HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS

HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS

THEME: OUR ENCOUNTER WITH GOD DEMANDS A RESPONSE

BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa

Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, a woman who embodied the love of God and served His people with compassion and dedication. As we reflect on her life and legacy, let us consider the wisdom of 1 John 3:7–10, which reminds us that we are children of God, called to love and serve one another.

In John 1:35–42, we read about the encounter between John the Baptist and Jesus. John, the precursor to Jesus, recognized the Lord and proclaimed Him to be the Lamb of God. Andrew, one of John’s disciples, followed Jesus and spent the day with Him. This encounter changed Andrew’s life, and he became a devoted follower of Jesus.

Like Andrew, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton had an encounter with God that transformed her life. She was raised Episcopalian, but after her husband’s death and her subsequent financial struggles, she turned to the Catholic Church for support. Through her interactions with Catholic priests and sisters, she came to understand and embrace Catholic teachings and eventually converted in 1805.

This transformation deepened her faith and sense of purpose. It leads her to dedicate her life to serving the poor and the sick, founding schools and hospitals, and becoming a pioneer in Catholic education. She even founded the Sisters of Charity to continue her work.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s life teaches us that our encounter with God demands a response. We are called to love and serve others, just as Jesus did. We are called to be saints, just like Elizabeth Ann Seton. May her example inspire us to live lives of love, compassion, and service, and may we always recognize the presence of God in our midst. Amen.

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