At the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton the Daughters of Charity from the US joined with the Sisters of Charity and other members of the Vincentian Family to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Mother Seton. A special Vincentian Family Mass was celebrated on September 13, 2025 with Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM as the main celebrant along with Father Perry Henry, CM, Provincial Director for the Province of St. Louise-USA and several other priests. Father Mavrič gave a wonderful homily on the spirituality of St. Elizabeth Seton.
A luncheon was held following the Mass and there were beautiful displays at the Seton Shrine to commemorate the canonization and the life of St. Elizabeth Seton.
September 14 was the actual date of the anniversary. That day Archbishop Lori (Baltimore) was joined by several bishops and many priests to celebrate a solemn Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The Basilica was filled to overflowing as people from all walks of life came to celebrate the life and works of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as the first American born saint! The grounds where St. Elizabeth and her first Sisters lived and walked were open for people to see historic reenactors, musical performances and hear the stories of the miracles received through the intercession of St. Elizabeth Ann. Of special interest was the area with tables of materials for people who are promoting causes of many Americans – religious and lay, founders of religious congregations and lay societies, etc.
During his time on the weekend Fr Tomaž Mavrič, CM visited the Sisters who live in Emmitsburg. He spoke of his own vocation story and greeted each Sister, listening intently as she shared about her service to those who are poor throughout the years. It was very special to have Father Mavrič with the Sisters for that time.
The Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland, USA (founded by St. Elizabeth Seton using the Rule of the Daughters of Charity that she adapted) joined the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in 1850. By that time there were many establishments of the Sisters of Mother Seton and many of those remained as Sisters of Charity. Today there is a Seton Federation in the US and Canada of 13 congregations (including the two American provinces of Daughters of Charity) who share in the Vincentian tradition, initially brought to the United States by Mother Seton.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!
