Praying Together, Celebrating Together At the Site of Elizabeth Seton's Conversion to Catholicism 

By Ellen Dauwer, SC (NJ)

On Sunday, September 13 the Sisters and Daughters of Charity, Associates and friends gathered in Saint Peter's Chuch in lower Manhattan on the eve of Elizabeth Ann Seton's canonization. The church, which was so significant to Elizabeth, continues to be a sacred place for the Federation. Just two days before our celebration, thousands had gathered in the same area to commemorate the eighth anniversary of September 11. Their presence was still palpable in the church and surrounding streets. 

In her talk Regina Bechtle pointed out the importance of the painting of the Crucifixion in Saint Peter's Church to Elizabeth. On one of the outside walls of the church there stands a cross made of beams from the fallen World Trade Center. A painting of the crucifixion from the eighteenth century inside the church and a modern day cross outside the church are joined today on this feast of the exultation of the cross, the anniversary of the canonization of Elizabeth Seton.  Click to view Sr. Regina's homily.

The best way to tell of this beautiful evening is to read the reflections of others in attendance. Here are a few.

"To pray with so many of Elizabeth Seton's daughters and friends in the very church where she became a Catholic and received the sacraments was a special grace during this Bicentennial year.

We listened to the words of Elizabeth, the first Rule of the Sisters of Charity, and our signature Gospel passage from Luke 4, under the shadow of the very painting of the Crucifixion that Elizabeth loved to ponder. The church resounded with our voices -- reverent (Psalms 23 and 138), joyful (Magnificat), and spirited (Jerusalem My Destiny). The great gathering ended with more opportunities for chatting and connecting over a delicious meal at St. John's University, Manhattan campus." 

Regina Bechtle, SC (NY)

"A walking tour of Elizabeth's New York was offered and the twenty plus who gathered melded into her story and footsteps. We had sisters, associates and other women who heard about the day and fully participated in every part of it.

We started at State Street and learned some of Elizabeth's life story and the city blocks where she walked and lived. Then, with NY City alive on a sunny, warm Sunday afternoon we wended our way along the paths she walked to Trinity Church, St. Paul's Chapel and finally to St. Peter's Church where we joined the assembled group for Vespers.

The oneness felt among all of the participants was exciting. Many recognized the new friends they have made during this year's many Anniversary activities.

Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, SC (Hal)

"The Vibrant Spirit of Elizabeth Ann Seton brightly illuminated and joyfully permeated our Evening Prayer at St. Peter's Church.  Nearly 200 joined in the praise manifested through the gifts of so many - exquisite music and song, elegant dance performed by our youth, and a rich reflection by Regina Bechtle, SC.  Sharing a meal among friends, old and new, was the perfect ending.  One young dancer remarked, overwhelmed by the affirmation, "Today, I learned 50 new ways to say 'nice job'!"  What a grace we have received: to continue the celebration, continue the dance of the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton in our time and space. So far so good, or rather, "nice job"!  

Catherine Salani, DC

"The strong memories I will take from the event is the sight of the wonderful young women from St. John the Baptist Church, Bedford Stuyvesant, coming down the aisle so gracefully and, yes, majestically. Their presence caught us up in the real reason behind the celebrations we have been having all year: our affirmation of the persons we work with and for, especially the young. They are the reason we want to continue being communities of love and service."

Mary Mc Cormick, SC (NY)                                                                                  Photos by Elena Miranda