It was a very special Mass for parishioners at the Church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Shrub Oak on Saturday.

Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan joined the faithful to celebrate the 50th anniversary of sainthood for Seton, the first American to be canonized as a saint.

"There always seems to be so much tragedy and hatred. No wonder people are coming back to church. We need the security and hope that only God can give, we need the unity, we need the reminder," Dolan said.

Parishioners also prayed for continued hope and peace.

The church is the first and only parish named after St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and it serves more than 4,500 local households.

Gina Nethercott, of Cortlandt Manor, said she is strengthened each day by her faith. She was also uplifted by seeing his Eminence, Cardinal Dolan, in person.

"It's a very positive thing, super exciting. I'm actually a Catholic school teacher in the archdiocesefor 24 years. This is the first time I get to see him, so very, very exciting," she said.

The evening of worship also brought out others, who said special prayers for loved ones and for humanity in general.

"Today is obviously a special day for the church, but I'm also praying for my mother today, so it was actually a great mass for her as well. It came together as a coincidence, so its a beautiful thing," said Bart Sangiuolo, of Peekskill.