(RNS) — Catholics are preparing to mark a year of celebration of the 50th anniversary of the canonization of the first U.S.-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774 – 1821). Seton, a widow and Catholic convert from a prominent Episcopal family, founded the first congregation of women religious in the U.S., the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, and the first U.S. Catholic girls’ school.
Saturday (Jan. 4), Baltimore Archbishop William Lori will begin the celebrations in Emmitsburg, Maryland, the site of Seton’s ministry and remains, with a Mass that will be televised on Catholic network EWTN at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton will also kick off the yearlong celebration with the opening of an exhibit on her Sept. 14, 1975, canonization, which includes the canonization decree from St. Paul VI. The shrine will also host a mural by Frederick, Maryland, artist Ellen Byrne, portraying Seton’s journey to sainthood.
Portrait of Elizabeth Ann Seton by Amabilia Filicchi. (Image courtesy Wikimedia/Creative Commons)
The commemoration will continue throughout the rest of the year with a series of pilgrimage initiatives, historical reenactments at the school she founded, an outreach program to the parishes and schools named after Seton, virtual tours of her house, a digital campaign highlighting the saint’s impacts on Catholics and a Sept. 14 celebration including a Mass, food, music and prayer.
“During this anniversary year we hope to encourage the faithful to go on pilgrimage themselves and deepen their relationship with Our Lord, with the knowledge that Mother Seton will show us the way and accompany us all,” said Rob Judge, executive director of the Shrine, in a statement.
The title sponsor for the 50th anniversary is Ascension, a Catholic health care giant whose beginnings are tied to a health care system created by a congregation of sisters founded by Seton. Ascension was also the o …