The accompanying notes on "Happenings" indicate the number of pilgrims to the shrine is increasing. To ensure that these visitors have a meaningful experience in the valley, we have initiated some special services.

To assist visitors viewing the exhibits in the museums, two audio systems are being prepared. The first script addresses adult and teenage visitors while a parallel program addresses the needs of young children.

Another addition being prepared is a second video presentation which highlights the relevance of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton to our world of 2003.

To assist both staffing efforts and improved use of new technology Douglas Peterson has joined the shrine staff as Assistant Administrator.

Doug has had varied experiences to fit him for this position. Since his arrival in July he has proven himself to be a valuable addition to all of us who strive to live our part in the mission of the shrine.

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

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

Typing & Layout
    Sally S. Grandstaff 

Vincentian/Setonian Mission of the Shrine in 2003

This first 2003 issue of the Seton Way covers changes in the administrative organization of the Shrine and contains the column of news briefs highlighting specific events. Many of our readers may notice a greater expansion of topics and a global interest in the life of St. Elizabeth Ann.

The foundation of the apostolic work initiated by Mother Seton was influenced by the writings of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. This, it is inspiring for us to share the message given by Robert P. Maloney, C.M. Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission and the current successor of St. Vincent. In his Advent letter for 2002, Father Maloney states:

In recent years our Vincentian Family has grown rapidly, spreading to many countries on all continents. In the 21st century, our international meetings will show a growing number of Asians, Pacific Islanders, Africans, and Latin Americans who will stand alongside Europeans and North Americans as the members of a truly global family. Those whose skin is black, brown, yellow, red and white will work next to one another in projects serving the poor…. I hope that the multiracial character of our Vincentian Family in the 21st century will be a clear witness to the unity of the human race and that it will be a continual font of riches for us all, rather than a source of prejudice.

Father concluded his message by saying, "I pray that this Christmas might be a time of peaceful trust in God's providence for all of us, that as servants of the poor we ourselves might be signs of that same loving providence for others, and that as a missionary Family we might give ourselves generously to the mission of the newborn Lord."

Sister Patricia Coughlin, D.C.
Northeast Province

Birthday Celebration 

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s 229th Birthday and Family Day Party Sunday, August 24, 2003.

Mass at 1:30 pm in the Basilica, National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  333 S. Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, Maryland

Honoring all Elizabeth Anns

Followed by Refreshment, balloons, clowns, and face painting in the Courtyard. Note the change to Sunday