St Charles Borromeo Documentary - Mother Overbrook

Overview

Deo Gratias Films, in association with the International Institute for Culture, is producing a feature-length documentary preserving the legacy and introducing the future of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, known by many as Mother Overbrook.

The film, titled Mother Overbrook, will not only preserve the seminary’s history, but it will tell the story of priestly and lay formation that has inspired Catholics in the diocese of Philadelphia and around the world.

Our Goal

Like any documentary, the purpose of this documentary is to tell the story of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and preserve her legacy. Once produced, we hope the film will be used to inspire future vocations.

Synopsis

Holding over 600 works of art, 7 chapels, 20 altars, 77 stained glass windows, and having been visited by 5 Popes and 3 Canonized Saints; the property of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary is a beacon of hope.

St. Charles Borromeo Seminary has formed Priests, Deacons, men and women to hand on the faith to countless individuals for nearly 200 years. This institution’s impact on leading souls to God is immeasurable.

Now that the tradition of Saint Charles is moving from its home for more than 150 years it causes us to ask the question: What is the legacy of Saint Charles? How has the property of "our beloved Mother of Overbrook" impacted those who have lived within its walls? What is the spiritual ripple effect it has had on people in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and around the world?

In this feature-length documentary, we will answer these questions while exploring this monument built by the people of God and the innumerable amount of treasures within its walls

Treatment

Beloved Mother Overbrook will be a feature-length documentary focusing on the central St. Charles Borromeo Seminary has had on the formation of priests and its impact on faithful Catholics here in Philadelphia and throughout the world.

This documentary will trace the history of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and reveal its importance through the use of new and archival video footage, on-camera interviews and still photography.

The film will tell the story of how faithful Catholics dedicated their time, talent and treasure to the seminary, contributing to the formation of thousands of priests. In turn, these priests lead countless souls to God through their work in parishes, schools, social work, health care and so much more.

We will hear from the men who were formed in their vocation to the priesthood. We will explore the unparalleled beauty of the buildings and the stunning artwork contained within its halls. We will gain a new appreciation for the treasured patrimony given to the church by faithful Catholics.