# A Novena to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – Day Three
*2008-10-27*

> Bill Young continues the three‑day novena to American saints, focusing on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and praying for her intercession for the Gospel of Life.

## Welcome and Thanksgiving Reflections

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. I hope everyone enjoyed a joyful Thanksgiving with family and friends. I stayed up late with my son for Black Friday shopping; we didn’t snag any big deals, but we did get a small football game on sale. I’m a bit tired today, so thank you for bearing with a slightly delayed episode.

## Brief Biography of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was a prominent New York philanthropist who married William Seton, a shipping merchant. After the Setons went bankrupt and William died, Elizabeth converted to Catholicism within five years of his death. She founded the first Catholic charity in New York City, the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows and Children, established the first Catholic parochial school, and founded the first religious community of women in the United States, the Sisters of Charity.

## Novena Prayer for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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 know the loneliness of orphans; consort us to the protection of children. You know the vocation of a teacher; inspire us to teach the Gospel of Life. You know the vows of religious life; pray that we might be faithful to the Gospel of Life.

## 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.

## Closing Blessing

Amen to all, and may God bless you.

*May St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s example inspire us to cherish and protect every human life.*