The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmittsburg, Md offers any visitor the opportunity to watch an informative video and and tour the museum. The walking trails to the grotto afford beautiful views of nature in a wooded setting. The grotto, chapel and trails offer visitors the opportunity to stop and reflect, meditate or pray. Truly a tranquil enviornment.
For those who benefitted from the Catholic Parochial School system, this is where it started. Elizabeth Seton, now a Saint, founded her community here in a small stone house. You will see how her schools evolved and the presence of the Daughters of Charity is evident all over this small rural Maryland town. Come to pray, and for those who know the Daughter or Sisters of Charity, this is the place it all started, and not to be missed.
The grounds of the Sisters of Charity complex in north Emmitsburg provide a beautiful setting for the shrine to Elizabeth Seton. A short video and a small museum are important for understanding both St. Elizabeth and her Order. The small basilica is a fine place to attend mass or simply sit and pray. A further exploration of the grounds yields some delightful spots for reflection and relaxation.
I have been coming here for years but never submitted a review but after today I thought I should share. The drive to get here on 15 north is lovely and the Shrine is not far off the highway and it is easy to find because of good signage. The shrine itself is just beautiful. We attended mass for the first time at 1:30pm and it was a nice experience. I will always return here since I am fortunate enough to live not too far away in downtown Frederick. There is a lot of history offered about Mother Seton in the nice Visitors Center and the gift shop offers many nice religious souvenirs. All staff is very kind and helpful. The grounds are lovely and well maintained. If you happen to be on 15 and see signs for this shrine, definitely stop by. You will not be disappointed that you did. A very lovely place.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is home to the Sisters and Daughters of Charity. They served as nurses providing what help they could to the soldiers on both sides of the Civil War. They offer Civil War themed tours throughout the year and with the 150th commemoration of the Battle of Monocacy they have some special events as well. I attended the “Back from the Dead: Soldiers & Angels Cemetery Walk.” This was not your typical ghost tour in the “ghosts” hosted the evening. A drummer boy guide led us to St. Joseph’s Cemetery on the grounds of the Shrine. We met with Sisters of Charity, soldiers, a battlefield doctor, students at the monastery and a priest. Each of them shared stories of their experiences serving the dying and wounded. I really enjoyed the interactive aspect of this tour. The ghosts were very engaging. Groups were kept to 10 or fewer and this helped make the experience very personal. The tour started at 7 and this made for some wonderful light for photography. Being in a small group made it easier to frame shots quickly though I never felt rushed. I try to remember the details I learn at tours and share them with my photographs. Sister Matilda, who spoke to us at the Chapel in the cemetery, pointed out her grave. There was a red rose on the gravestone so we could know where she was resting. I briefly visited the museum and Basilica. I am looking forward to visiting again.
Visited on a quiet, cold day. Only had time for the museum and basilica. All is free with only a donation requested. Thanks to a MSM student for welcoming us to the museum. Will come back on a warm day to see the rest of the shrine.
We went through the museum and to mass. It was very well done. I loved the exhibits about her life. The grounds were immaculately kept. Being a Catholic I truly appreciated her story. We used to live in Woodbridge, VA and attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic church so it was nice to learn more about this amazing woman.
A beautiful spot to pray and enjoy nature too. Walking trails and beautiful scene @ top of hiill. No fee to get in and beautiful chapel that offers Sunday Mass . Nice modern visitor center and small gift shop. Many venues to pray. Large parking lot but has drop off for wheelchairs and elderly as lots of walking uphill involved. went when all the spring flowers were in bloom and it was so pretty. Nice Sunday drive,
The cathedral is beautiful. The gardens are so nice to walk around.It was an awesome feeling to be here.
The moment we entered the grounds, you could already feel how you are at peace. It is a vast area and wondered how this place was when Mother Seton was still alive. The staff were all friendly. The lady as the White House gave us beautiful insights of how Mother Seton lived her life. The basilica was peaceful and being in prayer brings you closer to the Lord. Don't miss kissing the relic of Mother Seton. It would be best if you watch the 15 minute audio visual before making your tour of the grounds. We will definitely come back to have the peace that we've always wanted.