Public invited to celebrate 200-year celebration at National Shrine at Elizabeth Ann Seton

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 7/13/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE �

CONTACT:

Mary Staub

Media Relations Producer

The Daughters of Charity

(301) 447-7124

Around the time of July 31, 1809, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton and her small band of women arrived in what is now known today as Emmitsburg, Md., a historic town located in northern Frederick County.

Today, 200 years later, her legacy continues to inspire people of all ages and walks of life. More than 45,000 visitors come to the Seton Shrine yearly to pray, visit, and learn of her life. Join us in celebrating this historic bicentennial event on the grounds of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 333 S. Seton Ave. in Emmitsburg.

The celebration weekend opens with a variety of events. Throughout the weekend you and visitors can tour the Shrine grounds and historic buildings, attend information sessions, see a live Civil War encampment, attend liturgies, and premiere a new DVD, The Seton Legacy.

On Sunday, Aug. 2, our beautiful new prayer garden will be blessed and a live re-enactment procession will be seen of Mother Seton walking from Mount St. Mary�s Grotto to the Seton Shrine grounds. An original Conestoga wagon, pulled by horses, will lead the procession and will be on site for photo opportunities.

�Many consider their visit to the Seton Shrine as a time of grace,� remarked Sister Betty Ann McNeil, DC, Provincial Archivist. �Walking on holy ground where a Saint lived, prayed, and died is a privilege. How much more so, on the 200th anniversary of her arrival in this �valley of blessings,� the founding site and cradle of the Sisters and Daughters of Charity in North America. This bicentennial will be quite a birthday party.�

Out of town visitors can find special lodging pricing at hotels in Frederick. Look for the special listings marked by our Seton Legacy logo. The listing can be found at www.setonlegacy.org, under the News and Events section as Frederick Lodging.

Visitors� food court, information tent, and numerous water and comfort stations will be scattered throughout the grounds. Parking will be available on the Seton Shrine grounds each of the three days. On Aug. 2, anyone wishing to walk in the reenactment procession may attend Mass at the Glass Chapel at the Grotto, park at the Grotto, and then ride the shuttle back to the Grotto after spending the day at the Seton Shrine.

A complete agenda is available on www.setonlegacy.org.