How Did Mother Seton Become a Saint?

Mary Hayrich, Portrait of Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1960. Oil on canvas. Seton Hall University permanent collection.

Portrait of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1960 — Mary Hayrich, Portrait of Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1960. Oil on canvas. Seton Hall University permanent collection

In 1975, America was reeling from soaring inflation, two assassination attempts on the president and the fall of Saigon — the bitter conclusion of the war in Vietnam. Amidst this cultural and political unrest, over 100,000 people gathered in Rome to celebrate the canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton: The first American Saint and Seton Hall's namesake.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the canonization, the Walsh Gallery presents a special installation that introduces the individuals involved in Mother Seton’s path to sainthood and the story of the official canonization effort. In addition, discover how Seton Hall students have reinforced their faith by traveling to Livorno, the city where Mother Seton first began exploring Catholicism.

A special thank you to The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton for their generous loan of the installation. Thank you as well to Father Gerald J. Buonopane, Ines Murzaku and the Catholic Studies Department and to Angelina Gonzalo for allowing us to display her photographs.

The gallery is located on the first floor of the Walsh Library and is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Due to construction, please use the side door across from the Richie Reagan Athletic Center. Once inside, the gallery will be on your right.