Women in Glass: The Saints of Rosemont Chapel will be the focus of a special program presented by the Cultural Heritage Gallery. Assistant Professor Joanne Campbell will lead the program. The event will begin in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on January 28, 2026 at 4:30pm. Following the opening, guests will move to the Main Building for continued discussion and reflection.Can’t make it in person? Join the live stream!
Honoring Art, Faith & Light
The program invites attendees into a thoughtful conversation about art, history, and architecture. It explores the women in glass who shape the spiritual identity of the chapel. A special focus will highlight St. Brigid and her lasting influence. Guests will also gather for a candlelight vigil honoring St. Brigid as part of a Return of the Light celebration.
Open Call for Artwork Depicting St. Brigid
The Cultural Heritage Gallery invites students, faculty, and staff to submit artwork depicting St. Brigid. Furthermore, this open call supports discussion, creativity, and community connection. Submitted works will be displayed and included in the program.
The gallery will accept submissions through January 26, 2026. Artists should complete the submission form and deliver artwork to the Lawrence Hall Art History Room by that date. Moreover, this opportunity allows creators to contribute to a meaningful campus celebration.
Voices & Perspectives in the Chapel
The program will open with Professor Carla Spataro, who will share her gift of voice in tribute to the sainted women in glass. Afterward, several respected speakers will offer insight into the Chapel of Immaculate Conception windows and their creation.
In addition, Sr. Margaret Doyle SHCJ, Vice President and leader of Campus Ministry and Mission, will discuss the chapel significance. Her remarks will connect the windows to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Cornelia Connelly, and the Rosemont mission.
Other keynote speakers will include Villanova University Adjunct Studio Art Professor Maggie Hobson Baker; celebrated Rosemont Professor Emerita and Villanova Adjunct Professor Tina Waldeier Bizzarro; Rosemont Professor Joanne Campbell; Rosemont’s historian and Professor Michelle Moravec; and Rosemont art program alumnus Alison Willse. Together, all will participate in sharing who made the windows, how they were produced, the meaning of the images and the spiritual significance.
An Enriching Experience
The Cultural Heritage Gallery looks forward to welcoming all who wish to take part in this extraordinary gathering. Lastly, it will be a moment to appreciate art, history, architecture, community, and the enduring stories behind what it took to create the sainted women in glass.
-
- January 28th, 4:30pm
- Rosemont Chapel and Main Building
- This program focuses on St. Brigid of Kildare and the stained glass windows of the chapel
- The event includes a call for St. Brigid themed artwork
- Musical performances by Professor Carla Spataro & Dr. Francis Klose III
- Collaborators and presenters include Professor Joanne Campbell, Dr. Christine Hagedorn, Sr. Peg Doyle, Michelle Moravec, PhD, Maggie Hobson Baker, Alison Willse, and Tina Waldeier Bizzarro
- The evening also celebrates the birthday of Dr. Tina Waldeier Bizzarro
Full Event Schedule
15✨ Women in Glass: The Saints of Rosemont’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception✨
Part I: Return of the Light & The Feast of St. Brigid
Run of Show — 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
4:30–4:45 PM — Opening Reflection – Sr. Margaret Doyle, SHCJ & Professor Michelle Moravec
• Welcome & brief history of the Chapel
• Introduction to the evening’s theme: Saint Brigid
4:45–5:00 PM — Introductions & Acknowledgments – Rennie Andrews
• Welcome to guests and community members
• Recognition of donors and supporters
Musical Program
5:00–5:15 PM — “An Old Irish Blessing”,
Professor Carla Spataro (Soloist) with Professor Frank Klose, piano
Procession
5:15 PM — Procession to Main Building
– Luminaria – lit walkway, community procession
Main Building: Exhibits & Lectures
5:30–6:00 PM — Art Viewing: Saint Brigid Displays – Professors Alison Willse, Maggie Hobson-Baker & Autumn Cornell, Curated student and faculty exhibits throughout the Main Building. ✨Food and refreshments will be served.✨
6:00–6:15 PM — Lecture Series, Part I Saint Brigid in Ireland — Dr. Tina Waldeier Bizzarro
6:15–6:30 PM — Lecture Series, Part II Brigid the Goddess & The Cailleach — Pearl Smith
Medievalism & Popular Culture in Ireland — Student Presentations
