National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
The shrine and basilica
Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
District	Archdiocese of Baltimore
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Minor basilica
Location
Location	339 South Seton Ave Emmitsburg, Maryland, United States
Architecture
Completed	1965
Website
www.setonshrine.org

The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is a special religious place in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It teaches people about the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was the first person born in the United States to become a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. This site is both a small basilica and a national shrine.

History of the Shrine

The Stone House, an early home for the Sisters.

The White House, where the first free Catholic school began.

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was born in New York City. Her family was Anglican. She became Catholic on March 14, 1805. Later, in 1808, Elizabeth moved to Maryland. She started a school next to a chapel in Baltimore.

A rich student named Samuel Sutherland Cooper bought land for Elizabeth. This land was near Emmitsburg, Maryland. Elizabeth named this area Saint Joseph's Valley. In June 1809, she started a group called the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph.

Early Homes and Schools

The first home for the Sisters was an old farmhouse. It was called the "Stone House." This house was built in 1750. The first winter there was very cold. Wind blew through the walls. Sometimes, snow even came inside the rooms.

In October 1809, Archbishop John Carroll visited. He saw that the Stone House was not good enough. He told them to build a new log house. This new house is now called the "White House."

In February 1810, Elizabeth and her Sisters moved into the White House. Here, she started the first free Catholic school for girls in the United States. This school was the beginning of the Catholic school system in the country. Elizabeth Ann Seton died in January 1821. She was buried in a cemetery in Emmitsburg. She called it "God's Little Acre."

Growth and Changes

Saint Joseph's Chapel was finished in 1841. The King and Queen of France gave three paintings for the new chapel. One painting was called "Assumption." The "White House" was moved to a new spot. This happened because the chapel was made bigger.

In 1846, Elizabeth's son asked for her body to be moved. It was placed in a special chapel. This chapel was built in the Sisters' cemetery.

During the American Civil War, many Sisters served as nurses. About 270 Sisters helped wounded soldiers. Both Union and Confederate soldiers called them "angels of the battlefield." The Sisters also helped as nurses during the Spanish–American War.

What You Can See at the Shrine Today

St. Joseph Cemetery, where Mother Seton was first buried.

The Stone House, the White House, and the cemetery are all part of the shrine today. The shrine also has a large church called a basilica. There is a museum and a visitors center. You can also see the Mortuary Chapel. This is where Mother Seton's body was kept for some time.

The shrine is part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Many Catholic people visit this place. It is a popular spot for pilgrimages.

The Basilica and Saint Elizabeth's Tomb

The shrine's basilica was opened in 1965. Inside, you can see many beautiful artworks. These were made by artists from Italy and Germany. Mother Seton became a saint in 1975. Her body was then moved from the cemetery to the basilica.

In 1991, the shrine's chapel became a minor basilica. This was decided by Pope John Paul II. A special ceremony happened on August 4, 1991.

Each year, the shrine holds an event for Mother Seton. It honors all girls and women named "Elizabeth" or "Elizabeth Ann." These women join a special walk during Mass. They carry a banner into the basilica. Two women are chosen to bring flowers to the saint's tomb.

Patroness for the Sea Services

The beautiful interior of the basilica.

Mother Seton's tomb inside the basilica, a place of honor.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is known as the Patroness for the Sea Services. She cared deeply for her sons, William and Richard. Both of them served in the U.S. Navy. Her many letters show how much she worried about them at sea.

The National Shrine has an annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services. Members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and Public Health Service attend. Their families and friends also come. This event happens on the first Sunday in October. It honors the Patroness for the Sea Services. People ask for her help for all who serve in these branches.

See also

In Spanish: Santuario Nacional de Santa Isabel Ana Seton para niños

• Sisters of Charity Federation in the Vincentian-Setonian Tradition
• Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, Manhattan, New York City
• Top eight Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the US