mss0006 Collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Finding aid prepared by Beth Morris and Maura Kenny The Monsignor Field Archives and Special Collections Center

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 April 2007 Finding aid revised. Collection Summary The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collections Center Collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 1840-2006 4 linear feet (4 boxes) Mss 6 The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collections Center Collected items documenting the life and legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. 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

Collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton documents the life and legacy of the first American born Saint. The collection is divided into 11 series. They are 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.

 Arrangement of the Papers

Arranged into 11 series:

Booklets, 1899-2001 and undated Newsletters, 1944-1974 Brochures, 1974 and undated Cards, 1951-2001 and undated Appeals material, 2001-2006 and undated Printed materials, 1840-2006 and undated Medals, undated Photographs, undated Letters, 1940-1941 and 1975 Events at Seton Hall University, 1965-2006 The Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1975

Collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collections Center, Walsh Library, Seton Hall University.

 Related Records

In addition to this collection, The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collections Center holds materials related to the life and works of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and her family, including the Seton-Jevons Letter Collection (1782-1963), and the combined correspondence and papers of the prolific Seton and Jevons families. This collection includes over 5,000 items related to three generations of family members related to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (35 cubic feet, approx.). Also, the Sister Marie-Celeste collection on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1951-2000) was created by a Sister of Charity and noted-author scholar on the life and work of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. This collection includes her published work along with an extensive set of note cards, source papers and academic texts.

 Index Terms Persons: Seton, Elizabeth Ann, Saint, 1774-1821 -- History -- Sources. Organizations: Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Emmitsburg Province. Subjects: Canonization -- History -- 20th century. Christian saints -- United States -- History -- Sources. Catholic Intellectual Life Document Types: Newsletters. Religious medals. Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.) Pamphlets. Photographs. Processing Information

Beth Morris Summer 2006

An additional finding aid with more detailed information is available at The Monsignor Field Archives & Special Collections Center.

 Detailed Description of the Collection Series I: Biographical materials, 1899-2001 and undated

Much of the material in these booklets is biographical, tracing the life and accomplishments of the first American Saint.

 1 1 Booklets, 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 "Mother Seton's Sisters of Charity," New York, 1963 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 Series II: Newsletters, 1944-1974

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.

 1 2 The Seton Causeway, 1973-1974 October 1973, number 124 March 1974, number 126 June 1974, number 127 1 2 The Seton Way, 1998-2006 Summer/Fall 1998, vol.7, no.3 Spring 1999, vol. 8, no. 2 Summer/Fall 1999, vol. 8, no. 3 Winter 1999, vol. 8, no. 1 Spring 2000, vol. 9, no.2 Spring 2001, vol. 10, no.2 Summer/Fall 2001, vol. 10, no. 3 Winter 2001, vol. 10, no.1 Spring 2002, vol.11, no. 2 Summer/Fall 2002, vol. 11, no. 3 Winter 2002, vol. 11, no.1 Spring 2003, vol. 12, no. 2 Summer/Fall 2003, Volume 12, no. 3 Winter 2003, vol. 12, no. 1 Spring 2004, vol. 13, no. 2 Spring 2005, vol.14, no. 2 Summer/Fall 2005, vol. 14, no.3 Winter 2005, vol.14, no.1 Winter 2006, vol. 15, no.1 Spring 2006, vol. 15, no.2 Summer/Fall 2006, vol.15, no.3 2 Valley Echo, 1963 March 14, 1963, vol. XXXII, no.5 1 2 Mother Seton Guild Bulletin, 1944 February, 1944, number 10 Series III: Brochures, 1974 and undated

The brochures primarily relate to the National Shrine in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

 1 3 Brochures, 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 Series IV: Cards and mass cards, 1951-2001 and undated 1 4 Cards and mass cards, 1951-2001 and undated Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton, Seton Hall University, 2000 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, "At Last, God is Mine and I am His," 2001 Litany of the Love of God, undated The Angelus, National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, Mount Saint Mary's College, Emmitsburg, MD, 2 copies, undated St. Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton Prayer Card, Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, undated 1774-1974 Bicentennial Year, Mother Seton Guild, Emmitsburg, MD, 1974 Mother Seton Guild, Emmitsburg, MD, 1974 Prayer for Those Who Serve, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mother Seton Guild, Emmitsburg, MD, undated Postcard of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, MD, undated "Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 1774-1821," National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmistburg, MD, undated Elizabeth Ann Seton 1774-1821, Servant of God, Foundress of the Sisters of Charity in America, undated "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 Prayer card by Rev. Burgio requesting information on favors received from Mother Seton, undated 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 Blank card with a painting of Elizabeth Ann Seton, issued by the National Shrine and relic with prayer card, centenary souvenir 1850-1950, 1951 Series V: Appeals materials, 2001-2006 and undated 1 5 Appeals materials, 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 Series VI: Printed materials, 1840-2006 and undated 1 6 Printed materials, 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 2 "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 Series VII: Medals, undated 1 7 Medals, undated 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 Series VIII: Photographs, undated

Most of these photographs are of the National Shrine. A few are copies of paintings of St. Elizabeth.

 1 8 Photographs, undated 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 Series IX: Letters, 1940-1941 and 1975 1 9 Letters, 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 enrolment 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

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?"

 Series X: Events at Seton Hall University, 1965-2005

This series traces the growth of the Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton celebrations and events at the University bearing her name. They began in 1965 and continue to this day. In 2006, in honor of the Sesquecential celebrations, Kozlowski Hall was renamed Jubilee Hall. Arranged in chronological order.

 1 10 Events at Seton Hall University, 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 2 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 1 11 Events at Seton Hall University, 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 1 12 Events at Seton Hall University, 2000-2005 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 Series XI: The Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1975 3 1 The Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 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 3 2 The canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 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 Elizabteh 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 Series XII: Exhibits, 1993 Exhibit on Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton 1993 2 Exhibit labels 3 3 Materials to support the exhibit 4 Mounted copies of phototgraphs used in the exhibit