Magnet-SEAS

This magnet is a wonderful remembrance of a visit to the Shrine.  This simple but high quality magnet features the words:  The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Emmitsburg, Md on it.  The middle SEAS stands for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

The Patroness of Sea Services, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the perfect intercessor for those at sea.  She worried and prayed for her two sons, Richard and William, who served at sea.

William Seton, Elizabeth Ann Seton’s eldest son, was appointed midshipman in the United States’ Navy on July 4, 1817.  In February 1818, he reported for duty aboard the USS Independence. Later that year, in July, he was assigned to the USS Macedonian which sailed from Boston on a cruise around Cape Horn to Valparaiso, Chile.  While William was on this voyage, his mother died on January 4, 1821.  In May 1822, he was ordered to the USS Cyane.  This voyage in the Mediterranean and along the coast of Africa lasted more than three years. Late in February of 1826, William was given his commission as lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.  In November, he was ordered to the Sloop of War Hornet, which was sent from Norfolk, Virginia to cruise the West Indian waters in search of pirates.  William resigned his commission as lieutenant on July 5, 1834, seventeen years after he was appointed midshipman.

Richard Seton, Elizabeth’s younger son, was the captain’s clerk on the USS Cyane.  The United States Navy has very few records that detail Richard Seton’s service.  For almost a year (June 1822 to April 1823), he was on duty with this ship off the coast of Africa  A letter from the Reverend Jehudi Ashmun, an Episcopalian missionary in the area, reveals that Richard contracted a severe fever.  Shortly afterwards on June 26, 1823, Richard Seton died of this fever and was buried at sea.

This unique magnet is the perfect way to share your love for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with others.