On the drive north through the rolling hills and farms of Emmitsburg, MD I began to think to myself why it was important for me to cover the 40th Anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. There are many interesting facts about her that make her an important saint, especially in the United States, but I was more concerned with what personal connection I might have with the first U.S.-born citizen elevated to sainthood. My mother relates a lot with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton because like her she too was a widowed mother with children who experienced financial hardships. And there were times where only faith and hope got her through some of the very serious uncertain times. And even though I was present and raised through those times along with my younger brother and sister, that wasn’t my relationship with the saint.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD.
My connection — why this was important to me — was the education she inspired and provided. Bingo.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was huge on education and charitable works. Inspirational education and charity is her legacy and 176 years later it lives on. Where she comes into my life is that I was home schooled through high school with the saint’s namesake curriculum, Seton Home Study School, based out of Front Royal, VA. It was a bittersweet and obvious revelation as I slowed to turn onto the street leading up to her shrine. While home education is only nearly 3% of the population, and was only the last few years of my pre-college education, I do owe a lot to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for her works in that realm. She helped my mom provide a solid education and formation to me and making a good chunk of college really easy.
A family prays before the altar and relics of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton after the 40th anniversary Mass of her canonization.
A stained glass window showing works charity that Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is known for.
One of the many stained glass windows at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Bernadette Corso sings during that 40th Anniversary Mass of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization at the namesake national shrine in Emmitsburg, MD.
Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori, STD during his homily at the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s 40th anniversary Mass of her sainthood.
Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori, STD during his homily at the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s 40th anniversary Mass of her sainthood.
Sister Maryanne Ruzzo, SC recites the Second Reading at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Sister Susan Gatz, SCN recites the First Reading, Isaiah 50:5-9A at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Congregational Banners are displayed along ledge of the choir loft of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton during the 40th Anniversary Mass of the saint’s canonization. Each of the congregations were inspired by the saint’s life and deeds.
Sister Jane Iannucekki, SC offers words of gratitude to the Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori.
A little girl looks up to the choir loft while the music plays.
Music provided by The Mount St. Mary’s Seminary Schola echoed throughout the main sanctuary of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Music provided by The Mount St. Mary’s Seminary Schola echoed throughout the main sanctuary of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori, STD elevates the Eucharist at the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s 40th anniversary Mass of her sainthood.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was above capacity during the 40th Anniversary Mass of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s sainthood.
Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori poses for a photo with the Knights of Columbus of the Maryland and Pennsylvania Districts outside the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
So, with that in mind, I covered the Mass celebrating 40th Anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization with the Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori. The shrine was beyond capacity and broadcasted live on EWTN. The crowds, who honor and venerate this American pioneer of education, are a testament to the long-lasting success story that one of the readings, James 2:14-26, said.
