Stuart celebrates restoration of Mater Window during Homecoming Weekend

On Friday, September 22, following the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., J.C.D., D.D. led a blessing of our new Mater window, which was restored to her original glory this summer in part to a gift from Joane deTuro Patrick ’85 which inspired additional support from the Stuart alumnae community. Accompanied by her parents, Sam and Judi deTuro, Joane addressed a crowd of students and special guests, inviting them to enjoy Mater in the same way that brought peace and joy to her years at Stuart. 

An image of Mater Admirabilis, or “Mother Most Admirable,” exists in every Sacred Heart school in the world; Stuart’s Mater window is the only image of Mary on glass, intentionally designed by architect Jean Labatut to connect visitors to her beauty through the changing seasons. Mater has meant something unique to every person who spends time in her presence: she was a protective “mother,” a space for quiet contemplation, a sacred space for prayer, a witness to pivotal milestones in a young person’s life, and a gathering place for families and friends. It is not uncommon to find a class of young children sitting at Mater’s base learning of her history and meaning to our community. 

A number of Stuart alumnae, many of whom are parents and faculty members, joined Joane and her parents for a photo at Mater. Pictured are: Anne Pierpont '67 (honorary) P'04, Karin McLaughlin '89 P'17, '20, '27, Veronia Maxwell Robinson '94 P'25, Roshni Patel '18, Jessica Kosek '15, Patty Schorr, Amelia Sked '05 P'35, Kate Simko Crandall '02, Joane DeTuro Patrick '85, Beth Marks '84 P'21, Debbie Gwazda '67, Annie Sauthoff Soler '02, Miss Snow '97 P'27, '33, Alicia Fruscione '98, P'29, '32, Alma Moxon Eisenacher '94, Kate Baus Bogumil '96 P'28, Molly Hillenbrand '96 P'24