Mother Seton and the Sisters of Charity

Vision Books for Young Readers

by Alma Power-Waters

In 1975, Mother Elizabeth Seton was canonized as America's first native-born Roman Catholic saint. This Vision Book tells the inspiring true story of the life of Elizabeth Bayley Seton from her childhood in a distinguished New York family to her becoming a sister and foundress of an order of nuns. Born in 1774, Elizabeth Bayley grew up in a well-to-do Protestant family and seemed destined for a tranquil life. At age 19 she married William Seton and together they had five children. Tragedy struck when William died of tuberculosis in 1803. Elizabeth learned that her family fortune was lost as well. She converted to Catholicism at a time when Catholics were the object of persecutions in the United States. Her family was shocked by this decision. Elizabeth met Bishop Carroll of Maryland, and he gave her the inspiration to found the American Sisters of Charity and the first American parochial Catholic school. In time her order of sisters flourished, and they established more schools, orphanages and hospitals across the United States. At her early death (46 years old) Mother Seton's congregation numbered twenty-one communities throughout the country. Illustrated "A series which should be found wherever there are young Catholic readers."
-Ave Maria "Parents will not have to wonder why Johnny won't read if these Vision Books are made available to their children . . . Splendid in design and format . . ."
- Catholic Standard and Times "The entire series of Vision Books is recommended for solid training for youth."
- The Tablet. Cover art by Chris Pelicano

Genres: Biography, Childrens, Catholic, Religion

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

Reviews

[Cassie]

Wonderful middle-school level book of Mother Seton’s life. Very inspiring.

[Laura]

A very nicely written story about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Great for kids in upper elementary school - with plenty of inspiration that would lead a person to want to live a holier life.
The one drawback I had was that I had trouble following the historical timeline. Certain parts of the story seemed like they should have been a five year period and were probably only one, and then other times the author just skipped over a few years at a time. I was pretty confused about ages throughout the book, but that doesn't detract too much from the story itself.

It really makes you think about privilege, poverty, and charity... how differently people live and how much the human spirit can overcome and conquer when put to the test.

[Michiel]

I enjoyed reading the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was a wonderful person who lived out her faith quietly yet sincerely. This book is a very basic story of her life.

I was pre-reading it to see if it would be suitable for my son, and though it is a nice story about a person worth knowing about, it just doesn't seem to be the kind of story for a young person. Seton's faith grew out of and in spite of all the things that are important to adults: widowhood, social ostracism, material poverty, death of children. I just wonder if this particular saint would be better learned about in adulthood.

Maybe I'm selling youngsters short.

[Anysia]

This book is about a life of a saint. It was boring to me because I personally do not like biographys. But you might like it.

[Karen]

An inspiring story of an American saint. The boys really enjoyed it and so did I.

[Emily]

Great biography of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Even though it's geared for middle school/jr. high-ers, it's great reading for anyone.

[Michele]

Wonderful story, but the writing is choppy.

[Katherine]

Not that bad of a book that I had to read for a book report.

[Mirabel]

I loved the the book,Mother Seton and the Sisters of Charity.It is the best book I have ever read.

[Kristin]

great - i would read again and again

i've read this book several times. She is very inspiring: her humility and courage.

[Nana]

Good series