Employee Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton

On Monday, June 2, 2025, three dozen employees from across the University embarked on an inspiring pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The trip offered an opportunity to learn more about and honor the legacy of the first American-born saint and the University’s patroness, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. The day’s activities illuminated her profound contributions to the Catholic Church, Catholic education in the United States and her lasting influence on generations of believers.

Directed by Father Nicholas Sertich, director of Campus Ministry, and Nicole Giglia, Ph.D., associate dean of students, the trip was inspired by their work together on Caritas, a new professional development initiative on the University’s Catholic identity and mission for Student Services.

“In reading more about Mother Seton and seeing how close the Shrine was, I thought, we have to go!” shared Giglia. “It’s such a unique blessing that we can walk in Mother Seton’s footsteps only by taking a bus ride. It allowed for such an incredible way to feel connected to Mother Seton and even more so to the work we do in her name.”

At the heart of the experience was a special Mass in honor of Mother Seton at her tomb. The Mass, offered on behalf of the students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and benefactors, was an expression of gratitude for the life and contributions of Elizabeth Ann Seton that ultimately paved the way for participants to come together in the service of students at Seton Hall University. The homily, by Father Nick, set the tone for a meaningful day of connection, reflection and learning.

“Mother Seton spent her short but inspirational life doing many courageous and selfless acts of love for people in need, and at the heart of everything she did was her Catholic faith and her undying belief that God’s will was guiding her every action. For those of us in the ‘business’ of shaping students’ minds, hearts and spirits, Mother Seton is the perfect role model for our ministry at Seton Hall,” said Sertich in his homily.

Following Mass, participants were immersed in Mother Seton’s journey, from seeker, to servant, to saint through a tour of the Shrine’s museum. The exhibit included various artifacts from Mother Seton’s life, including her many personal journal entries and letters.

A photograph from the University’s archives of Elizabeth’s eldest son, William Seton, and his family were also on display. “It was incredibly cool to see the item from Seton Hall's archives that's included in their exhibit, too!” shared Sarah Ponichtera, assistant dean for Special Collections and the Gallery.

Next, an enriching tour of the grounds where Mother Seton lived and worked. The tour provided a glimpse into the daily life and enduring legacy of a woman who was not only a pioneer in American Catholicism but an unwavering servant of faith and community. The serene surroundings served as a poignant reminder of her dedication to education, charity and her story of perseverance.

Participants described the pilgrimage as an opportunity to build fellowship with colleagues and better appreciate the remarkable life of Mother Seton. “It was truly unforgettable and I loved sharing it with the wonderful group of faculty and administrators who were such an important part of the day,” said Nancy Enright, director of the University Core.

Maureen Byrnes, DNP, College of Nursing, shared “[the] day will continue to inform my moving forward in her ‘calling’ and her ‘mission’ here at her namesake university.”

As the University continues to celebrate the 250th Birthday of Mother Seton and the 50th Anniversary of her canonization, this pilgrimage served as a powerful reminder of the very inspiration behind Bishop Bayley’s vision for Seton Hall – an ordinary woman whose extraordinary faith kept her hazard zet forward-ing in service to those most in need.

Learn more about Mother Seton and her legacy here.

Categories: Faith and Service