By CECILE SAN AGUSTIN
Reporter

CONVENT STATION - A wife and mother, and religious sister. A life in high society and a life in poverty. Born an Episcopalian and a convert to Catholicism. These are just some of the ways to describe the full and varied life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder and patron of the Sisters of Charity.

"No matter what stage she lived in her life, she was a woman who could fit into it. She made the transition with such grace," said Sister Barbara Connell, a Sister of Charity for 62 years currently serving at Xavier Retreat Center.

"Because she lived such a varied life, there's almost nothing she hasn't experienced and because of her life experience, she understands and I pray to her often." Sister Connell said. "She knows pain of losing a husband and child. She knows the joy of helping the poor."

The Sisters of Charity were founded by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in 1809. In 1859, Mother Mary Xavier Mehegan founded the New Jersey community known as the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth.

During the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, Sisters of Charity serving the diocese and other dioceses, came together in Holy Family Chapel here for a Mass celebrating the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Jan 10. The saint's feast day is marked Jan. 4, the anniversary of her death.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter Rosazza, auxiliary bishop of Hartford, Conn., and concelebrated by Father Martin Rooney, director of pastoral care at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center, Paterson, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity.

In welcoming the many donors, friends and relatives who filled the chapel for the celebration, Sister of Charity Maureen Shaughnessy, general superior, said, "This year as we mark the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in the middle of our 150th anniversary year, we are conscious of the gift and inspiration she has been for us for these many years. We, her daughters, continue to carry on her flame - the charism of charity - by our lives and our ministries every day."

"Our congregation was founded 50 years after she first established the first Sisters of Charity in the United States," Sister Shaughnessy said. "We realize we are bearers of a rich legacy and trust in the providence of God each day to guide us so we might be worthy of the name we bear."

A longtime associate of the Sisters of Charity Bishop Rosazza, who serves at Sister of Charity sponsored St. Raphael Hospital in New Haven, Conn., shared his reflections on St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the order.

"How proud must she be as she smiles at you and looks down over you on 150 years of selfless and effective service on thousands upon thousands of people," he said. "You have accomplished so much, a reminder of God's providence and the grace of creativity that Jesus continues to pour into your beautiful hearts and minds."

Attending the feast day celebration was Alix Ann Arlinghaus, who was graduated from the Academy of St. Elizabeth and the College of St. Elizabeth here. She continues her close relationship with the Sisters of Charity as a volunteer in the development office. "The Sisters of Charity gave me a tremendous learning experience," she said. "They allowed me to be the person I've become today."

Honoring her patron, Sister of Charity Rose Marie Padovano, undergraduate professor/chair of education at the College of St. Elizabeth, said, "St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is a model for women. I am proud to serve as a Sister of Charity. It's phenomenal. There is a great energy among the community. We're spiritual and still so highly professional."

Many Seton Associates were in attendance at the celebration. These associates are women and men who, following their own particular vocation in life, seek to deepen their relationship with God and to share in the mission and ministry of the congregation.
Pat Conroy, a Seton Associate, has a long history with the Sisters of Charity. Before her, the Sisters of Charity educated her mother and aunts and she was graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth.

"I feel a strong connection with the Sisters of Charity," said Conroy, mother of three children and grandmother of one. "They never change and are still doing the same work they did 150 years ago and I know they will continue to do the same work for the next 150 years."

Information on the 150th anniversary: www.scnj.org.

Beacon photos/Joe Gigli