The structure of the façade pays tribute to the 13th century protogothic Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna, Italy, yet nonetheless distinctive to Mary, Queen of Preachers. A triumphant arch frames the entrance with a set of solid mahogany paneled double doors, a replica of the side entrance doors of the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The double doors symbolicize the doors of faith, porta fidei. Above these doors is a composite stone tympanum depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary shielding her beloved Dominicans under her mantle of maternal protection and tenderness. Near the right corner of the chapel is the cornerstone with the inscriptions marking its dedication:
DEO OPTIMO MAXIMO
AD HONOREM BEATAE MARIAE VIRGINIS
PRAEDICATORUM REGINAE HAEC AEDES DICATA EST
a.d. IX Kal. Iun. Anno MMXIV salutis
translated, To God, perfect and greatest, in honor of Mary, Queen of Preachers on the 9th day before June (24th of May) in the Year of 2014.