- Feb 5, 2002
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The litany of the saints that we pray today for All Saints Day includes a prayer: “Bring back to the unity of the Church all those who are straying, and bring all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel.” The saints themselves show us the path toward this unity.
About twenty years ago, I was asked by a friend if I knew of saints who converted from Protestantism to be able to recommend as Confirmation names. At the time, John Henry Newman was not even beatified and the only other name I could think of was Elizabeth Ann Seton – not helpful for a man. Since then, I have been paying attention and have found a good number of such converts, either canonized saints or those on the way. They show us the power of truth to lead us into the Church, despite many obstacles, and can be powerful intercessors for friends and family. Here is a list (which is a work in progress):
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1871) – Seton was moved to convert from Episcopalianism after her husband died while the family was in Italy, witnessing Catholic faith in and devotion to the Eucharist. She founded the first American group of religious sisters, the Daughters of Charity, and is considered a founder of the parochial school system. She is the only canonized American convert-saint.
Continued below.
Saints who Converted from Protestantism
About twenty years ago, I was asked by a friend if I knew of saints who converted from Protestantism to be able to recommend as Confirmation names. At the time, John Henry Newman was not even beatified and the only other name I could think of was Elizabeth Ann Seton – not helpful for a man. Since then, I have been paying attention and have found a good number of such converts, either canonized saints or those on the way. They show us the power of truth to lead us into the Church, despite many obstacles, and can be powerful intercessors for friends and family. Here is a list (which is a work in progress):
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1871) – Seton was moved to convert from Episcopalianism after her husband died while the family was in Italy, witnessing Catholic faith in and devotion to the Eucharist. She founded the first American group of religious sisters, the Daughters of Charity, and is considered a founder of the parochial school system. She is the only canonized American convert-saint.
Continued below.
Saints who Converted from Protestantism
