The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-08-27
MOTHER SETON.
First superior or the sisters OF Charity
I'm the United states.

To THE EDITOR or THE SUN-Sr I:
The announcement was made last week
that the first steps had been taken Tor
the beatification of Mother Seton, the
foundress and tho first superior OF the
Sisters OF Charity in the United states
How many persons are aware or TN 1act
that Mother Seton. one of the most re-
markable women in the history OF the
Catholic Church in America, was native
of New York city and lived the greater
part Of her busy life In this part OF the
country? 1t seems curious that the frst
step toward sainthood in the case OF TINS
unusual woman should be taken at time
when all the nations OF Europe are at
war For In spite OF their other works
of mercy and charity, the Sisters of Char
ity are best known to the general pubic
by the great work which they did for the
sick and wounded on the battlehelds OF
the American civil war.
A comprehensive story OF the work OF
Mother Seton and the labors OF the mem
bers Of the order founded by her In TO be
found In n book entitled Angels OF the
Battlefield" published ten or fifteen years
ago. There are however. few striking
points in the life OF Mother Seton which
may be told within the brief space OF this
communication. Elizabeth Ann Rayley
was born In the city OF New York on
August rs. 177i. n younger daughter or
Ut. hlCnAru BaNley, an clllHtHt pHSbiSi"h
Of the metropolis. Although member OF
the Protestant Episcopal Church from
her earliest years. she wore n small cru
cifx on her person and was frequently
heard to express regret and astonishment
that the custom was not more general
among members Of her church.
Miss Bayley at the age OF 20 was
married to William Seton. n prosperous
and much liked merchant OF New York
city Eiya children the outcome OF
this marriage. and Mrs Seton was IA model
mother In every respect. In 1900. when
her husband became involved In business
difficulties caused largely through the re-
action in commerce after the Revolu-
tionary war. Mrs. Seton not only cheered
him In the crisis but rendered him prac-
teal assistance In arranging hls business
affairs. The death OF her father in 1901
was one OF the sorrows OF her life DR.
Bayley was Health Officer at tho port OF
New York. and father and daughter gave
erea; help and assistance TO the imml-
grants landing on these shores.
After the death OF her husband and
father Mrs. Seton began to take a deep
Interest In the doctrines and practices ~
the Catholic Church and she was finally
received into that communion on Ash
Wednesday. 1905. in old st. Peters
Church. Barclay street New York city.
Not long after this with the appreciation
OF the Church authorities, she formed the
little community In st. Joseph's Valley,
EmmtsburR. Md. vows being taken in
accordance with the rules OF the Sisters
OF Charity OF France. One OF Mother
Seton's daughters entered the sisterhood
and tho other died at an early age. Her
sons were prosperously launched in bust
ness enterprises. II Ii quite possible that
their descendants live In and about New
York to-day.
Thin. MA ba, q
tho founder OF one OF the greatest orders
In the Catholic Church being a widow and
convert from Professionalism.
PHILADELPHIA. August 2s CHS