(50 for 50 series) It started when he was very young. The Daughters of Charity were Fr. Mike King’s teachers in elementary school and they introduced him to their patron, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. That connection to the first American-born saint would stay with him through his years at the seminary at Mount Saint Mary’s and well into his priesthood. He is retired now and living in Owings, Mills, Maryland. All these years later, the nation approaches the 50th anniversary of Mother Seton’s canonization, Fr. King says his connection to her is stronger than ever.
As a student at the Mount, he studied Elizabeth’s writing, even translating from French to English some of her letters to Fr. Brute and Fr. Dubois. And, in 1975 he was on the grounds of the Seton Shrine sharing in the festivities surrounding her canonization.
Recientemente, el P. King se reencontró con el Santuario participando en el club de lectura en línea. Lo visitó en 2024 y dice que le gustaría volver este año para celebrar el 50 aniversario.
“I’m delighted that I was able to visit, meet the staff, and walk the grounds again,” he said. “I have had a wonderful relationship with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton throughout the years, and it felt like coming home to visit her again. Her example of persistence in the face of adversity has been a source of personal strength for me. She gives me hope.”
“I will definitely make it a priority to come back this year. I stood on these grounds 50 years ago in celebration and I plan to do it again.”
Pie de foto: El P. King con la líder del club del libro, Anita DiGregory, en el Santuario de Seton.
50 for 50 es una serie de relatos de gente corriente para conmemorar el 50 aniversario de la canonización de Elizabeth Ann Seton como primera santa estadounidense nacida en el país.