Part of a Series on Vincentian Heritage Places

St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Barclay Street, New York

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Returning to America as a widow, Elizabeth could not forget what she had encountered in Italy. She began to secretly attend St. Peter’s Church, the first Catholic church in New York City. This act of quiet courage marked the beginning of her formal journey into the Catholic Church, a decision that would bring her social exile but spiritual fullness.

History of St. Peter’s Church
The cornerstone of the original church was laid in 1785 and the first Mass celebrated in 1786. In October 1836, the cornerstone for a larger St. Peter’s Church was laid, and by February 1838 the current structure was built. (Source: Wikipedia)

Elizabeth’s Conversion to Catholicism
On March 14, 1805 Rev. Matthew O’Brien (1758-1815) received Elizabeth’s profession of the Catholic faith at St. Peter’s Church, Barclay Street in lower Manhattan. Elizabeth received her First Communion two weeks later on March 25. Bishop John Carroll (1735-1815, later archbishop), whom she considered her spiritual father, confirmed her the next year on Pentecost Sunday. For her Confirmation name, Elizabeth added the name of Mary to her own and thereafter frequently signed herself “MEAS,” which was her abbreviation for Mary Elizabeth Ann Seton. Accordingly the three names, Mary, Ann, and Elizabeth, signified the moments of the mysteries of Salvation for her. (Source: Seton Shrine)

September 11, 2001
St. Peter’s Church is located just one block from the World Trade Center site, and the church served as a staging ground for rescue and recovery operations following the 9/11 attacks, providing shelter and supplies for first responders. Father Mychal Judge, a fire chaplain associated with the church, was the first recorded victim of the attacks, and his body was brought back to St. Peter’s.

The 1785 Church

St. Peter’s today (constructed in 1838)

All Vincentian Places in this Series

Red = Vincent de Paul, Blue = Frederic Ozanam, Teal = Elizabeth Seton

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