The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton — Attraction in Emmitsburg

The National Shrine of Elizabeth Seton is in a beautiful setting in Emmitsburg, MD. Surrounded by the mountains of western Maryland, The Shrine is perhaps the most ornate and exquisite in all of Maryland. There is a museum inside that covers the whole history of Elizabeth Seton’s life. I have always wanted to visit since my daughter was a salutatorian graduate of Elizabeth Seton high school in Bladensburg, MD

You can also take a tour of the Stone House where they lived and visit the re-built school. There are tour guides in period clothing that act out the part of students and teachers. Definitely get a tick and take the tour.

Some Background:

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was born on August 28th 1774. She was the daughter of Richard Bailey and Catherine Charlton of New York City. Her father was a famous physician in New York and was known for attending to immigrants, helping battle the yellow fever, and serving as a professor of anatomy at Columbia College.

Elizabeth's mother died in 1777 only 3 years after her birth.

At age 25, she married a wealthy businessman, William Magee Seton. Willam and Elizabeth lived in a prominent home on Wall Street in New York City. Elizabeth tended to the sick and dying among family, friends, and neighbors. She became a member of The Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children (1797) and served as its treasurer. Together, William and Elizabeth had five children.

Due to the war of 1812, William lost several ships which put his import business in turmoil, he had to declare bankruptcy, they lost their home in New York, and William was sent to Italy by his doctor to heal from a chronic case of tuberculosis. Elizabeth and her elder daughters accompanied him but were quarantined for a month when they arrived in Italy for fear of yellow fever. William died in Italy in 1803 and Mary and her daughters were welcomed by a Italian family that introduced her to Catholicism.

Upon her return to New York she became Catholic. She was originally Episcopalian like her parents and unfortunately this led to persecution within her own family because of her decision to change her religion.

To survive, Elizabeth started an academy for young women. Unfortunately when people heard of her conversion to the Catholic faith, most of the Protestant parents removed their children from the school.

She then moved to Maryland where she was briefly in Baltimore and then opened a school in Emmitsburg Maryland called St Joseph's Academy and free school. It was dedicated to providing a Catholic Education to girls. She is credited with starting the Catholic parochial school system in the United States. Seton's congregation was initially called the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph's. From that point on, she became known as "Mother Seton." In 1811, the sisters adopted the rules of the Daughters of Charity, co-founded in France by Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton died on January 4, 1821, at the age of 46. Today, her remains are interred in the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

(Some Credit...

I recently tried to visit the shrine after discovering one of their leaflets in a hotel near Harpers Ferry. It stood out to me for its spiritual nature, and as a Catholic, I was moved to learn more about the first Saint of North America. After confirming their opening hours—until 5:00 PM on Saturdays—both in the leaflet and on their website, I decided to make a special trip, adding over 50 miles to my route.

I arrived at the shrine around 3:30 PM, only to find the doors already closed. The sign posted at the entrance still indicated a 5:00 PM closing time. I looked around to see if another door was open, then returned to the main entrance. Through the glass, I saw a Filipino family still inside; they exited at 3:40 PM. The mother suggested I knock, as staff were still present.

I did so and saw a young woman inside with a microphone. At first, she ignored me. When I knocked again, she finally turned and said they had closed at 3:00 PM. I politely explained my long drive, referenced the advertised hours, and asked if I could briefly enter the basilica. I wasn’t asking for access to other areas—just a moment in the sanctuary.

Her response surprised me: “I can’t open the door,” she said, smirked, and turned away.

As someone visiting from abroad, unsure if I’ll return to this part of Virginia, I was deeply disappointed. The gesture felt disrespectful and entirely out of place for a sacred space that should reflect compassion and welcome. It would have cost nothing to let me in for a brief moment of reverence.

I shared this experience in writing with the staff, hoping that future visitors—particularly those traveling from afar—would receive more understanding and support. In response, I only received a brief request for the specific date it occurred (which I promptly provided), but after that, I heard nothing further. This lack of follow-up led me to leave this...

If you look beyond the obvious beauty of the basilica and lovely grounds you will find a whole lot more here. There's no better place to learn about the first American born Saint than the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. In addition to Mass, Confession, and Adoration, they have tours, a museum, and a gift shop. They also offer various events throughout the year. Some are hands on and others employ interpreters portraying historical people from Mother Seton's time. In October they offer "Back From the Dead Cemetery Walk," an alternative to the typical American Halloween experience which I am eagerly anticipating. I highly recommend visiting. It's a wonderful escape from the current worries of our times and quite...