Through her words, we invite you to discover Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton — the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized and a foundational figure in American Catholicism and the Vincentian Family.

Elizabeth Ann Seton’s writings — marked by deep faith, maternal tenderness, and a tireless trust in Divine Providence — offer us a window into her spiritual journey and the challenges she faced as a woman, mother, educator, and founder. Though written over two centuries ago, her reflections continue to resonate today, especially as we seek to respond with compassion and courage to the trials of our time.

Text of Elizabeth Ann Seton:

“The gate of heaven is very low, the humble only can enter it, the path to it is very narrow. […] Perseverance is a great grace- to go on gaining and advancing every day, we must be resolute, and bear and suffer what our blessed forerunners did.”

– Sta. Isabel Seton, Collected Writings, Vol. 3a p. 261.

Commentary:

In this sobering yet hopeful passage, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton reminds us that the way to heaven is not grand or comfortable—it is low, narrow, and filled with the trials borne by the saints before us. But her words are not meant to frighten us; they are a call to courage, humility, and daily perseverance. She is not describing an exclusive path, but a deeply personal one—open to all who are willing to walk it with Christlike simplicity and strength.

For those living the Vincentian vocation, this imagery is particularly striking. Our mission takes us through narrow paths—into the forgotten corners of society, into the lives of the poor and suffering, and into our own hearts. Seton invites us to embrace that path not as punishment, but as a passage to glory.

“The gate of heaven is very low, the humble only can enter it…” — The Posture of the Heart

Humility is not self-hatred. It is truth. It is recognizing who we are before God and others: beloved, but not the center. Seton’s image of the low gate suggests that we must bow to enter—lowering pride, ego, and self-reliance.

Jesus echoes this:

“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

“Whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

The Vincentian spirit teaches us that humility is essential to true service. We don’t serve from above, but from beside—recognizing Christ in the one who suffers. If we are too proud, we will miss Him. If we stay small, we will find Him.

“…the path to it is very narrow.” — The Way of the Cross

The narrow path is not the easiest—it is the way of sacrifice, faithfulness, and virtue. It demands saying no to comfort, popularity, and self-centeredness. It is the way Jesus walked. And the way His saints have walked.

We walk this path in countless daily decisions—choosing patience over anger, service over self, silence over complaint. It is a path of dying to self in small ways, which leads to resurrection.

“Perseverance is a great grace…” — Not Perfection, But Constancy

Seton names perseverance not as a duty, but as a grace—a gift from God. It is not about never falling, but about rising again, every day. It is grace to begin again. Grace to keep going. Grace to not give up when the path feels too long.

St. Paul writes:

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we shall reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Perseverance requires more than willpower. It requires hope. It requires remembering that we do not walk alone, and that every small advance matters, even when no one sees it.

“…to go on gaining and advancing every day…” — Daily Growth, Even in Secret

Growth in holiness is not measured by great leaps, but by faithful steps. To “gain and advance” each day is to say yes again to God, to charity, to humility. It’s progress hidden from the world, but precious to God.

Vincentians often work in quiet, unnoticed places. But this is how the Kingdom is built—slowly, patiently, in love.

And in doing so, we imitate the saints who walked before us.

“…we must be resolute, and bear and suffer what our blessed forerunners did.” — Standing With the Saints

Seton invites us into solidarity—not just with the poor, but with the communion of saints. Their lives were marked by trials, loss, misunderstandings, persecution—and yet they persevered in love.

We are not the first to struggle. We are not the first to suffer in silence. We are walking a well-worn path, sanctified by faith and tears.

Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, and Elizabeth Ann Seton all bore much. Their strength was not in ease, but in endurance. We are called to the same.