On Wednesdays, I volunteer as a docent at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Those few hours highlight my week; the beauty and tranquility of the place inspire me. In fact, the stained glass windows in the Chapel of the Holy Agony stirred the idea of the sacramentals that Eleanor uses in Offerings and Oblations. Unlike, the croqueted charms on the apple trees, the real green scapulars are legitimate, venerable sacramentals.
Father Jo explains the Green Scapular to Rachel. “… those scapulars are Marian devotions. They have an interesting history. A Daughter of Charity named Sister Justine Bisqueburu claimed that she was visited by the Virgin Mary and given the design for the scapular. It dates back to 1840. On one side is the image of a heart pierced by a sword and dripping blood. The legend reads, “Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us now and at the hour of our death.” The other side shows the figure of Mary. Supposedly, it has the power to convert non- believers. Devout grandmothers like to tuck them under their grandkids’ mattresses.”
Four stained-glass windows illuminate the stunning Chapel of the Holy Agony: the Green Scapular windows to the left and the Red Scapular windows to the right. In the center, stands a ghostly marble statue of a Jesus and angel in the Garden of Gethsemane. An intricate mosaic depicting the skyline of Jerusalem and the sleeping apostles decorates the circular wall. Overall, the chapel exudes exquisite holiness.
Offerings and Oblations