“So much noise of war and crooked politicks – I shall fly to Canada if it continues.” – Elizabeth Seton, July 1, 1807 (Postscript in a letter to Antonio Filicchi)

This prophetic line from our foundress, recently uncovered by one of our Sisters, strikes a chord as we mark Canada Day today and continue to draw strength from our bonds with the Sisters of Charity of Halifax and the four other Canadian congregations of the Sisters of Charity Federation.

It also echoes with uncanny resonance after last week’s Sisters Speak Out gatherings, as Catholic Sisters across the country raised their voices on behalf of marginalized people and vulnerable communities—those who stand to be most affected by the proposed Budget Reconciliation Bill.

And as news broke of the U.S. bombing in Iran, Elizabeth’s lament about the “noise of war” feels all too familiar, reminding us how conflict and injustice remain deeply intertwined.

Known for her faith, hope, and charity, Elizabeth Seton’s words here remind us: even saints can grow weary of injustice. And sometimes, they speak out too.