Celebration In September To Mark The 50th Anniversary Of Elizabeth Ann Seton Being Declared A Saint

She’s the first American to be recognized as a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church.St. Elizabeth Ann  Seton (Picture from the Seton Shrine website)Emmitsburg, Md (KM) A celebration is planned for mid-September for the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.Ron Judge, the Executive Director of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, , says Seton was born in 1774,  and lived in New York City. He says she was a socialite who married at age 19, and gave birth to five children.   But she lost all of her   money, and her husband died.Seton was originally an Episcopalian who converted to Catholicism, and eventually came to Emmitsburg. “She came here in 1809.  and lived here till her death inn 1821.   And sent sisters out all over the country. They founded orphanages, schools and hospitals for over 200 years.   And it all came right here from northern Frederick County. Pretty Cool,” says Judge.She was canonized as a saint in 1975.Judge says there is some significance in being a saint in the Catholic Church. “Essentially, the Catholic Church  will look into the lives of people who lived remarkable lives,” he says. “They were following God’s commandments. They were kind to other people. They did what the Church would say are heroic acts of charity. And they study their life.”Part of the canonization process involves miracles. “If favors are granted; if there are miracles that can be documented as having no physical explanation. There are three of those that are required through that lengthy process, and there are various steps. But eventually if all that checks out, the Church will declare someone as a saint.” Judge says.”They’re in heaven. They had an exemplary life. We could all look them as a model and we can make our way to heaven,” Judge continues.The celebration of the 50th anniversary of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s sainthood will take place from Friday, September 12th through Sunday, September 14th.Judge says on Friday night, there will be a concert on the grounds of the Seton Shrine. “And we have classically-trained musicians coming up from the Peabody Institute the Juilliard School of Music in Baltimore. And they will be playing with their classical instruments hits from the 1970’s.   Kind of a light, fun way to kick of the weekend,” he says.Anyone who wants to attend this concert will need to purchase a ticket.On Sunday, a mass will held at the Shrine. “William Lori, the Archbishop of Baltimore, will be saying the primary mass at 11-o’clock. We’ll have priests and bishops from around the country; sisters from around the country. And then all afternoon, we’ll have festive entertainment on the grounds of the Seton Shrine,” says Judge.During the celebration, visitors can explore historic homes, visit museum exhibits and hear from  people who are working to honor more than 20 other Americans who are on the path to sainthood. There will be musicians available, and there will be food trucks for those who get hungry, Judge says.For more information., go on line to https://settonshrien.org/celebration/By Kevin McManus