Author: Emily Handlin

How did Mother Seton become a Saint?

Come find out at the Walsh Gallery!

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, this special installation will introduce 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.

Special thanks 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 9am-5pm. Due to construction, please use the side door across from the Richie Reagan Athletic Center. Once inside, the gallery will be on your right. Questions? Please contact Gallery Director Emily Handlin at emily.handlin@shu.edu or +1 (973) 275-3795.

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

The Walsh Gallery is closed…but our collections are open!

Due to construction in the Walsh Library, the Gallery will be closed over the summer and during the fall 2025 semester.

But, while our doors may be closed, we’ll be working hard to make the Gallery’s collections more accessible than ever. Be on the lookout for new digital content, including on-line exhibitions through Google Arts and Culture and expanded public access to our permanent collection. Plus you’re always welcome to make a research appointment to see artworks and artifacts in person!

To schedule a class session to see artifacts in the reading room, please reach out to Emily Handlin at emily.handlin@shu.edu.

White porcelain prunus tree on black background
Porcelain prunus tree sculpture
Ch’ing Dynasty
Mid to late 18th century China
79.40.10
Wang Fang-yu Collection of Asian Art
Courtesy of the Walsh Gallery
Accessibility by WAH