Bereavement...

On Death and Dying...

Yesterday afternoon we got another one of "those calls." It was from Jessica, a long-time member of the "saintsforsinners.com family." She asked for a saint Elizabeth Ann Seton http://www.saintsforsinners.com/stories/saint_elizabeth_ann_seton_medal_story.htm medal package, so I suspected she was looking for comfort after the loss of a loved one, and sad to say, I was right. A 4 year old boy had died and Jessica wanted Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton because she thought Saint Elizabeth could help a Mom grieving the loss of her child. I agreed with her wholeheartedly. The Roman Catholic Church does not yet proclaim Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton as a Saint who can help with bereavement but at http://www.saintsforsinners.com/ she is most definitely our "go to gal" for help with dealing with tragedy.

Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American born saint. She enjoyed a life of wealth; her father was a doctor and professor at Kings College ( now known as Columbia University ) and her grandfather was an Episcopalian Minister. Elizabeth married and had 5 children but her daughters, Anna and Rebecca, died long before Elizabeth. She obviously knew what is was like to lose a child. Her mother died when Elizabeth was 3 years old so she knew what it was like to lose a Mom at a very young age. Her husband died when Elizabeth was only 29. Her father also died early in her life. Elizabeth Ann Seton experienced many tragedies early in her life. And she faced rejection and ostracism when she chose to become a Roman Catholic.

Through all of her tragedy and sadness, Elizabeth found the will to persevere. She carried on and did many remarkable things. Elizabeth founded the Daughters of Charity of Saint Joseph and was a brilliant educator, though not only through "book" learning. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton also teaches all of us by the example of her storied life. She always carried on and put her best foot forward in the many faces of adversity that were continually being presented.

If you go to our testimonial page you can read a lovely, heartbreakingly candid story from another saintsforsinners.com family member who has been able to "channel" some strength from the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton. And if you ever find yourself in the difficult position of needing to comfort someone as they endure the loss of a child, or if you experience this tragedy yourself, try to rely on saint Elizabeth Ann Seton for help, guidance, and perseverance. Should you wish to touch her image and grasp her strength with her medal, simply ask for one and it will be on its way to you without delay.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jessica and her family today and we know saint Elizabeth Ann Seton will soon be doing her important work, helping those who must endure painful tragedies in life.