Canonized in 1975, Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American-born saint. Born into a wealthy family in 1774 she was exposed to many of the social graces of her time. She founded the first Catholic girls’ school and later the first sisterhood in the United States on July 31, 1809. She took vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service to the poor on July 19, 1813. Throughout her life, she loved to dance and kept the silk ballet slippers of her youth. They can be viewed at her shrine in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Dance and support Catholic education in her honor.
An Italian immigrant known for her indefatigable charity, strength and resourcefulness, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini was canonized on July 7, 1946, becoming the first American saint. She opened orphanages, hospitals, schools on three continents and became a U.S. citizen in 1909. Celebrate her holiness and true American spirit by making Mother Cabrini’s Pound Cake from newclassicrecipe.com. Don’t forget the “secret ingredient,” though: For best results, bless yourself before placing the pan in an unheated oven.