Thank you, Mother Seton!

As I work my way through a memoir about my Grandfather Joseph Landry's family and the Halifax Explosion, I've come across some interesting stories while doing research for the book, "A Picture on the Wall".  My great Aunt Anna Bella was one of my Grandfather Joe's younger sisters who shared many memories that have empowered me to move forward with the book. Below is a story that connects with her.

Photo Credit: https://scsh.org/about-us/history/founders/

Because of an Episcopalian turned Catholic, my great Aunt Anna Bella Landry was able to get an exceptional education - even though she only made it to sixth grade due to family circumstances.  Anna Bella had an ability to read, write, and express herself that appeared more advanced than a typical sixth grade education of her time. I credit her ability to the education that she received form the the Sisters of Charity.  The person responsible for the Sisters of Charity was Mother Seton who started the organization in the United States. Her organization would expand to start up several ministries in Halifax,  Nova Scotia.  One of these was St. Joseph's School where  my great aunt had attended.

Mother Seton was born Elizabeth Ann Bayley on August 28, 1774 in New York . Her father was a physician, Dr. Richard Bayley and her mother Catherine Charleton was the daughter of an Episcopalian minister. At the age of three her mother passed away.  Her father was gentle, kind, and loving and made sure that she got a thorough education and encouraged her to read from his extensive library.  She learned French and was brought up in a bilingual household. Elizabeth had a passion for education.

Elizabeth married William Magee Seton on Jan 25, 1794 at the age of nineteen.
In 1803 William died of consumption leaving her a single mom to their five children: Anna Maria age 8, William age 7, Richard age 5,  Catherine age 3, and  Rebecca age 1.

Because of kindness and support of friends she made while William was sick, the Filichini family,  she found comforted not only in their presence, but in the way they expressed their faith.  They were Catholic. They were there for her through William's illness and his passing.  The rituals they practiced seemed to resonate with her spiritually, so much so she decided to learn as much about their faith and desired to become Catholic.

Both families were very upset about her decision. They did their best to persuade her not to leave their church.  When this didn't work, they threatened to cut her off financially.  After joining the Catholic church, they shunned her.  Without their financial assistance, she left and looked for ways to support herself and her children. Though Antonio  Filicchis offered assistance, Elizabeth took as little assistance as possible, she wanted to make it on her own.

Elizabeth took her vows and became Sister Seton.  With her passion for serving the poor and providing education, especially for young girls, there came approval from the bishops.  Sister Seton soon became Mother Seton and established the Sisters of Charity. 

For more information:
"Mother Seton, mother of many daughters" by Charles White
"Life Story of Mother Seton" by Louise Malloy
"Full Biography of Elizabeth Ann Seton" 
"The sisters of Charity, Halifaxa' by Powers, Sister Maura
"The Sisters of Charity of Halifax - The Early and Middle Years" by Sister Marianna O'GALLAGHER, S.C.H.Quebec, P.Q.