On the Wings of Faith and Reason
Explore the Catholic intellectual tradition through art and culture
ReadStained Glass Panel (1863) by Franz Mayer of MunichThe Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University
Introduction
Seton Hall University is a member of the International Federation of Catholic Universities which supports the social responsibility of Catholic universities in a mutually supportive environment of global collaboration.
The exhibition’s title is from Pope John Paul II’s Encyclical Letter Fides et Ratio on the relationship between faith and reason—also central to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition—a rich conversation on human culture, thought, practice and the incarnation of God.
Mother Seton Chapel Stained Glass Panel
Made by Franz Mayer of Munich for the Immaculate Conception Chapel dedicated to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Mother Seton was the founder of the parochial school system in the United States, and the Sisters of Charity order of nuns. She is also the first American-born saint.
Tremissis of Justinian
Emperor Justinian (b. 482) had a keen interest in theological matters and actively debated on matters of Christian doctrine. His legislation known as the Corpus juris civilis includes the basis for ecclesiastical Canon Law.
Saint Martin DePorres Canonization Medal
Saint Martin DePorres (b. 1579) is the patron saint of education, public health, racial harmony, and social justice. Born in Peru to parents of Spanish, African and Native descent—his name endures across the United States in the many high schools named for this beloved saint.
Pope Paul V Papal Bull
This papal bull from the 17th century concerns a real estate transaction—a small matter of selling a field belonging to a minor monastery—but note that the pope's permission is still required.
Madonna and Child Wooden Statue
This 17th century carved statue is from the Saint Godelieve Monastery in Bruges, Belgium. Saint Godelieve was known for her kind acts of charity to the poor.
Saint Junipero Serra Vestment
Saint Junipero Serra (b. 1713) arrived in Mexico from his native Spain, founding numerous missions from Mexico to California. He is the patron saint of vocations and Hispanic-Americans. He was also a teacher of philosophy.
Archbishop Thomas Boland Chasuble
From 1926 to 1938, Boland served as a professor of moral theology and canon law at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, NJ, where he also lectured on archdiocesan statutes. He founded numerous Catholic high schools and chaired the Bishop's Study Commission.
Vatican II Closing Medal
Considered by Pope Francis to be the living expression of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, Vatican II addresses the intersection of faith and reason. Pope St. John XXIII is patron saint of Papal delegates and Pope St. Paul VI is the patron saint of the Pontifical Institute.
Commemorative Pen
This pen was used by Governor Brendan Byrne to sign the declaration honoring Mother Seton on the occasion of her canonization in 1975. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is the patron saint of Catholic Schools, seafarers and widows.
Relic of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Monsignor William Noé Field was curator of archives, rare books and manuscripts at Seton Hall University's Archives and Special Collections. He fashioned this reliquary which contains a lock of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's hair after locating it among the Seton family papers.
The Walsh Gallery cares for, interprets and displays Seton Hall’s art and artifact collections which represent the richness and diversity of cultures, people and periods worldwide in support of the university’s Catholic mission. The gallery supports the research of students, faculty, and scholars via the use of our primary source materials for scholarship and research. You can view a small portion of our collections on Google Arts and Culture or contact us to make a research appointment.
Intl Federation of Catholic Universities
Vatican website
Wikipedia - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Wikipedia - Justinian I
New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia
Wikipedia - Martin de Porres
Google Arts and Culture - Papal Bull
Wikipedia - Saint Godelieve
Wikipedia - Saint Junipero Serra
Wikipedia - Thomas Aloysius Boland
Google Arts and Culture - Chinese Chasuble
Loyola University Conference - Pope Francis, Vatican II, and the Way Forward
Wikipedia - Pope John XXIII Wikipedia - Pope Paul VI
Google Arts and Culture - Commemorative Pen
Wikipedia - Brendan_Byrne
Seton Hall University - Catholic Intellectual Tradition
all accessed 11/06/2023
