As a result of a study, the Daughters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland, have made the decision to discontinue the operation of the Seton Retreat and Conference Center, located on the grounds of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, as of September 30, 2009.

There are a number of reasons for this decision including the need to focus on their spiritual mission to serve persons who are poor and to care for their elderly Sisters. Additionally, the current economic crisis in our country has led the Daughters of Charity to make decisions to simplify their operations.

The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton will remain open to the public. The Shrine is the home of Saint Elizabeth Ann from 1809 until her death in 1821. The Daughters of Charity are committed to preserving her remains that are entombed in the Basilica that bears her name and the historic sites (circa 1800s) on the grounds for future generations. They encourage the public to visit especially during this bicentennial year of Saint Elizabeth Ann’s arrival in Emmitsburg and founding of the first new community for religious women to be established in the United States.

About the Daughters of Charity, Emmitsburg Province
In 1633, Vincent DePaul and Louise de Marillac established the Company of the Daughters of Charity as a group of women who committed their lives to the service of Christ in the person of those who are poor, and who recognized prayer and community life as essential elements of their vocation of service.

Almost two centuries later, Elizabeth Ann Seton adapted the rule of the French Daughters of Charity for her community. In 1850, the community established by Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, united with the Daughters of Charity in Paris and became an American province of the international community.

To learn more about the Daughters of Charity Seton Legacy of Charity bicentennial celebrations, visit their web site www.setonlegacy.org.

Contact Info

Mail
Lori Stewart, Director of Communications
Daughters of Charity Emmitsburg Province
333 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727-9297 USA
Phone
301.447.7165
Email
lstewart@doc.org
Web Sites
www.thedaughtersofcharity.org
www.setonshrine.org
www.setonlegacy.org

Continuing the Legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton   1809-2009
Mary Staub
Media Relations Producer
The Daughters of Charity
333 S Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
p: 301-447-7124
www.thedaughtersofcharity.org
www.setonshrine.org
www.setonlegacy.org