# Day Two of the Novena to Three American Saints for Life
*2008-10-25*

> Bill Young continues the three‑day novena, focusing on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, reflecting on her life and praying for the protection of the vulnerable.

## Introducing Day Two

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today we move to Day 2 of our novena to three American saints for life. Our focus is St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native‑born American to be canonized. She was a widow, a teacher, and the founder of the Sisters of Charity, dedicating her life to the Gospel’s call to protect and cherish human life.

## A Brief Portrait of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth Seton was born in New York City and married William Seton, a shipping merchant. They had five children before William’s health failed and the family fell into financial hardship. After his death, Elizabeth converted to Catholicism, founded the first Catholic school in the United States, and established the Sisters of Charity, a religious community devoted to caring for the poor, widows, and children.

## Prayer for Day Two

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, you knew the beauty of all human life when you carried a child in your womb, and as a young widow, teacher, and founder of the Sisters of Charity you sought to live the Gospel of Life. Inspire us, intercede for us, and be with us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

You heard the cry of a little child; inspire us to protect the most vulnerable. You understand the searching of adolescents; open our eyes to the wonder of their lives. You walked with the dying; be with us as we journey toward death with those we love. You felt the pain of widowhood; inspire us to seek out those most in need.

## Traditional Prayers

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

*May St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s example inspire us to safeguard every stage of human life.*