The Lord is My Shepherd: A Novel of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Rosemary Bogdan reviews Anne Faye's retelling of the life of the first American-born saint.

The Lord is My Shepherd: A Novel of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

By Anne Faye

The first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton, lived in New York City where all the early politics was happening. Yes, she was solidly American born. 

She rubbed elbows with the Founding Fathers of our country, even attending the inauguration of George Washington. New York City was quite a happening place. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr lived on her street. 

Anne Faye has written an engaging new historical novel about this American-born saint. It is a quick and interesting read, full of information about the intelligent and compelling Elizabeth Ann Seton. The future saint’s stepmother taught her at an early age to memorize Psalm 23. Saint Elizabeth Anne repeated this psalm very often throughout her challenging life. Thus, The Lord is My Shepherd: A Novel of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is a very apt title for the work.

Anne Faye tells us on the first page, “This is a work of historical fiction. While based on the lives of historical figures, the characters are used fictitiously.”   

Because it is written as an autobiographical novel, however, I was sometimes distracted by wondering if words coming from the voice of Seton were direct quotes or part of the fiction. In any event, I’m sure Anne Faye has captured the true spirit of Saint Elizabeth Ann. 

Learning About the Saint and Her World

We learn in The Lord is My Shepherd that Seton was born in 1774. She was raised an Episcopalian and worshipped at the famous Trinity Church in New York which was founded in 1790. George Washington and Alexander Hamilton were present at the dedication. Now that’s an historic church! 

We learn in Anne Faye’s book that Elizabeth Ann Seton did not have the happiest childhood. She lost her mother when she was very young, and her stepmother, Anne Faye tells us, “Was unhappy and anxious.” There was a lot of tension in the marriage and in the family.  

At one point in her teenage years the future saint had even considered ending her life with medications her father had on hand. “But then in that fateful moment of decision, the true grace of God broke through. The despondent feelings past.”  We see that Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was a real-life woman with very authentic sufferings. 

She did though have a lovely, happy marriage to Will Seton, with whom she had five children. She and her beloved husband entertained guests at dinner parties, Elizabeth on the piano and Will on his Stradivarius violin. 

As the years past, however, their fortunes changed. There was suffering in the family and many deaths. Elizabeth Ann endured many trials and hardships. 

A Conversion Story

For me, the most fascinating part of The Lord is My Shepherd is Anne Faye’s description of how Elizabeth Ann came to conversion to Catholicism. 

She was a devout Episcopalian who loved her pastor and whose advice she often sought. He strongly discouraged her from looking at Catholicism. Then she made some good friends, while in Italy, who taught her a lot about the Faith. She was drawn to the truth in the beauty of the religious art and to the ideas. 

“As an Episcopalian I had never even considered praying to Mary or asking for her help. But as I spent time admiring all the beautiful paintings of her in the churches and reflected on her role in Jesus’ life, I found myself drawn to her.” 

Seton spoke to many members of the clergy and received answers to her questions. She noted that the Catholic Church could be traced back to Christ, the Episcopal Church only to Henry VIII. At an Episcopal service she thought, “But as they said, ‘The Body and Blood of Christ,’ which they do not believe it to be so except in a spiritual sense, I felt convicted. I went into that Church a Protestant and came out a Catholic. My decision was made, and I felt great peace. My heart was light for the first time in months.” 

Elizabeth Ann Seton fearlessly sought the truth and found it. She was subsequently criticized harshly and even rejected by family and friends. Parents took their children out of her school. 

The Lord is My Shepherd: A Novel of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton by Anne Faye is a lovely story of a courageous woman who loved God, overcame suffering, and pursued the truth relentlessly.  

She supported and raised five children as a widow and went on to found schools and a religious order. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An easy and comfortable read, it held my attention from start to finish. I think adults, young adults, and even teens would profit from reading it. 

May Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton intercede for us all. 

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Copyright 2025 Rosemary Bogdan
Images: Canva