Retreats & Pilgrimages
"Three times now I have visited the museum, Basilica, and grounds. Always, I come away refreshed and uplifted. The Basilica is a wonderful place to pray and to receive a great in-filling of God's love and grace”
A place of holy retreat and inspiration, the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton hosts pilgrims by the thousands who have their hearts lifted in this "valley of blessings," their faith nourished, and their spirits rejuvenated. Taking our cue from St. Elizabeth Ann's desire to serve the Church and her people, we seek to offer a rich sacramental life at the Basilica; retreats and workshops for the faithful; educational exhibits and programs; as well as an enriching atmosphere for the Shrine's many visitors.
Mother Seton was herself, in many ways, a pilgrim. Much of her adult life was spent journeying either physically or spiritually. She was uprooted repeatedly from a home she loved- whether to care for her husband, to provide for her children after his death, or to meet the needs of her new-found Church.
Spiritually, in addition to her conversion to Catholicism, throughout her life she pursued God's will for her with holy perseverance, always seeking deeper conversion in her own heart.
We offer services for your organization to have your retreat held in the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Please contact our Retreat and Pilgrimage Coordinator for more assistance.
We also offer daily retreats (see our Events Listings) and days of pilgrimage.
Join us for our Day of Pilgrimage every Sunday in the Basilica!
Day of Pilgrimage Schedule
1:30 PM – Mass
2:15 PM – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by Adoration
3:00 PM – Benediction
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
