The historic Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg plans a full weekend celebration Sept. 12-14 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
The celebration of America’s first native born saint will kick off with a candlelight concert Friday, include a day of reflection Saturday and conclude Sunday with what the shrine is labeling “A Day of Joy.”
Friday night features the Escencia Quartet with guitarist Sean Brennan, joined by musicians from the Peabody Institute and the Juilliard School. The musicians will play instrumental versions of songs of the 1970s, bringing back what Americans were listening to when Elizabeth Ann Seton was canonized. Tickets for the concert can be purchase here.
Saturday is a day of reflection and discovery beginning with a Vincentian family Mass at 11:30 a.m. with principal celebrant and homilist Vincentian Father Tomaž Mavrič, superior general of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians). There will be a livestream presentation from Notre Dame professor Kathleen Cummings, author of “A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American,” and special presentations throughout the museum and historic homes in Emmitsburg.
Sunday celebrates the actual golden anniversary date. The grounds of the Seton Shrine will come alive with activities – both sacred and festive. The day starts will Mass at 11 a.m. celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, who will be joined by clergy from the region.
Following Mass (which will be aired at 7 p.m. by EWTN), visitors will be directed to the festival stage, where they will be welcomed by Matt Swaim, EWTN radio host of The Son Rise Morning Show, television producer of The Journey Home, and director of outreach for The Coming Home Network. He will introduce a lineup of music performances by: John Paul Von Arx, Dana Catherine, Seton Hall University Choir and Band, Gospel Choir from the first African American Catholic Church in the U.S, (St. Francis Xavier in Baltimore), Lab Band of Mount St. Mary’s University, Mother Seton School Chorus and Damascus Worship Band.
On the nearby Garden Stage, writer, theology teacher and retreat leader, Lisa Lickona (St. Bernard’s School of Theology) will introduce performers offering dramatic monologues in character as American saints who will be featured in this year’s Back from the Dead faith drama. She will also welcome authors Father Dan Mode and Kevin Wells who will speak about their work.
Visitors also can explore the Saints on Their Way Village, where they can talk to guild members working toward canonization of more than 20 saints.
In the museum, visitors can hear presentations on miracles and reflections on canonization day from 1975. The historic homes will be open for tours.
Confessions will be available from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Sunday in the basilica and an additional Mass is scheduled at 1:30 p.m.
Food and beverage trucks will be on hand offering lunch and snacks for purchase throughout the day.
For more information, go to setonshrine.org/celebration.
