusing on her journey from a privileged upbringing in pre-Revolutionary New York to her canonization as the first American-born saint. The conversation explores the depth of her suffering, the transformation of her tragedies into places of grace, her pioneering work in Catholic education, her profound conversion experience, and the enduring relevance of her faith and example in contemporary life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Life and Personal Suffering

[00:40–03:19]

• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was born into a well-to-do family in New York City in 1774, two years before the Declaration of Independence.
• Major hardships characterizing her youth:
  • Lost her mother and younger sister as a toddler.
  • Stepmother later abandoned the family.
  • Married William Seton at 19; soon became responsible for his younger siblings after her father-in-law died.
  • At 29, she was left a widow with five young children, four of whom were in America while she was in Italy with her husband as he sought recovery from tuberculosis.
• Insight: St. Elizabeth's life seemed outwardly ordinary, but it was marked by extraordinary suffering, responded to with deepening trust in God.
  • “So much of her life looks like an ordinary life that was beset by extraordinary suffering, which she responded to with a great trust in God.” (Dr. Mooney, [02:34])

2. American and Episcopalian Roots

[03:39–07:25]

• Born into a prosperous, socially connected family.
• Raised Episcopalian, with a grandfather who was a priest.
• Early sign of devotion and love for the poor, accompanying her stepmother in charitable works.
• Married into another influential New York family.
• Despite privilege, faced shadows over her marriage due to her husband's ailing health and business troubles.

3. The Italian Sojourn and Seeds of Conversion

[03:39–12:22]

• In 1803, traveled to Italy seeking a better climate for her husband’s health.
• Immediately quarantined upon arrival; her husband died shortly thereafter.
• Taken in by the Italian Felici family, who introduced her to Catholicism.
• Cultural shock: Had previously known Catholicism only as a faith of poor immigrants in America and viewed with suspicion.
• Impressed by the devout yet cultured Felicis (Amabilia and Antonio), their commitment to fasting, and their reverence for the Eucharist.
• Diary reflection: “Oh, my Heavenly Father, I know that these contradictory events are permitted and guided by thy wisdom.” (St. Elizabeth, [05:52])
• Began to view Catholic worship (“smells and bells”) as an expansion of glorifying God, not merely empty ritual.
  • “This isn’t just smells and bells. This is actually a way of totally expanding my sense of worship.” (Dr. Mooney, [08:37])

4. Encounter with the Eucharist

[10:57–12:41]

• Profound impact: St. Elizabeth was deeply moved by the Catholic Eucharist—called it “awful” in the sense of awe-inspiring.
• Witnessed a Eucharistic procession in Italy; moved to adoration.
• On conversion: “If it is true that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, why would I not want to be in that religion where He’s so close to our humanity?” (Mary McGeehan, [12:33])
• The richness of the Catholic faith, especially the sacraments, provided real consolation in suffering.

5. Return to America and Catholic Identity

[12:41–15:01]

• Conversion wasn’t immediately upon return but soon after.
• Her new faith faced family skepticism: tolerated only if kept private.
• Her desire to share the faith, especially with other women, led to her being shunned and distrusted—especially regarding educational efforts.

6. Foundations in Maryland: Religious Life and Catholic Education

[15:06–16:17]

• Moved to Maryland as acceptance of her Catholic identity in New York remained fraught.
• In 1809, founded the first American congregation of religious sisters (Sisters of Charity) and the first Catholic girls’ school.
• Pioneered education: Mission centered on making education accessible to girls, especially the poor.
• Managed to continue mothering her own children while leading the community.
  • “One of the ways she made it happen, though, is that she brought her daughters into her own school so that they could still be connected.” (Dr. Mooney, [16:13])

7. Suffering and Perseverance in Faith

[16:48–19:22]

• Suffering was not dismissed or minimized, and her faith was not a naive escape.
• Maintained a lifelong hunger to know God, which shaped her choices and responses to adversity.
  • Notable quote: “God has given me a great deal to do, and I have always and hope always to prefer his will to every wish of my own.” (St. Elizabeth, [17:47])
• Despite adversity and loss (shunning, prejudice, widowhood), her strength was in seeking God’s consolation and will.

8. Lasting Legacy and Contemporary Relevance

[19:22–24:26]

• Became a spiritual mother to many: two sisters-in-law converted because of her, and her religious and educational legacies have had a lasting impact.
• Passed away at age 46, still leading her congregation.
• Her example resonates with anyone facing ordinary suffering—parenting, loss, social rejection, or starting anew—making her a highly relatable and accessible saint.
  • “She experienced all this suffering in her life, but she wasn’t weighed down by it. It’s like a choice before us: do we let the suffering define us and weigh us down, or do we see in God’s providence an opportunity to trust Him more deeply?” (Dr. Mooney, [22:19])
• Her diaries are available and recommended for those who want to know her voice more personally.

9. “Saints behind the Saints”

[09:55–10:57], [23:37–24:26]

• The Felici family, particularly Amabilia and Antonio, played critical roles in mediating the faith to Elizabeth—paralleling the Ambrose-Augustine story.
• The podcast ends encouraging listeners to both draw inspiration from Seton and strive to be like those “friends of saints” who gently and persistently invite others deeper into faith.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “So much of her life looks like an ordinary life that was beset by extraordinary suffering, which she responded to with a great trust in God.”
  — Dr. Chris Mooney ([02:34])

• “Oh, my Heavenly Father, I know that these contradictory events are permitted and guided by thy wisdom.”
  — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (quoted by Dr. Mooney, [05:52])

• “This isn’t just smells and bells. This is actually a way of totally expanding my sense of worship.”
  — Dr. Chris Mooney ([08:37])

• “If it is true that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, why would I not want to be in that religion where He’s so close to our humanity?”
  — Mary McGeehan ([12:33])

• “God has given me a great deal to do and I have always and hope always to prefer his will to every wish of my own.”
  — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (quoted by Dr. Mooney, [17:47])

Overall Tone and Style

The conversation is warm, reflective, and educational, balancing biography and theological insight. Dr. Mooney and Mary McGeehan draw practical connections for contemporary listeners while maintaining a sense of reverence and admiration for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s faith and resilience.

Suggested Further Resources

• Elizabeth Ann Seton’s diaries: Available via the Sisters of Charity and various online sources.
• Formed documentary: Short film on her life recommended by Dr. Mooney ([19:00]).
• Sisters of Charity: Visit their website for more on her enduring legacy.