Maryland: The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is preparing to host a landmark celebration this week, marking the 50th anniversary of the canonization of the first American-born saint. Hundreds of visitors, pilgrims, and devotees are expected to gather on the historic grounds in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to honor Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s enduring legacy and to spotlight the growing number of American Catholics on the path to sainthood.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, a devoted mother, convert to the Catholic faith, and founder of the Sisters of Charity, was canonized by Pope Paul VI on September 14, 1975. Recognized for her pioneering work in Catholic education in the United States, her canonization not only marked a milestone for American Catholics but also set an enduring example of holiness and service.
Rob Judge, executive director of the Seton Shrine, explained that the weekend-long event will highlight both Seton’s legacy and the 87 Americans currently on the path to sainthood. “We wanted to make the celebration about that possibility for all of us,” Judge said. “That God loves us, he’s destined all of us for heaven, and we can all obtain that through his grace.”
The celebration kicks off on Friday, September 12, with a musical tribute. Classically trained musicians from the Peabody Institute in Baltimore and The Juilliard School will perform as the shrine’s historic grounds are illuminated with tea lights and candles. The evening’s program will feature popular hits from the 1970s, inviting attendees to reflect on the year Seton was declared a saint.
Saturday, September 13, will feature a Mass celebrated by Father Tomaž Mavrič, general superior of the Vincentian order. Pilgrims will also have opportunities for adoration, confession, and guided tours of the shrine’s exhibits, which recount Seton’s remarkable life and work.
Sunday, September 14 the official 50th anniversary of Seton’s canonization—will be the pinnacle of the weekend. A solemn Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore and Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As part of the celebration, attendees will hear a message and an apostolic blessing from Pope Leo XIV, read at the Mass by representatives from the nuncio’s office.
The event will also recognize the growing roster of American saints. Since Seton’s canonization, 11 Americans have been declared saints, and 87 more are under consideration. The weekend’s “Saints on Their Way Village” will host nearly two dozen guilds dedicated to advancing causes for canonization, offering information, exhibits, and personal interaction for pilgrims.
Visitors can explore the shrine’s “Who’s Next?” exhibit, featuring potential saints such as Dorothy Day, Blessed Solanus Casey, and Venerable Fulton Sheen. Mirrors placed alongside the displays encourage reflection on personal holiness, emphasizing Judge’s message: “We can all be saints, even if not declared saints.”
Organizers expect the anniversary weekend to be among the largest events in the shrine’s history. Beyond honoring Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the capacity for holiness within every individual, inspiring Catholics nationwide to reflect on their faith, service, and spiritual journey.