Join Mount St. Joseph University on October 25, 2026, for a historic Homecoming Mass where Archbishop Robert G. Casey will bless a newly installed, 99-year-old pipe organ gifted by the Sisters of Notre Dame.
Join the Mount for a historic celebration as The Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, Archbishop of Cincinnati, presides at the Mount’s Homecoming Mass on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 at 10 a.m. in the historic Mater Dei Chapel.
During the Homecoming Mass, Archbishop Casey will bless the Mount’s newly installed pipe organ, a remarkable piece of history. This incredible 99-year-old, 450-pipe instrument comes to the Mount as a generous gift from the Sisters of Notre Dame of Covington, Kentucky, carrying a legacy of care spanning nearly a century.
Built and maintained in 1930 by the local division of the Kilgen Organ Company from St. Louis, the manager of the local office continued to keep it in operation after the larger company went out of business. Schaedle Pipe Organ Service bought the business in the 1980s and electronically updated in 2010. This meticulous lineage of care ensures the organ will operate faithfully for decades, setting the stage for a deeply meaningful blessing by Archbishop Casey this fall.
"We are filled with a deep sense of reverence and anticipation as we prepare for Archbishop Casey to bless this wonderful instrument," says Chief Mission Officer, Joe Shadle M.Div., M.A. "Having the Archbishop preside over this blessing during our Homecoming Mass beautifully connects the 99-year legacy of care from the Sisters of Notre Dame with its future here in the Mater Dei Chapel, marking a profound milestone that our community will cherish for generations. We look forward to celebrating its history and sharing this momentous blessing with our entire Mount Community this Fall."
The organ will be integrated directly into the architecture of Mater Dei Chapel, installed in the choir loft between the pillars at the base of the bell tower. In its new home, it will enrich musical accompaniment for Masses, weddings, and special university services. Additionally, the instrument provides students a long-awaited opportunity to learn organ performance right on campus.
The relocation and installation is expected to be completed in Summer 2026. You can support this project at our Restore Mater Dei Chapel page here.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: Mater Dei Chapel
Brunch Details
Immediately following Mass, please join us for brunch in the Fifth Third Dining Hall. More details and a formal invitation to follow.