Slightly off the beaten path in Emmitsburg, MD, lies the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, situated near one of the places where she founded an educational mission. We always enjoy religious sites, but this one proved both exceptional and highly accessible. Free to visit, visitors to the shrine are treated to a mini-museum, a basilica, and well-tended grounds.
When you arrive, request the opportunity to see the short video (about 12 minutes in length), which will provide you with an overview of Saint Seton's life -- and a compelling sense of how close in time we are to her canonization in the grand sweep of history. Clips of a biographical movie of her life are also included and provide nice context. Plan to spend thirty to ninety minutes ambling around in the small museum; it's professionally presented and worth your time to learn more about both the life of Seton and part of the history and tradition of the Catholic Church. There's even a pictorial scavenger hunt for kids. Next, you will be treated to the grand basilica, a wonderful spot for reflection, Mass, or confession. There are beautiful places to walk, including a lovely cemetery.
On the day of our visit, the local community was celebrating Mother Seton's birthday with a small festival "party" on the lawn. There were numerous old-fashioned children's games, entertainments like face painting, and free treats like cupcakes and Italian ices for all. G was so excited to have her face made up as a princess; E enjoyed the "passport" concept of having a booklet stamped at various stations and receiving a vintage postcard as a prize. One of the highlights: having silhouettes cut by hand in a fascinating artistic tradition by Silhouettes by Hand. Overall, the shrine maintains a calendar of activities that all appear enriching.
If you go, consider piggybacking on a trip to Harper's Ferry, WV; Gettysburg, PA; or Frederick, MD. Take a little extra time and visit the nearby Grotto -- we spent a lot of time at the shrine and will need to return. The Mount St. Mary's University campus is literally "right there" and certainly could make for a nice walk and visit. There's also a gift shop at the shrine with very friendly staff--don't forget to visit! While certainly those of the Christian tradition are welcomed, the site has something to offer for those interested in history, art, culture, and nature as well.
