St. Joseph's Cemetery & Mortuary Chapel: Other Burials
Archbishop James Roosevelt Bayley, nephew of Mother Seton and, like her, a convert to Catholicism, visited the place of her burial in 1873. At this time, he requested to be buried near his aunt, saying, "It is here I wish to be buried, here at Mother Seton's feet." At the time of his death four years later, the remains of Archbishop Bayley were placed in the vault beside those of Mother Seton.
The remains of Bishop John McNamara, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C., were also buried in the Mortuary Chapel in 1960. Bishop McNamara was an ardent promoter of the Cause of Mother Seton for Canonization.
At the time of her beatification in March 1963, the remains of Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton were exhumed, placed in a small copper casket, and enshrined above the altar in St. Joseph College Chapel. On January 4, 1968, these sacred relics were transferred to her altar in the Daughters of Charity Chapel (now the Basilica).
The historic oak tree stood until 1984, when the soft earth could no longer support it. Its rotten roots gave way and it fell backwards, causing no damage as it rested between two rows of stones and touched none. Shortly afterwards a new tree was planted.
Cemetery & Chapel
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
