Collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Mss 0006
The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collection Center
2.5 Linear feet
1840-2006
Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American-born saint, and is the patroness of Seton Hall University. The Collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton contains materials documenting the life and legacy of Elizabeth Anne Seton and was compiled by the Monsignor Field Archives and Special Collections Center.
The Monsignor William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center.
Short Biography of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was born August 28, 1774 in New York, New York the second child of Dr. Richard and Catherine Charlton Bayley. Catherine died in 1777, probably during childbirth. Richard Bayley married Charlotte Amelia Barclay in 1778. Seven children resulted from Dr. Bayley's second marriage, three daughters and four sons. On January 25, 1794, Elizabeth married William Magee Seton in New York. The couple had five children Anna Maria (1795-1812), William (1796-1868), Richard Bayley (1798-1823), Catherine Charlton (1800-1891), and Rebecca Mary (1802-1816). Charity work formed a large part of life for Elizabeth and her sister-in-law Rebecca Mary Seton. In 1797, Elizabeth helped to start The Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children.
In 1803, Elizabeth, William and their daughter Anna Maria journeyed to Italy in the hopes that the climate would help William's tuberculosis. Sadly, he died December 27, 1803 soon after they arrived. Friends of the Setons, the Filicchi family, took the young widow and her daughter into their home. It was here that Elizabeth was introduced to the Roman Catholic faith. Antonio Filicchi accompanied Elizabeth and Anna Maria home the following year, and also provided support to Elizabeth's spiritual quest. After much deliberation, Elizabeth joined the Catholic faith at St. Peter's Church in New York City on March 14, 1805. After her conversion, Elizabeth entered several teaching jobs.
In 1808, Elizabeth was invited to Baltimore, Maryland by the Sulpicians there to form a religious school. The next year, a sisterhood was founded and in 1809 Elizabeth vowed chastity and obedience. Through a donation from a wealthy patron, land for the Sisters of Charity and a school was obtained near Emmitsburg, Maryland with Elizabeth as superior. Elizabeth continued her educational and charity work until her death on January 4, 1821.
Source (and for more detailed information): McNeil, Betty Ann, D.C., "Biography of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton," National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton website, http://www.emmitsburg.net/setonshrine/bio.htm
Scope and Content of the Collection
The Collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton documents the life and legacy of the first American born Saint. The collection includes Booklets, Newsletters, Brochures, Cards, Appeals material, Printed materials, Medals, Photographs, Letters, Events at Seton Hall University, and the Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Most of the material is from the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, MD. Other items originated in the Newark, NJ diocese as well as at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. None of the items are original to Mother Seton. All information is in English.
Preferred Citation note
Collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1840-2006, Mss 0006, in the Monsignor Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center, Walsh Library, Seton Hall University.
Related Archival Materials note
The Sister Marie-Celeste collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1951-2000, Mss 0010, in the Monsignor Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center, Seton Hall University. This collection was created by a Sister of Charity and noted-author scholar on the life and work of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, and includes Sr. Marie-Celeste's published work along with an extensive set of note cards, source papers and academic texts.
Seton Jevons family papers, 1780s-1920, Mss 0005, in the Monsignor William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center, Walsh Library, Seton Hall University.
Processing Information
Collection was processed by Beth Morris,
Summer 2006, and finding aid created by Beth Morris and M. Kenny, 2007. Collection re-processed and new finding aid created by Ben Clark and Tracy M. Jackson, 2012-2013.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers at the Msgr. William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center. Advance appointments are required for the use of archival materials.
Conditions Governing Use
All materials available in this collection (unless otherwise noted) are the property of the Monsignor William Noé Field Archives & Special Collections Center and Seton Hall University, which reserves the right to limit access to or reproduction of these materials. Reproduction of materials or content is subject to United States copyright restrictions and may be subject to federal or state privacy regulations. Permission to publish exact reproductions must be obtained from the Director of the Archives and Special Collections Center.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Collection was assembled by the Archives and Special Collections Center.
Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Emmitsburg Province.
