University Co-Sponsors Dorothy Day Conference

Noteworthy New Jersey scholars represented the University at an edifying conference on "New York's saint," sharing good news about Seton Hall's Catholic Social Thought (CST) in Action Academy. Seton Hall served as a co-sponsor of Revolution of the Heart: The Spirituality of Dorothy Day on April 13, at the Center at Mariandale in Ossining, New York, and the University's panel enjoyed strong attendance and engendered impassioned discussion.

Seton Hall presenters shared their experiences of "Finding God in the Poor," describing how the desire to put CST into action animates the groundbreaking collaboration between the Catholic Studies Program and the Social Work Program. While the Academy and its innovative double-major program have been heralded internationally for their pedagogical innovations, the collaboration ultimately derives its inspiration from a fundamental Christian calling: to be Christ for our neighbors who are suffering.

"Seton Hall is a mission-in-action university, following in the footsteps of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton," said Ines A. Murzaku, Ph.D., professor, Department of Religion, director, Catholic Studies Program, and founding chair, Department of Catholic Studies. "We recognize the influences not only of our namesake but also of other modern saints and holy people on our programs. We take inspiration from Dorothy Day, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and others, as we develop and implement service and academic programs that promote human dignity."

Murzaku and Nimmy Roy, '27, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Catholic Studies double major, were on-site to lead the panel discussion. They were joined remotely by Anthony Nicotera, J.D., D.S.W., assistant professor, Department of Social Work, who, together with Murzaku and Dawn Apgar, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Social Work, co-founded the CST in Action Academy.

Murzaku shared, "We were especially honored to have in the audience of our panel Martha Hennessy, Dorothy Day's granddaughter." Hennessy, a member of the Catholic Worker Movement, served as a guest speaker of the conference, along with Robert Ellsberg. These two special conference speakers, who knew Day well, joined in conversations following the panel discussions, sharing their unique perspectives on how social justice initiatives today carry on the work in which Day, and other holy people before her, actively engaged.

"It's a blessing that Seton Hall became involved in this conference, thanks to Father Colin Kay, vice president for Mission and Ministry," Murzaku said. "Collaborating with other Catholic institutions of higher education in the metropolitan area-at this conference, Fordham University, Iona University, Manhattan College, Molloy University, Mount Saint Mary College, Sacred Heart University, St. John's University, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent-always leads to fruitful discussion and greater collaboration. 'Collaboration'-working together, for the good-is at the heart of the legacy of Dorothy Day, and it was our privilege to share what we are doing at Seton Hall to promote the dignity of the poor, who are specially loved by God."

Categories: Faith and Service