Sister Serves as Docent at
Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Recently I served as a Docent at the shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It was indeed a return to my roots after 52 years, as I had made my seminary at the old Provincial House now owned by the Fire Academy of the United States.

To serve as a Docent at the shrine is not only a privilege but also truly a spiritual experience. One comes in contact with thousands of people from all over the world, and it is a great joy to share the history of Saint Elizabeth Ann with them. In addition, the opportunity of sharing our Vincentian Heritage is a unique privilege. Hopefully, these people leave the shrine with a greater sense of prayer and church.

You cannot but feel the holiness of these grounds and surroundings this hallowed valley where Mother Seton and her first Sisters lived and prayed each day. During my year of service, I frequently reflected on the conditions under which Mother Seton and her group lived out each day no running water, no electricity, no roads, nor any convenience to make life comfortable. I thanked God for her each day, and I thanked God, too, for His goodness to our United States and to our Community for His blessings and gifts in abundance.

Having lived through the Second World War and having had a brother and relatives in the service and myself a United States Navy Cadet nurse, I was happy to learn that Saint Elizabeth Ann is the Patroness of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Maritime Services. It was through my nursing education as a Cadet that I got to know and love the Daughters of Charity at Saint Vincent's in Bridgeport, Connecticut, my hometown. The Daughters' dedication to the poor and the sick captured my heart, and I joined them when the war ended and we were not needed in the active service as nurses.

When people visit the Shrine they often share their life's journey with the Docent on duty. They ask for prayers, tell of conversions and healings through Saint Elizabeth Ann. Many come daily, weekly, or monthly just to pray and find peace in this world or ours. Many will return with family and friends in the summer months on vacation time.

As a Docent, I had heard numerous stories, and I could fill a volume; but I want to share one with you, which I found most touching. A young father came in with his parents, and they asked for a tour of the Basilica, which I gave them. They then spent time in prayer and quiet. As they were leaving the Basilica, they stopped to share their story with me. The son of the young father committed suicide at the home of his parents two weeks before. They knew that a visit to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's Shrine would give them the strength and peace they needed to endure this cross. They saw Saint Elizabeth Ann as a wife and mother who had suffered much in so many ways during her young lifetime.

On another occasion, as a group had completed their tour of the White House, a young child about seven asked if she might recite Psalm 23 to me. I told her I would love to hear her recitation. Without faltering, she recited Psalm 23 word for word. It left an indelible mark on my being. I thought how pleased Saint Elizabeth Ann must be to see the faith and prayer of all age groups in her Valley.

Our next-door neighbors from the Fire Academy come to visit the Shrine frequently. They are eager to learn more about this holy woman. Many return also during vacation time from distant parts of the United States bringing family and friends. The entire region is rich in spiritual and civic history. The Daughters of Charity are an integral part of this history as we also served in the battlefields at Gettysburg and Antietam during the Civil War. This history is rich and attracts all age groups. We must continue to tell our story as we have so much to be grateful for.

I thank God for having had the opportunity of serving as a Docent as it has enriched my life spiritually. With God's help, I in turn will continue to share the story of Saint Elizabeth Ann, our American Foundress keeping in mind her deathbed message: "Be children of the church."