The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is launching a year-long celebration to honor the 50th anniversary of its patroness’s canonization. Beginning on January 4, 2025, with a Feast Day Mass and the opening of a new exhibit titled “One of Us,” the Shrine will commemorate Mother Seton’s enduring legacy and her canonization as the first American-born saint. Events throughout the year include pilgrimages, outreach programs, digital campaigns, and special retreats, all aimed at inspiring the faithful and fostering a deeper connection to the universal call to holiness. This milestone celebration highlights Mother Seton’s significant contributions to faith, education, and service, offering a renewed invitation to explore her lasting impact.

The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is set to commence a year-long celebration marking the 50th anniversary of its patroness’s canonization, which took place on September 14, 1975.

The festivities will begin on Mother Seton’s Feast Day, January 4, 2025, with a noon Mass celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori. This Mass will be broadcast nationally on EWTN at 6 p.m. EST. Following the Mass, the Shrine will unveil a new exhibit titled “One of Us,” dedicated to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization.

The “One of Us” exhibit spans two rooms and delves into the history of Mother Seton’s canonization, a significant event in the American Catholic Church during the 20th century. Visitors will be transported back to 1975, gaining insight into Mother Seton’s influence at that time and her continued relevance today. The exhibit features artifacts such as the canonization decree from Pope Paul VI (now Saint Paul VI) and personal scrapbooks from individuals who attended the proceedings in Rome or participated in Emmitsburg. Additionally, an original mural by Frederick, Maryland, artist Ellen Byrne will depict Mother Seton’s journey to sainthood, with a separate section providing information about other Americans in various stages of the canonization process.

Rob Judge, executive director of the Seton Shrine, remarked, “Mother Seton’s life can be considered a pilgrimage first to the Catholic faith and then to Emmitsburg and ultimately heaven as a saint of the Church.” He emphasized the Shrine’s unique position to highlight the universal call to holiness and the role of pilgrimage in the Catholic journey. Throughout the anniversary year, the Shrine aims to encourage the faithful to embark on their own pilgrimages, deepening their relationship with the Lord, inspired by Mother Seton’s example.

To facilitate this deeper connection, the Shrine has planned several initiatives for 2025:

• Outreach Program: Engaging with over 200 parishes and schools across the U.S. under Mother Seton’s patronage, the Shrine will provide complimentary resources to reintroduce her to the faithful, encouraging group visits and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Pilgrimage Initiatives: Collaborating with the Camino of Maryland, a 14-day, 218-mile journey in June will conclude at the Shrine, promoting the tradition of pilgrimage.
• “50 for 50” Digital Campaign: This campaign will showcase personal testimonies highlighting the impact of Mother Seton and the Shrine on individuals, illustrating her enduring legacy.
• Expansion of “Seeds of Hope” Program: The Shrine will continue to grow this initiative, offering retreats to those living in poverty, embodying Mother Seton’s commitment to service.
• “Day of Joy” Anniversary Celebration: On September 14, 2025, commemorating the day of Mother Seton’s canonization, the Shrine will host a special Mass broadcast on EWTN, followed by an afternoon of food, music, and prayer on its scenic grounds.

The year-long celebration is made possible through the support of sponsors, with Ascension serving as the title sponsor. The “One of Us” exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Shrine and the Daughters of Charity Archives.

The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton stands on the site where Mother Seton established the first Catholic school for girls and the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first congregation of women religious founded in the United States, in 1809. Her legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Sisters and Daughters of Charity across the U.S. and Canada.

For more information about the anniversary events and the Shrine’s offerings, visit their official website.