Seton, Elizabeth Ann, Saint, 1774-1821
Canonization--History--20th century.
Christian saints -- United States -- History -- Sources.
Newsletters.
Religious medals.
Booklets,
1
1
1899-2001 and undated
Cathedral Mass Celebration Committee, "Commemorate the Bicentenary of the Birth of Blessed Elizabeth Ann Seton," Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newark, NJ,
October 6, 1974
Delozier, Alan, "Blessed Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, First American-Born Saint and Patroness of Seton Hall University,"
2001
Chiffolo, Anthony F., "An Hour With Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton,"
2000
Dirvin, Joseph I., C.M., "Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton"
1963
Moran, Father C.M., "Mother Seton, The Cause of Mother Seton, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity in America," National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD,
undated
Moran, Father C.M., "Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton,"
undated
Seton, Monsignor Robert, "Heraldry of the Setons" and "Arms of the Setons of Parbroath," Bradley Memorial Library reprints, Seton Hall Preparatory School, South Orange, NJ,
1899
"Look Up to the Blue Heavens and Love Him," Seton Shrine Chapel, Daughters of Charity, Saint Joseph's Provincial House, Emmitsburg, MD
undated
Bibliography of materials on St. Elizabeth, undated
Sisters of Charity Brochures
1
2
1962-1963
"Mother Seton's Sisters of Charity," New York,
1963
Brochures
1
3
1974 and undated
"Elizabeth Ann Seton. First Native-Born American Canonized Saint. A New York Woman," undated
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, "Look up to the blue skies and love Him," and "The good news of the valley and mountain covers me with joy. Be assured my heart is there and always will be," undated
"Come and See the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton," Emmitsburg, MD, undated
"The Story of the National Shrine of Our Lady," undated
The Mortuary Chapel, National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, undated
"...Half in the Sky...," undated
The Stone House, National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, undated
Blessed Elizabeth Ann Seton Bicentennial Convocation, MDCCLXXIV, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ,
October 6, 1974
An Everlasting Expression, "To enjoy we must love and to love we must sacrifice. Experience says it must be and Love says let it be. Be children of the Church. Be children of the Church," National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, undated
"A New York Woman," undated
"The More You Honor Me, the More Will I Bless You," The National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, Emmitsburg, MD, undated
Prayers in Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes, National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Emmitsburg, MD, 2 copies, undated
Cards and mass cards
1
4
1951-2001 and undated
Blank card with a painting of Elizabeth Ann Seton, issued by the National Shrine and relic with prayer card, centenary souvenir 1850-1950,
1951
Mother Seton Mass program, "Given and Shed for You,"
October 17, 1980
Blank card with a drawing of sculpture outside the Church of St. Elizabeth Seton, Sun City, AZ. Artist and sculptor Sr. Margaret Beaudette, S.C., undated
Prayer card by Rev. Burgio requesting information on favors received from Mother Seton, undated
Information on the Novena of Masses offered for the intentions of the Members of the Mother Seton Guild published by Rev. Burgio, undated
"Mother Seton," undated
Elizabeth Ann Seton 1774-1821, Servant of God, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity in America, undated
"Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 1774-1821," National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmistburg, MD, undated
Postcard of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, undated
Prayer for Those Who Serve, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mother Seton Guild, Emmitsburg, MD, undated
Mother Seton Guild, Emmitsburg, MD,
1974
1774-1974 Bicentennial Year, Mother Seton Guild, Emmitsburg, MD,
1974
St. Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton Prayer Card, Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, undated
The Angelus, National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, Mount Saint Mary's College, Emmitsburg, MD, 2 copies, undated
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, "At Last, God is Mine and I am His," 2001 Litany of the Love of God, undated
Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton, Seton Hall University,
2000
A Saint for Our Times: Catholic News
1
5
1975
The Catholic News: Elizabeth Ann Seton 'A Saint for Our Times'
Sept. 11,1975
Canonization News Articles
1
6
1975
Newsletters
1
7
1944-2006
Scope and Contents note
These newsletters include those dedicated to the beatification/canonization of Mother Seton (
The Seton Causeway,
Valley Echo, and
Guild Bulletin), while
The Seton Way publication is ongoing. All are generated by offices of the National Shrine.
