Altar of Relics
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s relics are entombed in the Altar of Relics at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. In every Eucharistic liturgy, the intentions of those devoted to St. Elizabeth Ann are remembered. See “Prayer Requests” and “Prayer Sharing.”
Beneath the altar and enclosed in marble, St. Elizabeth Ann’s remains and treasured relics rest in a small copper casket. Her remains were transferred here under the altar in 1968.
Sculpted in Italy, the white marble statue of St. Elizabeth Ann depicts her dressed in the habit that she and her Sisters of Charity wore in 1809. The statue portrays her role as educator and religious Foundress.
Places Where St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Has Been Buried
St. Elizabeth Ann was not always buried in the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
- Before beatification, the remains of Elizabeth Ann Seton were exhumed on October 26, 1962, from St. Joseph’s Cemetery (a cemetery still on the grounds of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton today), in the presence of a small group of persons closely associated with her cause. This ecclesiastical procedure involved the identification of her remains in conjunction with her cause for canonization.
- After her beatification by Pope John XXIII on March 17, 1962, the Seton relics were placed in a copper casket and placed above the main altar at Joseph College Chapel, located at St. Joseph's Central House, on April 18, 1963 (now located on the grounds of FEMA, neighbors of the Shrine).
- The small copper casket containing the remains of Elizabeth Ann Seton was transferred to beneath the altar of the Blessed Elizabeth Ann Seton in the Daughters of Charity chapel of the new St. Joseph's Provincial House on January 4, 1968 (now known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton). A marble facade was installed at the base of the altar of relics of Elizabeth Ann Seton on August 1, 1975. See “St. Joseph’s Cemetery”
Art & Architecture
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
