Sister Regina Bechtle, SC’s Remarks At “Do The Good” Ribbon Cutting
April 7, 2026
Almost to the day, 217 years ago, on March 23, 1809, Elizabeth Seton wrote from Baltimore to Julia Scott. She
AMERICA250
AT THE SETON SHRINE
MOTHER SETON AND THE FOUNDING OF AMERICA
As our nation marks 250 years of independence, the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton invites you to reflect on the remarkable story of America’s first native-born saint — a woman whose faith, resilience, and love of her country shaped the very foundations of Catholic education and charity in the United States. Her life is woven into the fabric of American history, making the Seton Shrine a natural home for celebrating America 250.
The Shrine offers Mass, Confession, and Adoration, but this anniversary year brings even more: special exhibits, retreats, and events that bring Elizabeth Ann Seton’s legacy alive in the context of our nation’s story. Whether you come to pray, to learn, or simply to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Emmitsburg countryside, there is something here for every pilgrim and every patriot.
SUMMER EVENTS AT THE SETON SHRINE
Join us for a special afternoon of history, prayer, and devotion on Saturday, June 13 from 2:00 – 3:30pm as we explore the rich tradition of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and its connection to Mother Seton and the early Church in America. During this inspiring presentation, discover how Archbishop John Carroll and the Sisters of Charity helped foster devotion to the Sacred Heart in our nation, and how Elizabeth Ann Seton found comfort and strength in the Heart of Christ during times of suffering.
Following the presentation, enter into a peaceful Holy Hour in the Basilica featuring guided prayer, the rosary, litany, and Eucharistic Adoration. As the U.S. Catholic Bishops consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart during this 250th year of America, this event offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen your faith and devotion.
Join us on June 20 at 2pm for a powerful screening of A Place at the Table, exploring the inspiring stories and legacies of Black Catholics on the path to sainthood. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Journey through Civil War history on this specialty tour exploring how the Sisters and Daughters of Charity brought hope and healing to America. Tours are available 6/21, 6/29-7/3, 7/19, 8/16, and 9/20.
On June 26 and July 11, discover how Elizabeth Ann Seton’s faith, leadership, and legacy helped shape early America on this fascinating specialty tour celebrating her role in our nation’s history.
Join us on Saturday, June 27 from 10am – 3pm for a dynamic day with renowned Catholic missionary and storyteller Meg Hunter-Kilmer as we explore how Scripture and the lives of the saints illuminate our own path to holiness today. Through powerful stories, deep theological insight, and Meg’s signature humor and authenticity, you’ll discover that sanctity isn’t distant or outdated — it’s fiercely relevant.
Meg travels the world sharing the tender and transformative love of God. A Notre Dame theology graduate and Fellow of the Sullivan Family Saints Initiative at the McGrath Institute for Church Life, she is the author of A Year in the Word Catholic Bible Journal, Saints Around the World, and Pray for Us: 75 Saints who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness.
SPECIAL EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL AND HISTORIC IMPACT
As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, step into the untold story of Mother Seton’s sisters—over 20,000 women whose faith and service helped shape a nation. From war and disaster to reform and renewal, they served Christ in the poorest and most vulnerable. Their fearless charity forged our country and changed history—and their stories still compel us today.
Do the Good: The Sisters Who Shaped America is a self-guided exhibit at the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The exhibit is free and open to the public and will remain on view through Spring 2027 during regular Shrine hours.
Visitors are invited to explore the exhibit at their own pace, engaging stories that span more than two centuries of American history and service. The exhibit is designed for individual visitors, families, educators, and groups.
Press and Media
Press from The Global Sisters Report
March 27, 2026
A new museum exhibit at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton highlights the role Catholic sisters have played
Seton Shrine Unveils “Do the Good” Exhibit Honoring Sisters Who Shaped America
March 23, 2026
The Seton Shrine unveils a powerful new exhibit honoring the generations of Catholic Sisters whose faith and service helped shape the story of America.
Press from The Arlington Catholic Herald
March 23, 2026
The self-guided exhibit is dedicated to telling the stories of more than 20,000 religious sisters whose orders trace their lineage
Press Release: Seton Shrine to Open Museum Exhibit: “Do the Good – The Sisters Who Shaped America”
March 17, 2026
Exhibit explores the impact of religious sisters across two centuries of American history
Press from Catholic Faith Network Live with Rob Judge
March 5, 2026
Rob Judge appears on the Catholic Faith Network to talk about the Seton Shrine’s plans for America250, including the opening
PRESS from The Saturday Evening Post: The Mother of American Charity
February 23, 2026
Most people probably wouldn’t know much about Elizabeth Ann Seton if she hadn’t been canonized in 1975, but saint or not, she was an extraordinary person.
PRESS From OSV: Seton Shrine Prepares to Share Mother Seton’s ‘Revolutionary’ Impact as America Turns 250
January 7, 2026
Mother Seton: The Hidden Hero of America’s 250-Year Story They Never Taught You!
When Americans reflect on the nation’s 250-year history, the spotlight often falls on presidents, generals and statesmen. Yet the story…
America’s founders built the machinery of the republic. Mother Seton helped build its conscience.
America’s founders built the machinery of the republic. Mother Seton helped build its conscience. Read the full article here.
Becca Corbell, Director of Programs and Operations, appeared on the Catholic Radio Show, Driving Home the Faith, on Sacred Heart…
Step into the 1800s and “meet” America’s first saint—this immersive experience is inspiring a new generation in a way you won’t expect.
Becca Corbell talks about the new exhibit, “Do The Good: The Sisters Who Shaped America” on the Katy McGrady Show….
Erica Delp’s chance visit to the Seton Shrine sparked a spiritual calling that led her to dedicate her work to sharing Mother Seton’s legacy of faith, perseverance, and finding purpose in life’s ordinary moments.
Almost to the day, 217 years ago, on March 23, 1809, Elizabeth Seton wrote from Baltimore to Julia Scott. She…