In thinking of the approaching year 2002 with the different threats to our national and personal security and our military’s active involvement in a distant land, I find myself reading and rereading St. Elizabeth Ann’s words at times of distress and heartache in her life: "Looking up steadily spares the pain, both of retrospection and anticipation." "We must pray literally, without ceasing – in every occurrence and employment of our lives that prayer of the heart which is independent of place or situation."

Separated from an intimate friend Elizabeth Ann penned this message: "Loving you in God I cannot speak any other language. That we may be happy in the ages of eternity is the fervent New Year wish of your affectionate friend."

 Elizabeth’s trust in God is echoed in these words: "Instead of measuring your difficulties with your strength, you must measure them with the powerful help you have a right to expect from God."

May St. Elizabeth Ann’s inspiration, as shown in her thoughtful spiritual reflections, guide us through the New Year, encouraging us to be aware of God’s presence with us, growing in confidence in His powerful help, and resting in the assurance that God is with us.

Sister Mary Clare Hughes
Administrator

The Seton Way
    is published at the
    National Shrine of
    Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
    333 South Seton Avenue
    Emmitsburg, Maryland 
                        21727

E-Mail: office@setonshrine.org
http://www.setonshrine.org/

Editorial Board:
    Sr. Eleanor Casey, D.C.
    Sr. Patricia Coughlin, D.C.
    Sr. Claire Debes, D.C

Typing & Layout
    Sally S. Grandstaff 

Continued from page 1

The illness of her husband and the loss of his business and financial security during the undeclared War with France followed. Despite these sorrows, Saint Elizabeth Ann continued her spiritual search while she cared for her children. After her conversion to Catholicism and move to Baltimore at the call of Archbishop John Carroll, Elizabeth Ann Seton followed the plan of God which brought her to the Shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1809.

This move involved intense work and sacrifice. After beginning to educate and care for children as well as organizing community life for the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, Mother Seton’s group extended their efforts throughout the northeast. Inspired by the example of Saint Elizabeth Ann’s faith, charity and devotion to God, the works in the Emmitsburg area multiplied and many generous women followed the saint’s example by embracing community life.

Again, the impact of American history directly entered into the work of charity and life of all in Emmitsburg. By the 1850s, the issues of slavery and states’ rights precipitated the Civil War. 

Daughters and Sisters of Charity cared for the wounded in both Northern and Southern battle areas.

On a Saturday evening in June 1863, Sister Mary Louise Caulfield heard unfamiliar noises outside the Sisters’ residence. At dawn on Sunday morning, the sisters saw the Army of the Potomac camped on the lawns. A few days later, those troops were replaced by the Army of Northern Virginia on their way to Gettysburg. After three days of battle every church and hotel near the Mason Dixon Line was converted to a temporary hospital and the sisters arrived in groups to assist the wounded.

Religious prejudices were ignored as all combined their efforts to deal with the ravages of battle. Memories of Gettysburg, a few miles away, and President Abraham Lincoln are reawakened for all who visit the Seton Shrine Center. As we face the uncertainty of the struggle against brutal terrorism, it is significant that an American president has again brought living history to the peaceful Valley.

May all who seek the gifts of peace and trust find strength as they visit these grounds!

Sr. Patricia Coughlin, D.C.
Northeast Province

Shrine Improvements Possible