The first native-born US saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, would be 250 years old in 2024 and her National Shrine is celebrating in style. The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is inviting Americans and people from around the world to reacquaint themselves with her life and values, to reflect upon the lessons they reveal.
What better place to celebrate the life of a saint than in the very same town in which she started the first community for religious women: The Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. At the Seton Shrine, visitors can dive right into the rich history of this influential saint, beginning with a trip to the Seton Shrine museum, to learn about the life and legacy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Born August 28, 1774, St. Elizabeth led a life that was marked by heartbreak and hardship from as early as three years old, when she lost her mother. By the age of 19 she was married, but eight years and five children later, she would find herself widowed, with two of her children following her husband to the other side soon after. Even when she converted to Catholicism she had to contend with the frustrations of being ostracized by former friends.
Rob Judge, executive director of the Seton Shrine, commented on the saint’s life:
“She endured profound grief, financial stress and an uncertain future and through it all she and the Sisters of Charity poured their energy into serving others. We celebrate her birthday every year, and on this 250th birthday we invite everyone to focus on her example of faith and service to navigate through the tough times in their own lives and to reach out to others in need.”
Despite the turmoil, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is today remembered as a devout leader and pioneer of Catholic education. Her enduring legacy includes several religious congregations of women, who number in the thousands. This legacy also includes the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Historic sites
Once the Seton Shrine Museum is fully explored, visitors will not want to miss the sights of the Stone House, built in the 1700s, and the Historic St. Joseph House, which was commissioned by the saint after the Stone House was deemed not large enough for all that she had planned.
Tours through these historic sites would not be complete without Seton Shrine’s “Living History” offerings. These are interactive sessions in which participants get to take a step back in time to 1818, to see what life was like at St. Joseph’s Academy, the first school founded by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. These activities feature living history interpreters who engage visitors in character, in an attempt to give an authentic look at early 19th century life.
There’s a whole lot more waiting to be discovered at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Have a look at the shrine’s official website and plan your trip to celebrate her 250th birthday today.
