Catherine Seton

Catherine Josephine Seton (28 June 1800 – 3 April 1891) was the daughter of Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of the American branch of the Sisters of Charity. Catherine was the first American to join the Irish Sisters of Mercy.

First half of life

In 1800, Catherine was born in Manhattan, New York, but she grew up in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where Elizabeth Seton founded her congregation of the Sisters of Charity. Catherine's two biological sisters Rebecca Mary (1802-1816) and Anna Maria (1795-1812) died young. Catherine was second-generation American, and was taught Episcopal Christianity until Elizabeth's conversion to Catholicism.

After her mother Elizabeth Seton died, Catherine was adopted by her "second mother" Julie Scott from 1821 until 1842.[1] During this period, she had three tours of Europe.

Second half of life

When Catherine Seton returned to New York, she became restless and vocal in her request for a proper religious vocation. The opportunity could not be met until the Sisters of Mercy planned the first colonization of their order from Dublin into Manhattan. Thus, Catherine became the first adopted American Sister of Mercy at the opening of their New York foundation on 14 May 1846.

Catherine was first referred to as "Sister Mary Catherine", and her primary vocation was visiting those in prison. She visited thousands who were locked away in New York City, learning to speak French, German, Italian, and Spanish to communicate with each prisoner.[1] In the latter portion of her service, she was respectfully referred to as "Mother Mary Catherine". She held her vocation for nearly 45 years, until her death.

She was affectionately called "the Angel of the Tombs" briefly during the Civil War while she acted as a far-stationed nurse for injured Union forces.[2]

Possible candidate for sainthood

As of 2019, members of Catherine Seton's order, the Sisters of Mercy, were documenting her life for a possible candidacy for sainthood.

References
  1. Ann M. Gallagher, R.S.M. (October 1, 2007). "Catherine Josephine Seton and the New York Mercy Experience". Vincentian Heritage Journal.
  2. Ellen Ryan Jolly, LLD. (1927). Nuns of the Battlefield. Providence Victor Press. Providence, U.S.A.
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