The Seton Causeway,
1973-1974
number 124
October 1973,
number 126
March 1974,
number 127
June 1974,
The Seton Way,
1998-2006
vol.7, no.3
Summer/Fall 1998,
vol. 8, no. 2
Spring 1999,
vol. 8, no. 3
Summer/Fall 1999,
vol. 8, no. 1
Winter 1999,
vol. 9, no.2
Spring 2000,
vol. 10, no.2
Spring 2001,
vol. 10, no. 3
Summer/Fall 2001,
vol. 10, no.1
Winter 2001,
vol.11, no. 2
Spring 2002,
vol. 11, no. 3
Summer/Fall 2002,
vol. 11, no.1
Winter 2002,
vol. 12, no. 2
Spring 2003,
Volume 12, no. 3
Summer/Fall 2003,
vol. 12, no. 1
Winter 2003,
vol. 13, no. 2
Spring 2004,
vol.14, no. 2
Spring 2005,
vol. 14, no.3
Summer/Fall 2005,
vol.14, no.1
Winter 2005,
vol. 15, no.1
Winter 2006,
vol. 15, no.2
Spring 2006,
vol.15, no.3
Summer/Fall 2006,
Valley Echo,
1963
vol. XXXII, no.5
March 14, 1963,
Mother Seton Guild Bulletin,
1944
number 10
February, 1944,
Printed materials
1
8
1840-2006 and undated
Translation of the Apostolic Brief Whereby His Holiness Pope John XXIII proclaims the Beatification of the Venerable Servant of God Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph in North America. Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis MDCCCCLXIII, 2 copies,
1963
Web materials on the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, assorted sources
undated
Metropolitan Catholic Almanac and Laity's Directory for the Year of our Lord
1840
Newspaper clippings
"Mother Seton. America's First Saint had a close relationship with The Bank of New York,"
Bank One,
January 1975
"Significant Saints," The Catholic Advocate, editorial,
March 9, 1944
"St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American-born Saint,"
The Monitor,
January 4, 1996
"Could Name Mother Seton 'Blessed' in Two Years,"
The Catholic Advocate, vol. 6, no. 44,
November 21, 1957
"Mother Seton could be "Blessed" in Three Years,"
The Catholic Advocate, vol. 7, no. 50,
December 12, 1958
Notes on the Life of Mother Seton Carrying the Cross, 3 copies, undated
"Tribute to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton," Catacombs of St. Callistus, Rome, Italy, 2 copies, one each in English and Spanish,
September 15, 1975
Flyer from the Saint Elizabeth Seton Shrine at our Lady of the Rosary Parish in New York City,
January 4, 2005
Flyers from the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, showing the Altar of her Relics, 2 in English, 2 in Spanish, undated
Bulletins from the church of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Roseland, NJ, "From Father Ted,"
February 12, 2006
Valley Echo Book One poster and newsletter
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Elizabeth Bailey Seton: Biography (photocopy)
1
9
Bicentennial Celebration & documents about medal
1
10
1934-1970
Diamond Jubilee Souvenir Program
1934
Medals
1
11
St. Elizabeth Seton Pray for Us
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, figure on one side, in a case with "I am a Catholic. In case of accident please call a priest" printed inside
Mother Seton Servant of God
Letters
2
12
1940-1941 and 1975
Bayley-Seton League(?) to Father Burgio(?), re: Beatification of Mother Seton,
June 18, 1940
Reverend Salvator M. Burgio, C.M. to Miss Florence J. Biehusen, president of the Bayley-Seton League,
November 6, 1941
Mrs. Evans to Father Burgio on her enrollment in the Bayley-Seton League,
December 16, 1943
Reverend Joseph I. Dirvin, C.M. of St. John's University to Mr. Bernard M. Shanley,
September 1975
Scope and Contents note
With attachments: The Family Tree of Dr. Richard Bayley, father of Elizabeth Ann Seton; The Ancestry of Elizabeth Ann Bayley; The Seton Ancestry of Mother Seton's Husband; "What Became of Mother Seton's Children?"
