(50 for 50 series) I would like to share a memory of Sacred Heart School in Glyndon, MD on the day of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization. I was a 2nd grader at Sacred Heart on 9/14/75. The Sisters of Charity, who were teachers at our school, planned a day of celebration. There was a Mass outside in the parking lot which was in front of the convent. I remember a large crowd of parents and students crowded back into the “grove” and woods next to the convent. All girls with first or middle names “Elizabeth” were given important roles in the Mass. I remember reading a petition at that mass. I don’t remember all the details about the rest of the day, but the entire day was fun and everyone was happy. (kind of like a field day! not a regular school day!). I guess what I’m trying to say is this was a BIG DEAL throughout the school.
My teacher, Sister Mary Michael Burns, gave me a gift that day…a small plastic frame with a paper print of Elizabeth Ann Seton. Behind that piece of paper was a relic — a tiny piece of cloth Elizabeth had touched. I still have it today. I can’t believe it has been 50 years.
— Elizabeth Ann (Maher) Moreno
Walkersville, MD
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.
Photo caption: Elizabeth with her siblings in 1975. She is on the far right.