Daughters of Charity: “O, it was beyond description”

History: The Daughters of Charity, a Roman Catholic community founded by Elizabeth Ann Seton, played a prominent role during the Civil War as nurses and human service workers. They continued Mother Seton's ministry of charity, bringing solace and compassion to the wounded of both armies, sometimes at their own peril. Father James Francis Burlando, C.M., and a group of twelve Sisters were among the first from outside Gettysburg to provide help after the battle.

More to Explore: The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on these grounds honors America's first canonized saint. This was home to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton from 1809 until her death in 1821. See the beautiful Basilica and visit the shrine's museum to learn about the amazing woman who founded the nation's first Catholic school here in Emmitsburg and started the first American congregation of Religious Sisters, the Daughters of Charity. Visit the historic buildings, including the Stone House (1750), White House (1810), and Mortuary Chapel (1846).

Photo Credits:

1. "Father Francis Burlando, the Priest who accompanied the Daughters of Charity from St. Joseph's in Emmitsburg to Gettysburg to nurse in hospital after the battle."
2. "Sr. Camilla O'Keefe, one of the Daughters of Charity who went from St. Joseph's in Emmitsburg to Gettysburg to nurse in the hospitals after the battle."
3. "Mother Ann Simeon Norris, head of the Daughters of Charity at the time of the Union encampment."
4. "St. Joseph's Academy omnibus, in which Fr. Francis Burlando brought some of the Daughters of Charity from Emmitsburg to nurse in the hospitals in Gettysburg." Photos courtesy of Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louis Archives, Emmitsburg, Maryland.