Canonization Materials
2
13
1975
Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton,
2
14
1975
Program from St. Joseph's Church in Bronxville, N.Y. on the canonization,
September 1975
Letter from Reverend Fleming, coordinator of Newark Diocesan Observances of Mother Seton's Canonization, listing the calendar of events,
September 10, 1975
Pilgrimage for the Canonization in Rome, informational program,
September 11-19, 1975
"A Woman of Faith," Archdiocese of New York Office of Communications, tributes on the Occasion of the Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rome, Italy,
1975
"Mother Seton. University's Namesake is 1st U.S. Saint," flyer covering the event, 2 copies,
1975
Triduum of Masses in honor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Paul Outside-The-Walls, Rome, Italy,
September 16-18, 1975
Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton,
2
15
1975
Articles regarding canonization from
L'osservatore Romano, no. 38 (390),
September 18, 1975
Canonizzazione della beata Elisabetta Anna Bayley Seton, booklet,
September 14, 1975
Canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton Foundress of the Sisters of Charity in North America, pamphlet, St. Peter's Basilica,
September 14, 1975
Ticket to the canonization mass at St. Peter's, Rome,
September 14, 1975
Appeals materials,
2
16
2001-2006 and undated
Christmas card with the enrollment for a Novena of Masses at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, (12.5m x 17m.),
2001-2006 and undated
Donation request to the Seton Shrine Center:
Novena of Masses commemorating the anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's Canonization, undated
Novena of Masses commemorating Mother's Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, undated
Mother's Day Cards to be sent, undated
To preserve the fruitful heritage of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, undated
Daily Novena Appeal,
2001
Special Projects Appeal,
2002- 2006 and undated
Easter cards with the enrollment for a Novena of Masses at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, (12cm x 15.5cm and 12.5cm x 17cm), undated
Easter card with novena of masses,
2004
Weekly votive lights, undated
Photos
2
16
Scope and Contents note
Most of these photographs are of the National Shrine. A few are copies of paintings of St. Elizabeth.
Color photographs of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton at Emmitsburg, MD, 9cm x 12 cm, undated
The Basilica, 2 copies, undated
The Grotto, undated
The Cemetery, 3 copies, undated
Mother Seton's gravestone, undated
The sign indicating the site of St. Joseph' College, undated
Copy of a painting of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, by Joseph Dawley, undated
Copy of a painting of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton taken from the Religious News Service, undated
Copy of a painting of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, by Mary Hayrich(?), undated
Copy of a photograph of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Richmond Hill, S.I. where Mother Seton's grandfather was minister, 2 copies, undated
Copy of a photograph of the chapel of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, undated
Events at Seton Hall University,
2
18
1965-1989
Charter Day, James Roosevelt Bayley Lecture, 2 copies,
March 8, 1965
Charter Day, James Roosevelt Bayley Lecture,
March 8, 1967
Mother Seton Bicentennial Observation press release,
1974
First annual Elizabeth Ann Seton Lecture, invitation and programs (2 copies),
March 12, 1980
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Day Celebration,
March 12, 1980
Address given by Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. President, University of Notre Dame, 2 copies
Address given by Rev. Edwin Vose Sullivan (nephew of St. Elizabeth)
Invitation to the second annual celebration of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Day,
October 6, 1980
Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton Day program,
October 17, 1980
Minutes of St. Elizabeth Seton Day committee meeting,
January 7, 1982
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Convocation program,
March 15, 1982
Welcome address and Introduction of Bishop McManus, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Day,
1982
Annual St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Convocation program honoring the 125th anniversary of Seton Hall University, 2 copies,
March 15, 1982
Interoffice correspondence on the preparation for Mother Seton Charter Day,
April 17, 1984
Invitation to the Annual Convocation in honor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Hall,
April 24, 1984
Mother Seton Charter Day program, 2 copies,
April 24, 1984
Academic memorandum from the office of the Provost on the 1985 Charter Day preparations,
August 1985
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day Convocation program,
September 23, 1985
The Annual Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program, 2 copies,
September 25, 1987
Poster notification on Charter Day events in the student center,
September 25, 1987
