Seton Shrine’s 50th Anniversary Weekend of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Canonization
The Sisters of Charity of New York were honored to join pilgrims, ministries, and Vincentian family members in Emmitsburg for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration: the 50th Anniversary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization. The September weekend was filled with music, liturgy, history, and joy—a celebration truly fit for a saint.
Friday – Heavenly Opening
The festivities began Friday night under the stars and surrounded by candlelight. Guests rocked out to 1970’s classics—from Queen to Kansas to ABBA—reimagined with a heavenly twist, setting the tone for a weekend honoring the first American-born saint.
Saturday – Vincentian Family Gathering
As we pulled into an empty parking lot at the Shrine on Saturday morning, Sr. Francine Brown, D.C., appeared out of nowhere and graciously stayed by our side throughout the day-what a gift! We wasted no time before heading directly to the Basilica, where we took in the beauty of its sacred spaces: statues of Mary, Joseph, and St. Vincent de Paul, along with altars dedicated to St. Louise de Marillac and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
The highlight was the Vincentian Family Mass, a year in the making, celebrated by Fr. Tomaz Mavric, C.M. Members from across the Federation carried their banners in a moving procession; Sr. Regina Bechtle carried the banner of the Sisters of Charity of New York.
Watch the Vincentian Family Mass »
We were also treated to private tours of the Basilica, museum galleries, and White House, including the special exhibition “One of Us: The Making of an American Saint.” The exhibit featured rare artifacts and even a 1970’s-style living room with a vintage TV playing footage of the 1975 canonization—an unforgettable bridge across five decades.
Tour of Museum Galleries 
Tour of Museum Galleries 
Tour of Museum Galleries 
Tour of Museum Galleries 
Tour of Museum Galleries 
Tour of Museum Galleries 
Tour of Museum Galleries 
Tour of Museum Galleries 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Special Exhibit 
Later, keynote speaker Kathleen Sprows Cummings, historian and author of A Saint of Our Own, reflected on “Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pope Leo XIV, and the Global Church.” Her insights connected St. Elizabeth’s canonization 50 years ago with the challenges and hopes of today’s Church.
Sunday – Celebration Mass & Festival
On Sunday, Archbishop William E. Lori presided at the 50th Anniversary Mass, a liturgy filled with gratitude and praise for Elizabeth Seton’s enduring witness.
Following Mass, the grounds came alive with the Saints on Their Way Festival. More than twenty causes for canonization were highlighted through exhibits and artifacts—from Mother Mary Lange and Fr. Stanley Rother to Dorothy Day and Sr. Henriette Delille. Visitors discovered how ordinary people from America’s history lived extraordinary faith, and how we can help advance their causes toward sainthood.
The festival was also filled with music and performance. John Paul Von Arx, Dana Catherine, and the Seton Hall Chamber Choir performed alongside the SHU Brownson Speech & Debate Team. The Gospel Choir of St. Francis Xavier—the first African American Catholic parish in the U.S.—stirred hearts with their voices, joined by the Lab Band of Mount St. Mary’s University and the Mother Seton School Chorus. The weekend closed with a powerful concert by Damascus Worship Band, sending everyone forth renewed in faith and joy.
