I was ten years old and had my first … and only … theatrical experience. O.K, to be honest, it was only in front of Ms. Morgan’s fourth grade class and I didn’t say a word. I played William Magee Seton, the husband of today’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. I can vividly remember standing with Mary LaFlamme who told the story of this holy woman—the first native born American citizen to be recognized as a Saint.
After only nine years of marriage, while on vacation with her husband in Italy, Elizabeth Ann Seton became a widow. What happened next would change the course of her and countless other lives.
Elizabeth Seton wasn’t raised a Catholic but while in Italy, she was invited to stay with a Catholic family after the loss of her beloved husband. When she returned to the U.S. she felt drawn to convert to the Catholic faith and two years later she was received into the Catholic Church.
I thought about what an incredible joy that Italian family must have experienced in hearing the news that their new friend had joined the Catholic Church. It also reminded me of the opportunity that God gives us to care for those in need as a family.
Each of us can ask ourselves, what if a Catholic or a person of another faith came to visit our family …
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Would they see a Catholic family living and sharing their faith?
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Would they see a commitment to Sunday Mass?
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Would they witness prayer and not just for our family’s needs but also friends and even strangers?
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Would they see a family that sought forgiveness of God through Confession that led to being able to forgive one another?
You can add your own examples of what would impress you if you were that visitor, including being able to ask and answer questions about the Catholic faith. Don’t get discouraged after hearing this … it’s meant to challenge, inspire and affirm what you are doing or can do with God ‘s grace.
I don’t know the specifics of what Elizabeth Ann Seton experienced as a guest of that Italian family; but we can be sure that she saw a family that was Christ-centered, one that knew how to love one another and someone in need--in God’s Name.
May this example of one family caring for a future saint-- and the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton both challenge and inspire us to live and be ready to share the love of God, beginning in our homes.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EST, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
