As much as I love the Litany of the Saints, sung during special Masses, such as Masses of Canonization and Priestly Ordination, I took special enjoyment and pride listening to the Litany during the Papal Mass in which Fr. Serra was canonized.

How wonderful it was to hear the names of American Saints, including female Saints like Kateri Tekakwitha, Katherine Drexel, Frances Cabrini, Rose Philippine Duchesne, and Elizabeth Ann Seton–all of whom I have special devotion to.

Since this month marks the fortieth anniversary of the canonization of the first American-born Saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton, it was a special honor for her “Daughters of Charity” to have the original key to their foundress’ house presented by the President to the Pope, as an official gift from the people of the United States.

“Mother Seton,” as she was called, was a wife, mother, teacher, and foundress of a religious order of women who have served as teachers and nurses.  Born in 1774, Elizabeth Ann Seton, as a widowed mother of five children and convert to Catholicism, is credited with starting the U.S. Catholic school system.

Interestingly, one of her Daughters of Charity, Sr. Miriam Teresa, a young teacher who died in 1927, was beatified last year. If she is canonized, she will become the second U.S.-born Saint.

The Seton family motto was “Hazard Zet Forward,” another fitting retirement goal. No matter what the obstacles: onward!

What are some retirement obstacles you need to push through?