Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American to be canonized as a  saint and is best known for her role in starting children’s parochial education in America. Born in 1774 on Staten Island, Elizabeth was raised as an Episcopalian. After spending time in Italy, she was struck by the beauty of Catholicism, and converted in 1805. Following her husband’s premature death, Elizabeth started a Catholic school for girls in Baltimore, Maryland. Elizabeth’s most lasting impact was her founding of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph’s in 1809 – the first religious order in America. This order helped hospitals and orphans, but its most prominent work was in establishing the parochial education system in America. Elizabeth’s devotion to educating children and caring for the less fortunate has had an impact lasting well beyond her own life.


Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa’s extraordinary selflessness caused Pope John Paul II to skip the customary 5-year waiting period between beatification and canonization. Born in Macedonia as Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu in 1910, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland in 1928. Here, she was given her religious name, Mary Teresa, and was sent to teach at Saint Mary’s School. In 1946, Mother Teresa experienced a pivotal moment while riding the train. It became overwhelmingly evident to her that she was to commit her life to the poor. Her realization inspired her to found the Missionaries of Charity, where she committed herself to the service of the lowest slums of Calcutta. Mother Teresa’s order would eventually send women all across the world to minister to the impoverished. Her mercy and sacrifice were so profound that she was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1979.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

As Patron Saint of mothers, the unborn, and physicians, Saint Gianna Beretta Molla exemplified a commitment to honoring human life and the vocation of motherhood. Born in Italy in 1922, Gianna trained as a medical doctor, specializing in pediatrics. Throughout her life as a single woman, she dedicated her medical skills toward helping mothers and babies, as well as the underprivileged. Following her marriage in 1955, Gianna devoted her life to raising her family. Her pregnancy with her fourth child brought an unforeseen trial. Complications forced her to choose between risking her own life and saving her child’s. Gianna chose to honor the dignity of human life, giving birth to a healthy child on April 21, 1962. She passed away in the days that followed. Her ultimate sacrifice for her child is demonstrative of her devotion and commitment to the sacred vocation of motherhood.


Saint Anne

Saint Anne is known as the mother of Mary and the grandmother of Jesus. Existing information about Anne is Catholic legend. According to accounts, Anne was barren for much of her life. One day in her advanced years, she conceived Mary. Anne dedicated the life of her child to the service of God when she was only three – a decision that was undoubtedly formative in the shaping of the future Mother of God.