EMMITSBURG, Md. (OSV News) – Auxiliary Bishop Gregg M. Caggianelli of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services in an Oct. 5 homily recalled a recent conversation with a Naval officer who came across a painting depicting Jesus protecting a sailor at the helm of a ship in the midst of a great storm.
"This image seems to capture the world we live in," Bishop Caggianelli preached to the congregation gathered at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg for its annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services.
"This week two hurricanes passed by in the Atlantic, the government is shut down, wars plague our world, political divisions seem insurmountable, and storm winds seem to be blowing all around," he said. "We can be tempted to give into despair and fear amid the waves, but we gather to remember that we are not alone.
"We gather as those in the boat with Our Lord, as people of faith, assured of the closeness of God and the embrace of Jesus as his hands wrap around ours at the helm of our lives."
Bishop Caggianelli was the principal celebrant and homilist of an afternoon Mass for the pilgrimage celebrated each year on the first Sunday in October to seek Mother Seton's intercession for the safety of those serving at sea, including the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Public Health Service.
Before his appointment as an auxiliary for the military archdiocese and his episcopal ordination in May, then-Father Caggianelli had served in the military as a chaplain and active reservist, earning the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's canonization by St. Paul VI on Sept. 14, 1975. Born in New York City to a prominent Episcopalian family, Mother Seton became Catholic after her husband, a wealthy businessman, fell terminally ill. He died in 1803 leaving his wife and their five children. Elizabeth became a Catholic in 1805 and went on to found the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph in 1809 in Emmitsburg and established the first free Catholic girls' school in the United States.
Mother Seton also had "a deep connection with those who spend their lives at sea and those devoted to public health," the shrine said. Her son, William, served in the Navy on the USS Macedonian, while another son, Richard, was a civilian who served on the USS Cyane. Her father, Richard Bayley, was a prominent New York City physician in the 18th century and the city's first chief health officer.
Bishop Caggianelli noted how Mother Seton experienced her own storms in life:
"She knew challenge, setbacks, human loss and tragedy and human limitations. She wasn't superhuman in her own right, but she was an amazing woman of faith," he said. "She allowed God to take the helm," Bishop Caggianelli said. "She responded to God and entrusted the projects he inspired, and with faith and God's grace, she accomplished things beyond human imagining.
"Brothers and sisters, we received God's amazing gift of faith at baptism," he continued. "This gift was planted in us like a mustard seed. Are we willing to cooperate and give God permission to take the helm of our lives to lead and guide us? Give God permission."
The Sisters of Charity and Daughters of Charity welcomed more than 400 visitors to the shrine for the pilgrimage, which is co-sponsored by a committee of retired Naval and Marine Corps officers in partnership with the Archdiocese for the Military Services.
Midshipmen from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and several university Navy ROTC units also participated. Knights of Columbus presented the national colors and also served as
ushers. The U.S. government shutdown prevented the U.S. Navy's ceremonial honor guard and the U.S. Naval Academy Catholic Choir from participating this year.
Following his homily, Bishop Caggianelli blessed a tray full of Mother Seton medals, each of which displays an image of Mother Seton on the obverse and an anchor on the reverse.
Before the final blessing, the congregation sang the Navy hymn, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," with an additional verse:
"Midshipmen of our own Navy / Saint Elizabeth Ann's sons served at sea;
She prayed for them both day and night / That God would guide them with His light; Oh, Mother Seton, hear my plea, / As you did for them, now pray for me. Amen."
