Saints on Their Way 2026 - Seton Shrine

Saints on Their Way

A Celebration of American Causes
Saints on Their Way

Join the Seton Shrine September 12–13, 2026 for a national gathering and public festival honoring the American holy men, women and children on the path to canonization.

Why This Gathering

Come Meet the American Heroes on the Path to Canonization

Across the country, Catholic guilds and apostolates are sharing the stories of American men, women and children whose causes for canonization have been opened by the Church. Some are Servants of God. Some are Venerable. Some are Blessed. All remind us that holiness is not distant, abstract, or unreachable — it is possible here and now.

At the Seton Shrine’s Saints on Their Way festival, visitors can encounter these stories in one place, meet those working to advance American causes for canonization, and reflect on their own call to holiness.

Saints on Their Way Festival
The Weekend at a Glance

Two Days. One Invitation to Holiness.

Saturday · September 12

Guilds Experience | Private Day

For cause representatives involved in American causes for canonization. Includes time for prayer, fellowship, and networking.
Sunday · September 13

Public Festival Day

For pilgrims, families, parish groups, Shrine visitors, and all who want to learn more about American causes for canonization.
The Initiative

What Is Saints on Their Way?

Saints on Their Way is a Seton Shrine initiative that shares the stories of American men, women and children whose causes for canonization have been opened by the Church. These holy witnesses come from many states, backgrounds, vocations, and eras — but each one reveals something of the universal call to holiness.

This annual gathering and festival brings those stories to life through prayer, fellowship, public witness, and personal encounter. At the Seton Shrine, the home of the first American-born saint, we celebrate those who have followed in her footsteps — and we invite everyone to take the next step in their own journey toward God.
Saints on Their Way Mary Lang
Sunday · Open to the Public

A Public Festival of Faith, Stories, and Hope

On Sunday, September 13, the Shrine grounds will open for a joyful public festival celebrating American causes for canonization.

Visitors will be able to meet guild leaders, hear the stories of holy men and women from across the country, enjoy live music and food, pray in the Basilica, and tour the Shrine and Mother Seton’s historic homes.

Whether you are deeply devoted to the saints or just beginning to discover their stories, this festival is an invitation to see holiness as something close, concrete, and possible.

Saturday · By Invitation

A Private Day for Cause Representatives

On Saturday, September 12, the Shrine will host a private day for those involved in advancing American causes for canonization.

The day will feature a keynote presentation by Msgr. Robert Sarno, internationally recognized for his decades of service to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, on “Canonization: Theory & Practice,” along with workshops from Dr. Jeanine Marino and Fr. Dan Mode.

Participants will also celebrate a private Mass at Mother Seton’s tomb and enjoy the Shrine Museum, Basilica, and historic homes. This gathering will offer cause leaders and representatives a rare opportunity to strengthen their mission together.

Space may be limited for the Saturday private gathering.
Why the Seton Shrine

Elizabeth Ann Seton: First American-Born Saint

There is perhaps no more fitting place for this gathering than the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
As the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized, Mother Seton reminds us that holiness is not reserved for distant lands, ancient centuries, or extraordinary circumstances. Her life was marked by family struggles, financial hardship, conversion, faith, sacrifice, and heroic charity. She shows us that sanctity can take root in ordinary life.

At her Shrine, Saints on Their Way celebrates the holy men, women and children who have followed in her footsteps — and invites each of us to take the next step in our own journey toward God.

Scenes from 2025

See the Joy of Saints on Their Way

Scenes from the 2025 Saints on Their Way Village show the spirit of the gathering: guild representatives sharing stories, visitors discovering American causes for sainthood, and pilgrims encountering holy lives that continue to inspire.
Travel Details

Plan Your Visit to Emmitsburg

Location

National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Emmitsburg, Maryland

Dates

Saturday, September 12, 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026

Airports

BWI Thurgood Marshall — 58 mi
Dulles International — 63 mi
Reagan National — 74 mi

Transportation

Car rental is recommended. Uber and Lyft are available, but wait times may be long because the Shrine is in the countryside — book rides well in advance.

Hotels

Discounted room rates are available when you mention the Seton Shrine. Contact Diane Girgenti at 240-215-2063 or [email protected].

Fairfield Inn & Suites Frederick · Courtyard Frederick · Residence Inn Frederick · Sleep Inn & Suites Emmitsburg · TownePlace Suites Frederick · Home2 Suites by Hilton Frederick · Homewood Suites by Hilton Frederick
Seton Shrine

In the News

Your Invitation

Take the Next Step on Your Own Way to Holiness

Saints on Their Way is more than an event. It is an invitation to discover the men, women and children whose lives continue to bear witness to Christ in America — and to remember that holiness is not beyond reach. Come to the Seton Shrine this September. Meet the guilds. Hear the stories. Pray with fellow pilgrims. And discover how the saints on their way can help light your own.