By Francesca Pollio Fenton
CNA Staff, Jan 4, 2025 / 04:00 am
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose feast is celebrated on Jan. 4, led a bold and faith-filled life, which led to her becoming the first native-born American to be canonized in the Catholic Church on Sept. 14, 1975.
Now, 50 years later, the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, has begun its yearlong celebration honoring the anniversary of the saint’s canonization. The special events and programming kick off on Jan. 4 with a Mass at the shrine celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, which will be aired nationally on EWTN at 6 p.m. ET.
On the same day, a new exhibit will open in the shrine’s museum called “One of Us,” which tells the backstory of Seton’s canonization — one of the most monumental days in the American Catholic Church during the 20th century.
The exhibit aims to take visitors back to 1975 to give them an understanding of the magnitude of Seton’s impact and her relevance today. In addition, there will be special artifacts on display including the canonization decree from Pope Paul VI and personal scrapbooks from those who attended the proceedings in Rome or watched them in Emmitsburg.
Rob Judge, executive director of the Seton Shrine, told CNA in an interview that the shrine wants to use the celebration and the anniversary “as an opportunity to remind people of the significance of that event for the Church in our country.”
“If you take yourself back to 1975, our country had been in existence for 200 years, almost, and we hadn’t had an American saint,” he said.
Elizabeth Ann Seton as a relatable figure who faced struggles and challenges just like everyone else, but through her faith and dedication, she was able to lead a life of holiness.
The upcoming events at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton aim to not only honor her legacy but also to inspire visitors to reflect on their own journeys of faith. The exhibit showcasing her canonization moment will transport visitors back in time to experience the emotions of that significant event.
Artist Ellen Byrne’s original mural depicting Seton’s journey to sainthood will serve as a visual representation of her remarkable life. The shrine will also provide information on other Americans in the process of canonization, highlighting the ongoing impact of American saints.
In addition to the exhibit, the shrine will host a series of events leading up to the 50th anniversary of Seton’s canonization. These events include outreach programs to parishes and schools under her patronage, a digital content campaign showcasing her influence, and the expansion of the “Seeds of Hope” program to help those in need.
Pilgrimages and partnership initiatives, such as the Camino of Maryland journey, will offer opportunities for visitors to engage in a spiritual journey and deepen their connection with God. The series of events will culminate in a “Day of Joy” celebration on Sept. 14, featuring Mass, music, and prayer.
Through these events, Judge hopes that participants will come to understand that holiness is attainable for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. By sharing Seton’s story, the shrine aims to inspire others to lead lives of faith, simplicity, and grace.
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