As she left New York Harbor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton felt as if she was setting sail to the heavens.  The next chapter in her mission moved with striking speed - a testament to the purification she endured in New York and her commitment to the "Adored Will" of Jesus.  Fr. O'Connor shares about these life experiences of Elizabeth Ann Seton and her out-of-this-world desire to be a "mother to many."

The teaching section of the video is followed by the recitation of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.  During the month of May, the Church encourages us to spend some time deepening our relationship with Mary through this beautiful devotion.  

Below are a few questions for you to consider while watching the video presentation.  Make some notes and follow up by having a conversations with someone who is also watching this series.  

1. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”  Elizabeth Ann Seton and her young family were overwhelmed by the welcome they received in Baltimore.  Describe a time you experienced gracious hospitality.  Name some ways you can extend greater hospitality.

2. How do you know what is God’s will for you?  Mother Seton enjoyed the consolations she experienced, but she did not base her decision-making on them.  If they passed, she did not chase those good feelings.  She stayed the course and hung in there even when she “wasn’t feeling it.”  Have you chased good feelings in your decision making?  How did it turn out?  On the flipside, describe a time you stayed the course through difficulties.  How did that turn out?

3. Elizabeth knew her own heart very well.  She was aware when she was experiencing natural attraction, and that it was not an attraction to be pursued.  When it passed, the Lord showed the power of purified love.  This may be too much to share with others but consider a time when you chose to let fleeting passion subside.  Was the resulting relationship of greater value to the building of the Kingdom of God?

This is lesson four of four.  Each Wednesday of May we will look at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and her experiences with, and relationship to, Mary.  These four lessons will be paired with one of the four sets of mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary, which we will pray together. See our website and YouTube page for the other lessons.