By Fr. Joshua Warshak, O.SS.T.
The Trinitarians
DeMatha Catholic High School
Hyattsville, MD
(50 for 50 series) I would like to share my own testimony and devotion to Mother Seton.
In the summer of 2012, I was a Postulant with my religious community. I was being asked to take the next step in my formation by entering the Novitiate. I was unsure and discerning whether or not religious life was my true vocation. I visited the Shrine for the first time that summer, knowing very little about Mother Seton.
She and I share a common experience of being converts to Catholicism and so I felt an instant connection with her. As I learned about her, I was amazed that she remained faithful to her calling despite the many challenges she faced.
After visiting the museum, I went to mass in the main church. After mass, I noticed the side altar where Mother is interred. I walked over and knelt down to ask for her intercession regarding my decision to continue with my formation in religious life; “Should I continue and enter the Novitiate, or should I leave the Order for another opportunity?” I asked her to take my petition to Jesus. I also asked for guidance and clarity so that I could make the best decision possible.
As I left the Church, which was mostly empty at this point, I heard a woman’s voice in my head. The voice was clear but not audible. She said, “If I can make it, so can you.” I felt at peace in that moment and knew that the voice was Mother Seton’s reassurance that God was in fact calling me to religious life.
I have now been solemnly professed in my religious order for five years and I have been ordained a priest for four years.
I continue to have a strong devotion to Mother Seton.
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.