This year marks a remarkable occasion for Catholics throughout the United States: the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American saint.
Seton, born in 1774 and who passed away in 1821, was a widow who made the significant leap from a distinguished Episcopal background to embrace Catholicism.
She is best known for founding the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the country’s very first religious order for women, and for opening the first Catholic girls’ school in the nation.
Celebration Kickoff and Planned Events
The celebration of this milestone will kick off on January 4, featuring a Mass led by Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
This Mass, which takes place at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, will be streamed live on EWTN.
Emmitsburg holds special significance, as it was both the site of Seton’s ministry and her final resting place.
In addition to the kickoff event, the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton will unveil an exhibit on September 14 that commemorates her canonization in 1975, with the original canonization decree from Pope Paul VI on display.
The exhibit will also showcase a beautiful mural crafted by Maryland artist Ellen Byrne, visually narrating Seton’s spiritual journey.
Over the course of the year, a series of events will pay tribute to Seton’s enduring legacy.
Planned activities include pilgrimages, reenactments at the school she established, outreach initiatives targeting parishes and educational institutions named in her honor, virtual tours of her former home, and a digital campaign highlighting her significant influence on Catholicism.
The year’s festivities will culminate with a grand celebration on September 14, promising Mass, food, music, and prayer.
Legacy and Influences
The executive director of the Shrine expressed hopes that this anniversary will inspire individuals to embark on personal pilgrimages, nurturing their relationship with God.
They also believe that Seton’s spiritual presence will be a guiding light on these journeys.
Sponsorship for this momentous 50th anniversary celebration is led by Ascension, a major Catholic healthcare organization that has ties to the healthcare framework established by Seton’s order.
Ascension has recently been a key sponsor of the National Eucharistic Congress, an event aimed at revitalizing commitment to the Eucharist among Catholics.
However, Ascension has also faced scrutiny regarding various challenges, including hospital staffing shortages and labor practices.
Concerns were raised by protesters during last November’s U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ fall meeting.
In a noteworthy acknowledgment of its past, the Sisters of Charity Foundation issued an apology for the enslavement practices related to the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s after Seton passed away.
Historical accounts have shown that Seton’s grandfather left an enslaved person to her in his will, although it’s reported that this individual escaped shortly after the inheritance during the tumult of the American Revolution.
Commemoration of a Spiritual Journey
Seton’s influence on American Catholicism is profound; her legacy is honored in over 200 parishes and schools named after her, and her shrine attracts more than 50,000 pilgrims annually.
Reflecting on the significance of this anniversary, the Shrine’s executive director emphasized that it’s a unique chance to illustrate how an ordinary person, through steadfast devotion and God’s grace, can transform their life and achieve sainthood.
Source: Religionnews
