A new documentary on the Mount's historic Mater Dei Chapel was released March 19, 2025.
In celebration of Mater Dei Chapel’s National Historic Register status, Mount St. Joseph University, in partnership with Picturemusic produced a documentary titled Mater Dei Chapel: A Story of Sacred Art & Inspirational Women, and a short, titled Mater Dei Chapel: The Journey to the National Register.
The documentary features an interview with Judith (Judy) Dettenwanger Ebbeler ’61 and Margaret (Peg) Rolfes Brungs ’60—two alumna who helped create the Chapel’s Sacred Art—where they recount stories of the design and creation of the Chapel’s the stained-glass windows, mosaic Stations of the Cross and Reredos, Crucifix, statues, woodwork, and fixtures, and of Marlene Hoffman '61, Sister Augusta Zimmer, SC, and Sister Maria Corona Molloy. The introduction was provided by Sister Judith Metz, SC, and Maddie Williams, MSA Design. The film is approx. 23 minutes in length. You can experience the full documentary here.
The short, featuring Sister Judith Metz and Maddie Williams, provides an overview of the unique history and creation of Mater Dei Chapel and its journey to the National Register of Historic Places. You can view the short here.
The Mater Dei Chapel has inspired generations, and on March 4, 2024, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. National Parks Service & Department of the Interior. It is the only chapel in the United States—possibly the world—that was designed and created by female faculty and students.
To help preserve this national treasure for future generations, please consider giving on our Renew Mater Dei Chapel page here. No gift is too small.