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Elizabeth Ann Seton Award
Historically, Support Our Aging Religious, Inc. (SOAR!), has recognized any person, lay or religious, for profound dedication to God’s people, especially to the poor, commitment to vocations and support of those men and women religious who have dedicated their lives to education, health care, spiritual development and countless other forms of service.
The Elizabeth Ann Seton Honoree has been long time and faithful supporters of the Catholic community. Not only have giving their time, talent and resources, but have encouraged others to do the same.
We look forward to the opportunity to recognize publicly and celebrate personally the generosity the Honoree has demonstrated over the years in addressing the enormous needs that religious congregations are facing in the care of their elderly members. It is SOAR!'s privilege to acknowledge and celebrate this commitment and leadership.
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Elizabeth Ann Seton
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was born Elizabeth Ann Bayley on August 28, 1774 in New York City. Her remarkable life spans the full spectrum of human experience as a New York socialite, devoted wife, mother of five children, and dedicated volunteer in charitable organizations. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton converted to Roman Catholicism in 1805. She served poor people until her death as an educator, social minister and catechist, spiritual leader and formator, and a tireless servant of God.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph's, the first new community for religious women to be established in the United States. She also began Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School, the first free Catholic School for girls staffed by sisters in the United States. The legacy she left now includes six religious communities with more than 5,000 members, hundreds of schools, social service centers, and hospitals throughout America and around the world. Her works led her to be canonized on Sunday, September 14, 1975, in Saint Peter's Square, by Pope Paul VI. She is the first native-born North American to be canonized. Her remains are entombed in the Basilica that bears her name.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, a small historic town in the foothills of the beautiful Catoctin Mountains. This was the home of Mother Seton from 1809 until her death in 1821. Pilgrims come here throughout the year to learn about her life, discover the depths of her faithfulness, and to walk meditatively in her footsteps.
“We must pray literally without ceasing, I mean that prayer of the heart which is independent of time and place, which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God, as in a constant communication with him.”
- Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton v |
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