In this first post of 2012 we remember Elizabeth Ann Seton on this, her feast day.
What does Elizabeth Seton she have to do with the history of the Catholic Church in Indiana? She never visited Indiana, but her spirit is here in many ways. One way in which she is present is through her own material possessions. 
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton had two bibles and she made extensive notes in them. Both of them are in Indiana. The first at the Brute Library in Vincennes and the other at the University of Notre Dame.
Elizabeth Ann’s spiritual director was our own Simon Brute. It was he who guided her on her journey. Although he was not part of her life when she converted to Catholicism, he was the one who helped her as a struggling superior of a small group of Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Brute first met Elizabeth Seton in 1811.
Some say that her holiness came as a result of the holiness of Father Brute. They have been described as “kindred souls”.
It was Father Brute who saw to it that the papers of Elizabeth Ann Seton were preserved. You can read about this and other aspects of her life by visiting the Seton Shrine web page.
The Sisters who carry on Elizabeth Ann’s work continue to honor Father Brute for his contribution to her quest for holiness.
We hope this day, that Elizabeth Ann Seton and the women who followed her continue to pray for the Cause of Bishop Brute.
Here is the prayer for Bishop Brutés canonization:
Heavenly Father,
source of all that is holy,
in every age, you raise up
men and women who live lives
of heroic love and service.You have blessed your Church
through the life of Simon Brute,
first bishop of Vincennes
and spiritual director
to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Through his prayer, his intellect,
his love, and his pastoral care,
Simon Brute formed future priests
and guided your Church
in the early days of our country.If it be your will,
may he be proclaimed a saint.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
our Lord.“”Amen.
