For the first time in its 65-year history, the Diocese of Allentown sent nearly 500 teachers, principals, and staff members on a pilgrimage of their own.
Educators from schools across the Diocese – lay people, priests, and religious sisters – traveled to Emmitsburg, Md., on Aug. 24 to visit the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Mount St. Mary’s University, kicking off the new school year with a day of prayer, reflection, and community before students returned to the classroom.
The pilgrimage was organized by the Diocesan Pilgrimage Committee, led by Father Allen Hoffa, Director of Diocesan Pilgrimages and Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading. Father Hoffa said the idea grew out of the Diocese’s 65th Anniversary celebration and his own background in Catholic education, along with the Diocese’s proximity to major shrines.
Emmitsburg, home to the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – regarded as the founder of the American Catholic school system — was a natural fit. A standing invitation from Dr. Gerard Joyce, President of Mount St. Mary’s University and a native of the Diocese, helped bring the plan together with Mount St. Mary’s as a partner site.
Planning began early this year, and Dr. Michael St. Pierre, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Allentown, said turnout exceeded expectations, with more than 80 % of the Diocese’s full-time teachers making the trip.
Some schools sent their entire faculties and others sent smaller delegations, with 27 of the Diocese’s 32 schools represented.
The pilgrims formed what St. Pierre called “a beautiful cross-section of the Church in Allentown.”
“As Superintendent,” he said, “it was edifying for me to see teachers and principals I’ve worked with for years in a different setting. You realize you’re there to bring the petitions of your school community to the Lord.”
Roughly 10 to 12 buses carried most of the pilgrims, while others traveled by van or car, and some educators turned the trip into an overnight stay.
The day began with arrival at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, where pilgrims split into two groups and took turns visiting the Shrine’s museum, Basilica, exhibits, and gift shop, and hearing a keynote address from Joyce.
His talk traced Seton’s life and the qualities that shaped her, drawing connections between her perseverance — she rebuilt her life after being widowed – and the calling of Catholic educators today.
Bishop Alfred Schlert then celebrated Mass with the pilgrims at the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, joined by numerous concelebrating priests, including some diocesan high school chaplains.
“What better place to be than really where Catholic schools began, right here in Emmitsburg with Mother Seton?” said Bishop Schlert during his homily
He also reflected on the generations of religious women who helped build Catholic education in the United States and the Diocese of Allentown. Today’s lay educators, he said, have “picked up that baton” to continue their work.
“By your Baptism, you are participating in this important work of the Church, and you are following in Mother Seton’s example,” he said.
From there, the group traveled to Mount St. Mary’s University for lunch at no cost to the Diocese.
The day closed with a visit to the university’s grotto where the group prayed a Rosary led by Father Hoffa.
Fr. Hoffa said the pilgrimage was an opportunity for educators “to do what Our Lord did in His own life — take time to pray.”
For Katya Fitzpatrick, an eighth-grade teacher at St. Jerome Regional School, Tamaqua, praying the Rosary alongside hundreds of colleagues at the grotto was unexpectedly moving, and she especially appreciated it given her family’s own devotion to the practice.
She said the pilgrimage was “a beautiful experience, spending the day in reflection and community.”
Allison Civitella, secretary and safe environment coordinator at St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Easton, has made her own annual pilgrimages to Emmitsburg for years. She said this trip stood out because she was able to worship alongside teachers from across the Diocese and hear both the Bishop and Joyce speak directly to the importance of Catholic teachers’ vocations.
Both St. Pierre and Father Hoffa said they hope the experience renews teachers’ sense of purpose heading into the school year, and that some schools might consider organizing their own student pilgrimages to Emmitsburg.
While organizers don’t expect the pilgrimage to become an annual tradition, Father Hoffa said the Pilgrimage Committee is already looking at future offerings.
“There is something powerful about encountering Mother Seton’s story in the place where she lived, prayed, and carried out her mission,” said Rob Judge, Executive Director of the Shrine. “Our hope is that educators leave not only knowing more about her life, but seeing something of their own vocation in her example and return to their schools renewed in the work they’ve been called to do.”
For a Diocese marking 65 years, the day offered a rare chance for teachers to stand together as one — a reminder of the shared mission underlying Catholic education across the Diocese.
“Having a common purpose for the day was really special,” said St. Pierre. “Our schools have never been more focused on providing a truly Catholic education for young boys and girls. We’re excited for the year ahead.”
Representatives of the Shrine contributed to this article. Photos by the diocesan Office of Education.
