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Our Superior General, Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, arrived in Philadelphia last Thursday evening in anticipation of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. On Friday, we took a roundabout road to Emmitsburg, Maryland, stopping off at the National Assembly of the Ladies of Charity USA (LCUSA), which was being held at The Bethesdan Hotel in Bethesda, Maryland. LCUSA is a member of the International Association of Charity (AIC). The president of LCUSA and the international president of the AIC were there, as well as other familiar faces, such as Mary Ann Dantuono from St. John’s University and Sr. Ellen Marie, DC, from the Vincentian Family Office. I estimated that about 150 members attended the assembly, all dedicated to serving the poor.
Everyone was attentive to Fr. Mavrič’s brief but inspiring message, emphasizing that they share a common identity, not only as Ladies of Charity, but also as members of the Vincentian family. After saying our goodbyes, we continued our journey to Emmitsburg where the Daughters, Fr. Harry Arnone, CM, and members of the staff were at the door to warmly welcome us.
It was Fr. Mavrič’s first time visiting Emmitsburg, so Saturday morning was dedicated to tours and learning the history. We began by praying at the tomb of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, then continued down to the archives. We learned that in about 1809 St. Elizabeth had received a copy of St. Vincent’s rule on which she would base her rule for the Sisters. I had mistakenly thought that the Vincentian charism was introduced to the United States in 1818, when our first confreres arrived in Baltimore. Now, I know that the charism came through Elizabeth Ann with the establishment of the Sisters of Charity in St. Joseph’s Valley.
We were touched and inspired by our visit to the museum and to the stone house and the white house, where Mother Seton lived in humble poverty. Her story is deeply moving and truly edifying. So much so that confreres might consider a two- or three-day private retreat to reflect on the many aspects of her life. Fr. Mavrič and I were certainly moved. Click here to see pictures from this experience.
At 11:30 a.m., Fr. Mavrič celebrated the Vincentian Family Mass. Click here to see the Basilica. The entrance procession was led by Sisters carrying banners representing the different branches of the Sisters of Charity and Daughters of Charity, a visible image of the legacy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the impact that legacy has had on the Church in North America. In fact, the Basilica was filled with Daughters of Charity, Sisters of Charity, confreres, members of various lay associations, pilgrims, and Catholic faithful from the Emmitsburg area. It would be impossible to count the number of years of service to and with the poor that were represented in those pews. One could only feel gratitude for God’s love that was poured out through their service.
The celebration continued with a luncheon in the main dining room. Joyful conversation filled the air as members of the various branches of the Vincentian Family reconnected with each other, and that joy was only enhanced by the keynote speaker, Kathleen Cummings. Her presentation, “Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pope Leo XIV, and the Global Church” is available for viewing online. WATCH HERE.
That afternoon, Fr. Mavrič continued meeting with different groups and the Daughters of Charity, and after dinner we had an enjoyable visit with our confreres Fr. Harry Arnone, CM, and Fr. Gene Sheridan, CM, at their new residence. Our conversation was the perfect ending to an eventful day.
The actual celebration of the Eucharist for the 50th Anniversary of the Canonization took place on Sunday. When I arrived about half an hour before the Mass, the pews were already filled, and people were taking their place lining the walls of the Basilica. I have no idea how many more people eventually gathered outside.
The principal celebrant, Archbishop William Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, was joined by three bishop concelebrants and about 30 priest concelebrants. Before going up to the altar, Archbishop Lori incensed the tomb of Mother Seton. Then Sr. Teresa George, DC, the Visitatrix of the St. Louise Province, shared words of welcome, followed by the Papal Message and Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV, read by Msgr. Jacek Pinocy, the representative of the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Click here to see the message sent on behalf of Pope Leo XIV. I hope you had the chance to view the Mass on EWTN on Sunday evening. Archbishop Lori’s homily was excellent. Click here to see the recorded Mass on YouTube and here to read Fr. Mavrič’s homily.
Fr. Mavrič and I returned to Philadelphia immediately after the Mass, stopping at DeAndreis House along the way to greet the Theologians and Internal Seminarians. It was a brief visit, but it gave the seminarians the opportunity to meet the Superior General.
Tenth anniversary of the Vincentian Family Office
The Vincentian Family Office invites all of the Vincentian Family to the celebration of its 10th Anniversary, on Saturday, November 22, at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. RSVP by October 15, 2025. Click here to view the invitation with all the details.
Bishop David O’Connell, CM, to speak at St. John’s University
The Vincentian Center for Church and Society at St. John’s University is hosting two major programs during the 2025-2026 school year. On Monday, September 22, the Vincentian Heritage Lecture 2025 will be given by Bishop David O'Connell, CM, JCD, DD, Bishop of Trenton. The topic is St. Vincent and Education. To register, click here.
Niagara University to honor the Vincentian community
In recognition of the 400th Anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission, Niagara University will present the Ozanam Medal [given to those who exemplify the mission and charity of St. Vincent de Paul] to the Province at the President’s Dinner on Wednesday, November 5. All are invited to attend, especially those who studied at Niagara. For more information about the President’s Dinner, click here.
A post of the Nuntia Express
[The Nuntia provides updates on Vincentians from around the globe.]
Click here to read a recent post from the Nuntia Express, including an article on how today's educational systems can apply our Vincentian charism with contemporary pedagogical principles.
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