Ready Reference Files

First United States Catholic Saints

First Female Naturalized Citizen:

Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini was born Maria Francesca Cabrini on July 15, 1850 in San Angelo, Italy. She became the first American (naturalized) citizen to be canonized a saint in the United States by Pope Pius XII in 1946. She died on Dec. 12, 1917. Her feast day is Nov. 13. She is known as the "Patroness of Immigrants".

First Female Native Born Citizen:

Born on August 28, 1774 in New York City, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native born American saint. She was canonized by Pope Paul VI on Sept.14, 1975. She died on Jan.4, 1821. Her feast day is Jan. 4. She is known as the "Patron Saint of Children Near Death".

First Male Naturalized Citizen:

Saint John Nepomucene Neumann was born in Bohemia (the Czech Republic) on March 28, 1811 and became the first (naturalized) American male saint. He was canonized on June 19, 1977 by Pope Paul VI. He died on Jan 5, 1860. His feast day is Jan. 5.

Source: Delaney, John. Dictionary of Saints. Doubleday, Garden City, NY. 1980. (R 920 D37)

Verified by: CM, 4-99

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