For 250 years, we have celebrated American independence and all the freedoms we are blessed with in this country. As we admire the sparkle of fireworks in our children’s eyes or make them a plate of classic July 4th barbecue, we can also encourage them to be grateful to God, exploring with them how the Catholic faith has influenced and impacted the nation.
Learning about the saints of America together is a wonderful way for your family to honor the country’s 250th birthday. These remarkable men and women lived out their faith across various fields and different time periods, but they shared a common commitment to Jesus Christ and the Gospel values that we seek to instill in our Knights every day, both in and out of the classroom.
For the Love of Learning
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774–1821
Patron of Catholic education
Feast Day: January 4
Wife, mother, and Catholic convert Elizabeth Ann Seton was a trailblazer in Catholic education. A wealthy New York socialite, Elizabeth became a nun after the death of her husband and established the first American-founded congregation of religious sisters, the Sisters of Charity. She went on to transform American education as the founder of the country’s parochial school system. The first native-born American to be canonized, Mother Seton’s generosity and devotion laid the foundation for education like that offered here at St. Joseph’s. Her many vocations also demonstrate how expansive a faith-filled life can be.
St. John Neumann, 1811–1860
Patron of immigrants, sick children, and Catholic education
Feast Day: January 5
As Bishop of Philadelphia, John Neumann established one of the nation’s first organized Catholic school systems. A native of Bohemia (present-day Czechia), he was especially devoted to serving immigrant children. He even visited families at their homes, inspiring them to consider how a foundation of faith could vitalize their children’s education. He accomplished much with few resources, and his legacy lives on in the intellectual rigor and spiritual heart of many Catholic schools. He remains the only male citizen of the United States to be canonized.
For Faith that Knows No Bounds
St. Kateri Tekakwitha, 1656-1680
Patron of Indigenous Peoples, ecology, and the environment
Feast Day: July 14
Kateri Tekakwitha has many titles: Lily of the Mohawks, Protectress of Canada, Geneviève of New Britain. She was a member of the Mohawk/Algonquin tribe from modern-day New York who converted to Catholicism as a teenager, after her entire family died of smallpox. She persevered in her commitment to Christ through immense hardship and persecution and died at age 24, with her last words being reported as “Jesus, Mary, I love you.” Her courage in her devotion to the Lord makes her an incredible role model for all young people.
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
Patron of immigrants, hospital administrators, impossible causes
Feast Day: December 22
Patron saint of immigrants, Mother Cabrini was an Italian immigrant herself who traveled across the United States serving those in desperate need of assistance. She founded schools, orphanages, and hospitals, all committed to a belief that every person deserves dignity and care. From her, our children learn that God’s love transcends all categories and we are called to serve not just some but all in need.
For Living a Life of Charity
St. Katharine Drexel
Patron of racial justice and philanthropists
Feast Day: March 3
Katharine Drexel’s great wealth could have been used in a variety of ways—she chose to use her fortune to help others The founder of schools for Native American and Black communities across the country, We are blessed to live in a country far more prosperous than many others, and St. Katharine Drexel demonstrates the impact one person’s generosity can have across generations, transforming educational opportunities for so many.
St. Damien Molokai
Patron of outcasts and Hawaii
Feast Day: May 10
Originally from Belgium, Father Damien is known for living out his faith among a people suffering from leprosy on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. He refused to keep a safe distance from those who were in immense pain with little support. Instead, he shared in their hardships and cared for both their physical and spiritual needs. He is a lasting witness to Christ’s sacrificial love, caring for some of the most vulnerable on land that is now a part of our country.
A Legacy of Christlike Love
Each of these saints loved God first and allowed that love to shape their lives. As America marks its 250th anniversary, they are a strong reminder that the story of our nation is also the story of everyday people who sought to love God and their neighbors well.
Our faith has shaped education, communities, and policies. It has influenced countless people to love and serve the vulnerable and proclaim the dignity of all.
May this anniversary inspire us to look back with gratitude and look forward with renewed purpose to the legacy we are leaving. At St. Joseph’s, we can continue working together to make our slice of America one where faith, hope, charity, and service remain the foundation for generations to come.