A Leap of Faith, A Life of Purpose

Sometimes the most important journeys begin without a clear destination. For Dianne Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., following God's call meant embracing uncertainty, trusting wise counsel and taking a leap of faith that ultimately shaped both her vocation and the lives of countless others.

Traflet, a faculty member and assistant dean of graduate studies at Seton Hall University's Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, shares her personal story in the latest installment of the University's Guiding Values video series. Inspired by the life and legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the six-part series highlights the values at the heart of the University's mission through the lived experiences of students, faculty, staff and alumni. Each story explores how faith, hope, love, compassion, courage and resilience continue to shape the Seton Hall community today.

The newest video focuses on Faith and Hope — guiding values that remind us to trust that God is at work even when the path ahead is uncertain.

For Traflet, that lesson began while she was a student at Seton Hall Law School. Drawn to the intersection of religion, ethics, constitutional law and the sanctity of life, she found herself questioning how those interests could become a meaningful vocation. During her second year, she sought the advice of a priest, hoping for clarity.

His response surprised her. "Go to Rome and study theology," he said.

"I said to the priest, 'Father, that is never going to happen,'" Traflet recalls with a smile in the video.

Yet, what once seemed impossible gradually became reality. Trusting both God's guidance and the encouragement of a trusted mentor, Traflet traveled to Rome, where she earned advanced degrees in Catholic theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).

Looking back, she now sees that decision as a defining moment. "From the very first moment I arrived in Rome, I felt so grateful to this priest for encouraging me because I felt the prodding of God that this was the right timing," she reflects.

That leap of faith eventually led Traflet back to Seton Hall, where for more than 26 years she has accompanied students and others on their own spiritual journeys through her work at the Seminary.

She describes her ministry as an opportunity to "pay it forward" by offering the same encouragement she once received. "I listen to people's stories. I encourage them," she says. "Oftentimes, I hear a familiar phrase: 'I have no idea why I'm here.'"

Over the years, she has walked alongside students facing profound personal challenges, including grief, loss and uncertainty. While faith cannot erase suffering, Traflet believes it offers something equally powerful. "They surrender their lives to God. They don't see the path ahead. And yet, they go forward in hope and trust.”

Her message echoes the example of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose unwavering trust in God sustained her through hardship and inspired a life of service. It is a reminder that faith is not about having every answer  but about taking the next step with confidence that we are never walking alone. As Traflet says in the video's closing moments, "You're not alone on your journey... because God's got your back."

Traflet is the author of Edith Stein: A Spiritual Portrait and serves on the Board of Governors of St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie, New York.

Watch the latest installment of the Guiding Values series to hear Traflet's inspiring story of faith, hope and trusting God's call.

Categories: Faith and Service