April 10

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

 Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774–1821) was the first native-born American to be canonized as a saint — a woman of deep Christian conviction, sacrificial service, and unshakable faith. Born into a prominent Episcopalian family in New York, she lived through hardship, widowhood, and societal resistance, yet emerged as one of the most influential spiritual leaders of early American Christianity.

After losing her husband to tuberculosis while abroad in Italy, Elizabeth encountered the Catholic faith through the love and care of Christian friends. Drawn to the richness of Scripture, the sacraments, and the historic Church, she converted to Catholicism in 1805 — a bold and controversial choice for a woman in Protestant-majority America. But her conversion only deepened her sense of divine calling.

In 1809, she founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first American religious community for women. Devoted to education and care for the poor, Elizabeth opened St. Joseph’s Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland — the first free Catholic school for girls in the U.S. Her ministry grew into a movement that would impact generations of children, orphans, and young women across the country.

Seton’s Final Words (as recorded by her spiritual daughters):

“Be children of the Church. Be children of the Church.”
Whispered as she lay on her deathbed in Emmitsburg, surrounded by her sisters in prayer.

Source: “The Life of Moth

er Seton,” Sisters of Charity Archives, 1840

Selected Anecdotes:

The Widow’s Prayer
After her husband’s death in Italy, Elizabeth was left with five young children. She knelt in a chapel in Livorno and prayed: “Thy will, not mine. Let me serve, if not be spared.”

A Table for the Poor
In Emmitsburg, she instructed her sisters to keep one extra plate at the dinner table: “Christ may come hungry and unannounced.”

The First Classroom
Her first school was held in a small stone farmhouse. She taught spelling, arithmetic, and Scripture, declaring, “We raise minds for heaven, not merely for society.”

Letters of Love
She wrote over 1,000 letters in her lifetime, many filled with encouragement to struggling widows, mothers, and converts.

The Fire of Emmitsburg
During a harsh winter, the school caught fire. Elizabeth rallied the sisters and girls to safety, praying, “Lord, what You burn, we will rebuild.”

Famous Quotes Attributed to Elizabeth Ann Seton:

"The gate of heaven is very low; only the humble can enter."
"God is everywhere, in every trial and in every joy."
"We must pray literally — without ceasing — in every occurrence and employment of our lives."
"Faith lifts the soul on wings of gratitude."
"Do your duty well and leave the rest to God."

Legacy:

Elizabeth Ann Seton’s legacy is woven into the fabric of American Christianity. She was a bridge between old world and new, between suffering and sanctity. Through her work in education and charitable ministry, she raised up thousands of children and taught women to lead with strength, grace, and conviction. Her religious order — the Sisters of Charity — continues to serve today in hospitals, schools, and missions around the globe. In every challenge, she chose prayer. In every sorrow, she chose service. She showed that holiness can be found in motherhood, loss, and love.

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals