Biography of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: The Seton Legacy
Reverend Simon Gabriel Bruté, S.S. (1779-1839) of Mount St. Mary's, served as the chaplain to the Sisters of Charity and Elizabeth's spiritual director until her death. He was her principal guide along the path to sanctity. He, along with DuBois, actively instilled the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac among the Sisters of Charity. Bruté advised Elizabeth to read and translate the lives of Louise and Vincent and some of their spiritual writings.
Today, the work of education and charity lives on in Elizabeth's spiritual daughters around the world (link to http://sisters-of-charity-federation.org). James Gibbons (1834-1921, later cardinal), archbishop of Baltimore, initiated her cause for canonization in 1882. Officially introduced at the Vatican in 1940, it made steady progress. Blessed John XXIII declared Elizabeth venerable December 18, 1959, beatifying her on March 17, 1963.
Pope Paul VI canonized Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton on September 14 during the Holy Year of 1975. The Holy See accepted three miracles through her intercession. These included the cures of Sister Gertrude Korzendorfer, D.C. (1872-1942) of St. Louis of cancer; a young child, Ann Theresa O'Neill (b.1948) of Baltimore from acute lymphatic leukemia; and Carl Kalin (1902-1976) of New York from a rare form of encephalitis.
The extraordinary manner in which Elizabeth lived an ordinary life flowed from the centrality of the Word of God and the Eucharist in her life. These strengthened her, enabling her to love God, her family, and her neighbor. In the depth of her charity she undertook heroic works of mercy. Not only did she and her Sisters of Charity care for orphans, widows, and poor families, but they also addressed unmet needs of the poor. Elizabeth had a special concern for children who lacked educational opportunities, especially religious instruction in the faith.
Her lifelong devotion to the will of God led her to sanctity. Her longing for Eternity began at a young age with her early religious formation as an Episcopalian. Throughout her earthly journey of forty-six years, Elizabeth viewed herself as a pilgrim on the road of life. She faced each day with eyes of faith, looking forward to heaven.
Dominant themes in her life and writings include her pursuit of the Divine Will, nourishment from the Eucharist and Holy Scripture, confidence in Divine Providence, and charitable service to Jesus Christ in the poor. From her deathbed in Emmitsburg, she expressed her wish that those gathered about her "Be children of the Church, be children of the Church."
She prayed her way through life's joys and struggles using Sacred Scripture. This enabled her to live serenely. Psalm 23, which she learned as a child, remained her favorite treasury of consolation throughout her life of suffering and loss. Elizabeth's pathway to inner peace and sanctity flowed from her way of living the Paschal Mystery in her own life. She moved from devotional reception of Holy Communion as an Episcopalian to awe as a Roman Catholic and often ecstatic adoration of the Real Presence. Her Eucharistic devotion and faith in God's abiding presence nourished her imitation of Jesus Christ, the source and model of all charity.
As she established the Sisters of Charity in their mission of charity and education, she adopted The Regulations for the Sisters of Charity in the United States (1812). The choice of the Vincentian rule reflects how Elizabeth understood her mission as one of apostolic service honoring Jesus Christ through service to the poor. Elizabeth's spiritual pathway involved other people--her advisors, friends, collaborators, and those she served.
We offer additional resources to learn more about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in the Seton Heritage Shoppe, such as the exclusive DVD film called The Seton Legacy, a 30-minute documentary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's life, work, and continuing legacy of charity today. The Seton Legacy bicentennial film is seen and narrated through the eyes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in the historic White House (1809) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Biography of
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Upcoming Events
Emmitsburg Community Day
On Saturday, June 30, from 9 am to 5 pm, Emmitsburg will celebrate its annual Community Day. This year, the Shrine will hold the Seton Heritage Expo on our grounds. The event will feature Civil War reenactors, heritage demonstrations, living historians tours, children’s activities, and more. Read More
Songs from the Camps, A FREE Civil War Picnic Concert
The distinctive down-home sounds of banjos, fiddles, tambourines and mandolins, which entertained soldiers on the battlefield camps, will fill the air on Sunday, July 8 at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton as two Civil War era bands perform a FREE picnic concert on our grounds. The concert will feature the Hancock String Band and the 2nd South Carolina String Band, both acclaimed for playing authentic Civil War era music. Read More
Annual Seton Legacy Classic Golf Tournament
Are you ready to play some golf, socialize with local VIPs and businesses, and just have some good-hearted fun! Join us on Sunday, June 24 at 1:30 pm at The Links at Gettysburg for our annual Seton Legacy Classic golf tournament. Read More
Civil War Tours
Take a guided tour to learn how the the Sisters and Daughters of Charity served the soldiers during the war that divided our nation, and visit the site where Union officers conducted a war council to prepare for the battle of Gettysburg. Read More
News & Events
Summer Renovations and Revised Shrine Hours
You are visiting the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton at a very special time – a time of growth, a time of expansion, and a time of inspiration. Our roots in this Valley of Blessings, as Mother Seton referred to this area, are deep and strong – deep from the years of history that took place here and strong from the enduring legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Our mission is to promote the life and legacy of the Elizabeth Ann Seton as a source of inspiration and encouragement for all people. As part of this mission we are expanding our spiritual and historical enrichment programs for all ages, pilgrimages, retreats, and workshops. Our museum will also be expanding its historical exhibits and offerings. All of this expansion results in the need to grow physically as well as spiritually! Much growth has already taken place and there is more to be done. As part of this growth, the HVAC system is being replaced in part of our facility, which includes the Basilica and some of the Museum areas. We appreciate your understanding during our time of growth, and it is our utmost priority to provide a comfortable and memorable visit for our patrons. Many of the areas are unaffected by the HVAC construction, and they will be cool and ready for you to visit! Read More
