Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Why pilgrims come

Visit the resting place and legacy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

The National Shrine in Emmitsburg preserves the tomb of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized. Her remains rest in a copper casket within the Altar of Relics beneath the basilica’s principal altar, making the church both a national sanctuary and the physical center of pilgrimage to her life.

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton was a New York wife, mother, widow, convert, foundress, and educator. After entering the Catholic Church, she came to Maryland and established the community that became the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s. The small school she opened in Emmitsburg helped shape the parochial-school tradition in the United States. Her sanctity was formed through grief, financial uncertainty, motherhood, friendship, the Eucharist, and persevering service rather than through distance from ordinary life.

The present basilica was completed in 1965. After her beatification, the church became the national shrine, and her remains were transferred to the altar in 1968. The surrounding campus gives the tomb historical depth: the museum, the Stone House and White House associated with the early community, the cemetery, and the landscape of St. Joseph’s Valley allow pilgrims to follow her vocation rather than encounter only a reliquary.

Pray first at the Altar of Relics, then walk the historic grounds. Parents, teachers, converts, widows, and people rebuilding life after loss will find distinct points of connection. The shrine is active and schedules tours, Mass, confession, exhibits, and seasonal programs; verify current arrangements directly before travel.

Begin at Mother Seton’s tomb, then walk the homes, school landscape, museum, and cemetery that turn her biography into a place-based pilgrimage.