By James Rowe, Director of Communications

As we honor Black History Month, we reflect on the stories that have too often been overlooked—stories of resilience, sacrifice, and unrecognized contributions. At the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton, a newly installed memorial now stands as a tribute to the enslaved individuals whose labor supported the early Sisters of Charity. This important addition to the shrine is not just a remembrance but a call to acknowledge the past with honesty and to strive for justice and reconciliation.

On October 19, 2024, the Daughters of Charity and the Sisters of Charity Federation, including Federation President Sr. Donna Dodge, unveiled a new memorial at the entrance to the National Shrine to Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD.

“Dedicated to the enslaved women, men and children who toiled on these grounds in service to the early Sisters (1809-1865),” the newly installed memorial was created by Sr. Luke Boiaraski from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and serves as a reminder to all who enter the sacred grounds of the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton.

The memorial honors the memory of those who labored in silence and acknowledges the complexities of the past, inviting reflection on the values of justice, human dignity, and reconciliation that are core to the mission of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Sisters who followed in her footsteps.

It stands as a call to all who visit to remember the stories of those whose contributions, though unacknowledged in their time, are now recognized with gratitude and reverence.

Memorial to Enslaved Persons

“As a first acknowledgement of this chapter in our history, and a symbol of our deep sorrow and remorse, a monument to those who were enslaved will be erected on the grounds of the original Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s congregation in Emmitsburg.

Going forward, we will explore additional, meaningful, actions that will contribute to the work that must be done to bring about significant change. We pledge to move further into the work of racial equity; to remember and learn from our past; and to confront systemic racism through our words and actions.”

Signed by Sister Catherine Mary Norris, DC, Federation Board President and Sister Grace Hartzog, SC, Federation Executive Director

The above paragraph was a part of a February 7, 2022 letter sent to all Sisters of Charity Federation members. Since that time, many discussions and decisions with the Federation Board of Directors have occurred to plan for the Dedication and Blessing of the Memorial to the enslaved persons whose labors benefited the early Sisters.

This article was originally published in our Winter 2025 edition of Vision.