SLI President: October’s Themes, Pope’s Prayer Intention, Dovetail with SLI Events and Care of the Whole Person

by Rev. Patrick J. McDevitt, CM, PhD
President & CEO, Saint Luke Institute

October is a particularly meaningful month for Saint Luke Institute (SLI) —a time to renew our commitment to Christ’s healing ministry and to those who seek renewal of spirit, hope, and wholeness.

The many healing themes of October connect naturally with our forthcoming strategic plan, Healing Hearts, Renewing Hope: 2030 and with several significant moments in the life of SLI and of our mission of care for the mental and spiritual wellbeing of clergy, religious and all who serve the life of the Church:

• the October 10 Global Institute for Mental Health virtual international event, highlighting women religious as sources of wisdom for all of us in ‘aging gratefully’
• our October 15 President’s Reception and commissioning of our first-ever SLI Healing Hearts Ambassadors
• the October 16th Annual Benefit, celebrating the unveiling of our Healing Hearts, Renewing Hope: 2030 plan, the inauguration of our 50th anniversary year, and honoring the dedicated ministry of Sr. Mary Bader, DC with the Saint Luke Award
• the October 18 Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, our patron

Throughout October, we are especially mindful of people throughout the world who suffer because their life is threatened or because they lack access to adequate healthcare and mental health services. Their needs call us beyond awareness to mission, commitment, and action—to healing hearts and renewing hope.

Especially meaningful this October is Pope Leo’s monthly Worldwide Prayer Network intention for mental health ministry: “Let us pray that mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illness.”

This month reminds us that healing embraces the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and relationships:

• Respect Life Month: Promoting the inherent dignity of the human person in all stages of life and calling on all to uphold that dignity in interpersonal relationships, conflicts, and polices
• ADHD Awareness Month: Promoting accurate information, reducing stigma, fostering connection, and improving access to support
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Standing in solidarity with those facing illness, honoring caregivers and survivors, remembering those we have lost, and remaining grounded in hope.
• October 5–11 marks Mental Health Awareness Week: Emphasizing the importance of community, connection, and our shared responsibility for mental well- being, and not ostracizing anyone because of illness
• October 10 — World Mental Health Day: Elevating lived experience and ensuring that the voices of those we serve help shape systems and communities of care.
• October 10-18 is the USCCB Nationwide Novena for Mental Health
• October 18 — Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist: Our patron, traditionally remembered as physician and evangelist, points us toward the healing, mercy, compassion, and restorative ministry of Jesus.

All of these aligning commemorations remind us that SLI’s vital ministry cannot be accomplished alone. Healing requires a compassionate community of people offering many different gifts. In a spirit of shared mission and care, I warmly invite you to help others discover the mission of Saint Luke Institute and to consider purchasing a ticket or sponsoring at a higher-dollar level our Annual Benefit. For the first-time ever, consider bidding in our online silent auction between October 1 and 16 to support us! Or join a growing list of monthly or quarterly donors offering us predictable, regular support through our Partners in Healing program. Most of all, I beg your prayers each day for this mission and the tireless community of caregivers who comprise SLI’s licensed clinicians and expert spiritual team members in their work of caring for those we serve each day.

Please also share these opportunities and help us tell others about our important work.

I am full of faith and confidence that this October will be a significant month for all of us at Saint Luke Institute. Together may we be renewed in mission, inspired in service, united in compassion, and strengthened in our shared commitment to fostering healthy ministers for a more vibrant Church and to healing hearts and renewing hope. Thank you for being on this journey with us!