Early history of Seton Hall, with photo of the statue of the patron, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, copies of article from The Galleon, 2 copies,
1987
Press release on the Charter Day date,
February 24, 1989
Law School notice to the University Community on the event,
1989
South Orange campus notice to the University Community on the event,
1989
Invitation to the reception after the Charter Day program,
April 21, 1989
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program,
April 21, 1989
Events at Seton Hall University,
2
19
1990-1998
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day 1990 speaker announcement,
January 31, 1990
1991 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day committee named,
January 1990
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day invitation, including a reception, with His Eminence Carlo Cardinal Martini, 2 copies,
February 21, 1990
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program, 2 copies,
February 21, 1990
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day, committee names, press release,
1991
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day invitation, including a reception with Sister Lucille McKillop, RSM,
March 13, 1991
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program, 2 copies,
March 13, 1991
1992 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day schedule of events, press releases, administrative announcement and speaker announcement,
January 21, February 9, February 25 and March 1992
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day invitation, including a reception with Reverend J. Dean Brackley, S.J., 2 copies,
March 9, 1992
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program, 2 copies,
March 9, 1992
Press release,
1993
Letter from the committee chair on photos to be copied and displayed for Charter Day,
February 5, 1993
1993 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day speaker announcement,
February 22, 1993
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day invitation, including a reception with Sister Mary Rose McGeady, D.C., President of Covenant House, 2 copies,
March 10, 1993
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program, 2 copies,
March 10, 1993
Faculty letter on the planning of the 1994 Charter Day events,
March 2, 1994
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day invitation, including a reception with Dr. Hadley Arkes, Amherst College, 2 copies,
March 9, 1994
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program and committee listing, 2 copies,
March 9, 1994
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day invitation, including a reception with Dr. Alice Bourke Hayes, University of San Diego, 2 copies,
March 8, 1995
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program with award recipient listing, 2 copies,
March 8, 1995
"A Celebration of Women: Crossing Boundaries and Opening the Dialogue," conference dedicated to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, includes slides of images of St. Elizabeth,
March 23, 1995
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program with award recipient listing, 2 copies,
March 5, 1997
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day invitation, including a reception with David Solomon, University of Notre Dame,
March 4, 1998
Events at Seton Hall University,
2
20
1998-2005
Information from the Provost (letter) on the Charter Day date, additional information on www.provost.shu.edu,
February 18, 2000
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day invitation to the reception with Gerard V. Bradley, University of Notre Dame and flyer announcing the appearance of Prof. Bradley at Kozlowski Hall,
March 1, 2000
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program,
March 1, 2000
"Patroness. Mother Seton: wife, widow, teacher. We take pride in her sainthood" and "Patriarch. Bayley aimed for social, spiritual unity. His dreams became our reality,"
November 15, 2001
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day program,
February 28, 2003
Charter Day, College Charter and Synopsis of School History Part III (1916-1946),
February 28, 2003
Charter Day survey,
2003
Flyers to announce the date of the 2004 Charter Day events, 2 copies,
February 27, 2004
Charter Day invitation to the reception with Lawrence S. Cunningham, Ph.D. Notre Dame, 2 copies,
February 27, 2004
Delozier, Alan,
Blessed Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton: First America-Born Saint and Patroness of Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. Archives and Special Collections Center, Seton Hall University, 2001, Charter Day,
Friday, February 27, 2004
Invitation to Kozlowski Auditorium for the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Charter Day event, with speaker Sister Kathleen Flanagan of the College of Saint Elizabeth,
February 25, 2005
Exhibit materials
1993
Research and support materials
3
21
Mounted copies of phototgraphs used in the exhibit
3
Mounted photograph of Elizabeth Ann Seton
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