50th Anniversary - Seton Shrine

Celebrating 50 years of sainthood

1975-2025

New Exhibit      Events      Donors       Parishes & Schools     Pilgrimage     50 For 50         


Uniquely Ours — Elizabeth Ann Seton is a Saint and One of Us

Few things inspire us like the life of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. In her years on earth, she experienced the very human emotions of joy, pain, grief, empathy, compassion, and devotion to God. She lived her life in celebration of Him and focused her energy on just causes. She demonstrated the ability to organize, persevere, and overcome hardships while creating a community of religious women, who endure and still carry out her legacy of service to the poor. Hers was a life to be emulated and honored even before being named the first U.S. saint in 1975. As we mark the 50th anniversary of her canonization in 2025, we prayerfully reflect on her remarkable accomplishments, while also concluding that in many ways she was one of us. We ponder how we, too, can better serve those in need, accept God’s plan for our own lives, and embark on a more saintly way of living. Join those who know and love Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton at the Shrine this year if you are able. Or use our virtual resources to honor her closer to home.

50th Anniversary activities are made possible by the generosity of Ascension, our title sponsor and other major donors.


A Special 50th Anniversary Exhibit

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Mother Seton’s canonization. On January 4, 2025, the Seton Shrine and Daughters of Charity Archives unveiled its special exhibit, ONE OF US, the story of how Elizabeth Ann Seton became a saint.

You will be transported to 1975, a time of turbulence and transition in the country and will walk away with an understanding of the magnitude of Mother Seton’s influence back then and her continued relevance today. 

Visitors will see artifacts and read personal accounts from people who attended the proceedings in Rome and Emmitsburg, an original mural depicting the long road to canonization, the official proclamation of sainthood, and information about other people who are “saints on their way.” The exhibit is co-sponsored by the Shrine and the Daughters of Charity Archives.

 

Events in 2025

Friday, September 12th, 2025

7:45 PM | Candlelight Instrumental Concert (reserve your ticket here)

                    Outdoor instrumental concert featuring songs of the 1970s by the Escencia Quartet with guitarist Sean Brennan, featuring musicians of Peabody Institute and the Julliard School

                     Ticketed event open to the public: $25 / per person

                    Guests encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnic

                    Cash bar available for light beverages (beer, wine, etc.)

                    Food trucks also available

Sunday, September 14th, 2025 — A Day of Joy: Public celebration

11am | 50th Anniversary Celebration Mass with Archbishop William E. Lori — Broadcast live on EWTN

12:30pm | Celebration throughout the museum, grounds, and historic houses

                      Live music from schools and members of the Seton legacy

                      Food trucks (available for individual purchase)

                      Booths featuring other American “saints on their way”

                      Interactive presentations in the Historic Homes

                      Presentations in the ONE OF US exhibit

12:30pm – 1:15pm | Confessions available

1:30pm | Mass

End of Day | Closing Performance By Damascus Worship Band Concert

Donors Make It Possible

The 50th Anniversary celebration and all our special activities surrounding it are made possible by the generosity of our donors. Ascension is our presenting sponsor for the 50th Anniversary and other major donors have stepped up to assist by providing funds, guidance, and friendship to the Shrine.

If you or your organization are interested in becoming a donor, please contact Maida Connor, Director of Donor Relations at the Seton Shrine, for a confidential gift conversation at 301-447-6049. Thank you for your gift support!

The Seton Shrine offers special appreciation to the following donors who have supported the exhibit, events, and activities for the 50thanniversary.

Anonymous

Ascension

Ausherman Family Foundation

Bozzuto Family Charitable Fund

Margaret Bohl

Delaplaine Foundation, Inc.

Steve & Adele Dufilho

Ellen Kelly

Saint Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton Foundation, Inc.

Peter Leibold & Ms. Elizabeth McCloskey

Michele & Tom Ridge

Judy Kline

The Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation

Richard Kreitzberg

Mr. & Mrs. B. Francis Saul, II

Mr. & Mrs. Jonathon Smith

James M. and Margaret V Stine Foundation

Tom & Kathy VanOsdol

Visit Frederick

Gregg & Cindy Wallander

The Michael & Jeanne Zychinski Family Charitable Fund

Ellen Yankellow

Vince & Robyn Caponi

Linda Fiorelli

 

Parishes & Schools

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s example of serving the poor and devotion to God’s calling influence inspires communities all over the world. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 200 parishes and schools named in her honor. Her legacy is as important today as it was 50 years ago when she was named a saint.

Your parish or school may already have plans to mark the anniversary, and we would like to amplify your efforts. Or you may be looking for assistance and resources. We can help.

The National Shrine will:

· Help you plan a pilgrimage to the Shrine or offer tips on organizing a pilgrimage in your own community

· Provide videos for you to share at church or school functions  (See videos here)

· Provide downloadable promotional materials for your use

· Offer a special 50th Anniversary logo for your use: Download here

· Share your photos and stories on social media

· Keep you updated on our activities throughout the year

We could use your help:

· Visit this 50th Anniversary web page often

· Open a dialogue with us and share your activities and news

· Share your information and photos on social media using the hashtags: #50yearsasaint, #50seton, #saintseton

Download Logo Here:

Plan a Pilgrimage in 2025

Walk where she walked

Reasons to plan your pilgrimage to the Seton Shrine this year.

It is the 50th anniversary of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization

Even if you have visited the basilica, museum, the Stone House, the historic St. Joseph’s House, and St. Joseph’s cemetery in the past, this year you have the chance to renew your relationship with the first American-born saint. Get a deeper understanding of her life and legacy by touring the new special exhibit and walking the grounds where she lived and began her transformative work. 

The Seton Shrine is an official pilgrimage site in this Jubilee Year

Archbishop William E. Lori designated the Seton Shrine as a Jubilee Pilgrimage Site. This year’s theme is “Pilgrims of Hope” and Mother Seton is a beautiful model of hope in challenging times. 

Footsteps of Mother Seton

Pilgrims will walk and pray along the same path Mother Seton took from Baltimore to Emmitsburg in 1809. The journey begins June 19th with 7am Mass at the Baltimore Basilica, visiting three Jubilee sites and four parishes. It concludes on June 22nd, the Feast of Corpus Christi—also the day Mother Seton arrived. Along the way, there will be Eucharistic processions, holy hours, Mass, rosaries, and community meals. Read on to learn how you can follow, pray, and join us!

The Shrine is partnering with the Camino of Maryland Pilgrimage

The Camino of Maryland is a 14-day, 218-mile pilgrimage from Point Lookout to the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, starting June 9 and ending June 22, the Feast of Corpus Christi. Inspired by Spain’s Camino de Santiago, it includes daily Mass, rosary, and prayer. Pilgrims travel through Maryland’s scenic and historic Catholic sites. All are welcome. Visit www.camino-md.org to learn how you can take part in this amazing spiritual journey!

50 For 50

Stories from ordinary people to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Throughout 2025 we will feature 50 stories, quotes, clips, photos, and/or devotional statements from ordinary people who have experienced the extraordinary power of  prayer and intercession through Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

You may have such a story, and we would love to hear from you. It can be a sentence or several paragraphs. Your story is yours to share and we will highlight it here. Contact Kate Poindexter, communications manager, [email protected]

News

More info to come

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