Catherine Josephine Seton was born in 1800, on Staten Island, New York, the fourth of five children of William Magee and Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton.
13 Facts About Catherine Seton
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Catherine Seton's father was a partner in the import firm Seton, Maitland, and Company.
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Catherine Seton grew up in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she attended her mother's school, and where she eventually taught piano and voice.
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Catherine Seton formed long-lasting friendships with people both at St Joseph's and the nearby Mount St Mary's College.
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Catherine Seton traveled again in 1838 with her brother William and his family.
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When Catherine Seton returned to New York in 1840, Catherine engaged in various charitable works suggested by Bishop Dubois.
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Catherine Seton asked his successor, Bishop John Hughes to recommend a religious community.
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Hughes had recently arranged for the Sisters of Mercy of Dublin to establish a presence in the diocese, and he suggested Catherine Seton wait for their arrival.
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Catherine Seton received the habit on 6 April 1847, and was given the name "Sister Mary Catherine".
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Sister Mary Catherine Seton visited thousands who were locked away in New York City.
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Catherine Seton was affectionately called "the Angel of the Tombs" briefly during the Civil War while she acted as a far-stationed nurse for injured Union forces.
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Catherine Seton died of pneumonia at the age of ninety at St Catherine's Convent on 81st Street.
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Catherine Seton is buried in the Mercy plot at Calvary Cemetery.