NEWS PROVIDED BY
Catholic Healthcare International
April 1, 2025

HOWELL, Mich., April 1, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- In a groundbreaking move to transform healthcare through the healing power of faith, a new initiative has been announced to establish the nation’s most Catholic medical school and medical center, inspired by a miraculous call from St. Padre Pio. This visionary project will not only address the physical needs of patients but also the spiritual needs of all those in its care, with a special emphasis on the most vulnerable, including unborn children, the elderly, and those facing serious health challenges. 

The Saint Padre Pio Home for the Relief of Suffering Medical Center will include several pioneering services, including the Terri Schiavo Home for the Brain Injured, a faithful Catholic hospice, a fully faithful Catholic multi-specialty physician practice, a Center for Unborn Children to include Catholic NaPro Fertility Care (an alternative to IVF), and much more. This facility will stand as a beacon of Catholic healthcare, integrating medical expertise with deep spiritual care, following the example set by St. Padre Pio, who devoted his life to healing both the body and soul. 

The Saint Padre Pio Institute for the Relief of Suffering, School of Osteopathic Medicine, will offer a unique and fully Catholic education, ensuring that students graduate with an elite medical degree as well as a Master’s in Catholic Bioethics and Medical Theology. The school will uphold the highest standards of academic excellence while unwaveringly adhering to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Graduates will go on to change healthcare institutions nationwide, carrying the transformative impact of their St. Pio Degree wherever they practice. 

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Bill and Mary Lou Somerville, a matching gift of $1 million has been pledged to support this endeavor. The Somervilles will match every dollar contributed, up to $1 million, effectively doubling the impact of every donation made. This presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of Catholic healthcare and create a lasting legacy for future generations. 

Catholic Healthcare International will take possession of the 160,000-square-foot facility in Howell, Michigan in June 2026, with plans to hire a dean for the medical school this year. We invite all to join us in making this vision a reality. Your support is crucial in creating a place where both faith and medicine work hand in hand to serve those most in need. 

We ask that you consider contributing generously to this transformative initiative and encouraging others to join in this effort. Together, we can bring this mission to life and change the face of Catholic healthcare and medical education in the U.S.

Please contact Ann O’Reilly at aoreilly@chi-usa.com for legacy giving, naming, or investment opportunities You can also visit the website at CHI-USA.com. To make a donation, please visit CHI-USA.com/donate.

SOURCE Catholic Healthcare International

CONTACT: Ann O’Reilly, aoreilly@chi-usa.com