Miraculous Medal
Elizabeth Seton’s Love for Our Blessed Mother and the Miraculous Medal
“The other day … a little prayer book was on the table and I opened it to a little prayer (the Memorare) of St. Bernard to the Blessed Virgin, begging her to be our Mother. I said it to her with such a certainty … I felt I really had a Mother which you know my foolish heart so often lamented to have lost in my early days.” --Elizabeth Ann Seton’s letter to her friend, Rebecca, 10th of February 1804.
As Elizabeth searched to know God’s will throughout her many life experiences, the Blessed Virgin Mary became her prism of faith. Struggling with doubts and fears, Elizabeth chose to live her vocation fully with the help of Mary’s intercessions.
Elizabeth adapted the seventeenth-century French Common Rules of the Daughters of Charity (1672) for the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph's in accord with the needs of the Catholic Church in America in 1813.
On November 27, 1830, nine years after Elizabeth’s death, Our Blessed Virgin Mary manifested the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as the Miraculous Medal, to Daughter of Charity St. Catherine Labouré in the Paris motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac.
Catherine saw Our Lady standing on a globe, with dazzling rays of light streaming from her outstretched hands. Framing the figure was an inscription: "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." Then Mary spoke to Catherine: "Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck."
Today, in the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Miraculous Medal is symbolized in the bronze communion gates to the main altar. Pilgrims of all denominations come from all over the world to walk along the Seton Way where they learn about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Blessed Mother was integral to St. Elizabeth Ann’s faith and today is integral to the identity of her shrine in Emmitsburg.
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
