(50 for 50 series) About 700 pilgrims from the Diocese of Arlington, VA organized under Hogares of Santa Maria walked from the National Shrine Grotto, Mount Saint Mary’s University to the Seton Shrine today where they participated in a special mass. Organizer Geovani Flores said, “In the Catholic tradition, processions are a powerful public witness of faith. We want to preserve that tradition by praying the Stations of the Cross visibly, bringing Christ’s Passion to the streets and into our hearts.”
The group, made up of members of several parishes within the diocese, had a special connection to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. “She was a wife and mother of five. As a family group (Hogares), we look to her as a model of sanctifying the home, forming children in Christian virtues, and living the Gospel in the midst of daily life,” Flores explained.
“We believe her intercession can help restore what is being lost. We must pray to her more, venerate her relics, and imitate her in building homes where responsibility, discipline, obedience, and hard work are lived. These are foundational virtues without which faith cannot endure. Faith costs something. Christ died for us. Love is sacrifice—and this truth must be lived again in families. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton shows us it’s possible. She from Heaven looks down on us and wants to help bring families to Christ, more than anything,” Flores said.
50 for 50 is a series of stories, quotes, clips, photos, and/or devotional statements from ordinary people to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton as the first native-born American saint.