An overwhelming outpouring of community support for the St. Louis Center was evident on Sunday afternoon as people filled the grounds of the Sylvan Township facility for the dedication ceremony of the renovated Fr. Guanella Hall for Assisted Living.
Following Mass, Bishop Earl Boyea, of the Diocese of Lansing, welcomed the large crowd with a blessing of the about $2 million project, which was funded through private donations.
Administrator Fr. Enzo Addari, SdC., said previously, “Our vision is to provide a continuum of care for persons with I/DD that goes beyond caring only for youth. We need to help them transition to adulthood, and then as they age, transition into their senior years. As a faith-based community, we provide our residents with care and compassion for both their physical and spiritual well-being.”
He said St. Louis Center was setting new standards with the renovation for older residents and heading down roads less traveled for those with disabilities so that they both feel at home and can be with family.
“May God bless you and pray that our mission continues to shine,” he said.
St. Louis Center is a caring residential facility for boys, adult men and women, and now seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving people with special needs and their families in Michigan for 54 years, said Joe Yekulis, public relations director.
He called Sunday a special day for aging residents of the St. Louis Center.
Speakers called the dedication of the renovated building a historic event for the center.
The Legacy Committee led the efforts with the Servants of Charity, and took a dream and made it a reality with the extensive renovation.
“Today, as special as it is … is only the beginning,” said Don Walker, a representative from the Legacy Campaign Committee.
The project was completed by 21 companies and 200 tradesman, who began each construction meeting with a prayer said Andrew Shmina, president of A.Z. Shmina, Inc. the contractor for the project.
Included in the list of about 15 speakers was one from Rome, Italy — Fr. Gustavo DeBonis, SdC., General Council, who brought with him a special blessing from the pope for Fr. Joseph Rinaldo.
They speakers represented both the religious and political communities, including state senators Rebekah Warren and Glenn Anderson as well as State Rep.Gretchen Driskell, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, County Commissioner Kent Martinez-Kratz and Chelsea Mayor Jason Lindauer.
“It is my distinct privilege and pleasure to extend to you the love, prayers and admiration of 5,000 grateful citizens on the accomplishment of this latest milestone in your ministry.” said Lindauer, who added, “For 54 years, St. Louis Center has been a treasured part of out town’s identity, and a true example of Christian love and human decency for us all to witness.”
In honoring St Louis Center with a proclamation, Lindauer said, “We are deeply inspired by your compassionate example and look forward to the years ahead as the ministry grows.”
St. Louis Guanella was the founder of the Servants of Charity, and was canonized by Pope Benedict on October 23, 2011.
For more information about St. Louis Center please visit the website at www.stlouiscenter.org.
