Bicentennial of Elizabeth Ann Seton

On Sunday, January 4, 2009, the Daughters and Sisters of Charity along with hundreds of visitors will be commemorating a momentous event in our history of America and of the Catholic Church.

Over 215 photos, publications, and pieces of actual memorabilia portraying the history eflects the story of this religious community, rooted in Vincentian values, the extraordinary life of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born saint of the United States of America, and the compassionate ministry that grew from a mustard seed into a world-wide mission of charity in health, education, child care, and social services to persons in need, of many cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Themes are embroidered on a ribbon to reflect the enduring values of ‘Humility, Simplicity, and Charity’ characteristic of the Sisters and Daughters of Charity.
Photos of the Seton Basilica, original Stone House, White House, and St. Joseph’s Valley cradle the history and capture heritage highlights.  The art honors the past and inspires the future for Continuing the Legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

They will celebrate Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s feast day and open the bicentennial celebration of her continuing legacy.  Nearly 200 years ago, Elizabeth Ann Seton, our first native-born Saint of the United States of America, founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph’s, the first native community for religious women to be established in our country, July 31, 1809.

The Bicentennial Year opens with a Mass at 2:30 p.m. in the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 333 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, Maryland. The Daughters will unveil a collage – a three-dimensional art display that commemorates two hundred years of history, service, and dedication that was begun in 1809 by a small band of young women under the inspiration of Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Facts about the Bicentennial Year: Year-long events include retreats and pilgrimages for youth and adults, special Masses held throughout the year, and a live reenactment the weekend of July 31, August 1 and 2.  “The weekend is very special to us.  The reenactment will include a Conestoga wagon, drawn by six horses, departing from  Grotto of Lourdes at Mount Saint Mary’s University, the blessing of the Seton Legacy Garden, the premiere of the Seton Legacy DVD, and much more.  It is a wonderful opportunity to learn to know what a special person Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was,” remarked Sister Vincentia Goeb, Director of Heritage Ministries.  The News section of the web site, www.setonlegacy.org, lists the year-long events.

According to Sister Betty Ann McNeil, Provincial Archivist, “We would hope that anyone who visits the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Saint Joseph’s Valley will appreciate the beauty and peace of the area and to reconnect to the legacy of charity that has grown over the past 200 years.

About the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton:  Nearly 200 years ago, Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph’s, the first new community for religious women to be established in
the United States.  She also began Saint Joseph’s Academy and Free School, the first free Catholic School for girls
staffed by Sisters in the United States. Her enduring legacy of nearly 200 years includes six religious communities with more than 5,000 members, numerous schools, social service centers, and hospitals throughout America and around the world.  Her works led to her canonization on Sunday, September 14, 1975, in Saint Peter’s Square, by Pope Paul VI.  The first citizen born in the United States to be canonized, her remains are entombed here in the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.  Visit our web site, www.setonshrine.org for more complete information about the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.