Benefit & SLI Ambassador Commissioning Lead Two Evenings of ‘Healing Hearts, Renewing Hope’ as SLI Begins Its Golden Jubilee

Recognition from papal representative, chapel dedication, and media studio unveiling mark celebratory two days; a vision for 2030 sets SLI’s course for the future

Saint Luke Institute (SLI) opened its 50th anniversary year with two evenings of celebration, prayer and commitment, crowned by its 29th Annual Benefit. The Benefit welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s representative to the United States, honored a dedicated Daugther of Charity, and garnered support from 62 national and international donors who contributed gifts of $1,000 to $50,000 each. These sponsorships, combined with donations, pledges and ticket sales go to support SLI’s mission of mental health and spiritual care for those who serve the Church, including for its Charity Care Fund for those unable to pay for those services. A full tally of contributions is underway.

Held October 16 at Columbia Country Club just outside Washington, DC, the Benefit gathered 200 Church leaders, benefactors and friends in a wide-ranging celebration marking the inauguration of the organization’s Golden Jubilee year. “We are so very grateful to all those who contributed to make this year’s Benefit one of our most successful,” said Rev. Patrick J. McDevitt, CM, PhD, President & CEO of SLI. “All donations – from the smallest to the largest – ensure the longevity of our mission of care,” he continued.

Words of Affirmation from Representative of Pope Leo

The presence of Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, gave the evening particular significance. As the Holy Father’s representative to both the Church in the United States and the U.S. government, the Nuncio brought Pope Leo’s voice into the room as he shared a video of the Pope’s monthly prayer intention for those living with mental illness, in which the Pope prays that the Church may be “an open house, a safe space where everyone has a place.”

“There is a question that seems especially appropriate this evening,” Archbishop Caccia said. “Who cares for those whose vocation is to care for others?” He continued, “The Church asks much of those who serve her. It is important that they also be able to receive care when they need it.”

Reflecting on SLI’s new strategic plan, Healing Hearts, Renewing Hope: 2030, which was publicly affirmed for the first time at the Benefit, the Archbishop said, “Hope does not mean pretending that wounds are not there. Sometimes hope begins when a person is able to face a wound truthfully and discover that it does not have to define the rest of his or her life.” When someone who serves the Church recovers that freedom, he added, “the effects do not remain with one person.” SLI’s 50th anniversary, he said, offers an opportunity “not simply to look back, but to ask how the Church can continue to care well for those whom she sends to care for others.”

Bishops Praise Work of SLI

Other bishop dignitaries present echoed Archbishop Caccia’s remarks. Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, offered the opening prayer, giving thanks for “the compassionate, skilled, life-giving ministry of healing” SLI has brought “for nearly half a century to priests and religious at great moments of crisis in their lives.”

In his introduction of Cardinal McElroy, Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of St. Louis, SLI’s episcopal advisor, said two priests he sent to SLI “still thank me for saving their priesthood. And of course, it wasn’t me. It was the work of all of the [SLI] staff.”

“In the spirit of St. Luke, we seek to ensure that financial hardship does not stand in the way of healing,” said Fr. McDevitt. “As we launch our 50th anniversary celebration, we look toward the next fifty years.” The 2030 plan, he said, “calls us to extend our services, deepen our partnerships,” and make mental health care, spiritual care, education and assessment more accessible.

Sr. Mary Bader Highlights Accompaniment

Following a live auction, the heart of the evening’s program arrived as Sr. Mary Bader, DC, received the 2026 Saint Luke Award, drawing on the parable of the Good Samaritan to name accompaniment as key to SLI’s success. “Sometimes those who accompany others need the accompaniment themselves,” she said.

“It is offering unconditional love and compassion, a steady hand of support, and a holistic program that focuses on the whole being—body, mind and spirit—walking with them through every stage of the healing journey, guided by the skilled clinicians we’ve heard of: the medical staff, the therapists, the spiritual directors and the support staff,” Sr. Bader continued. “This is the accompaniment that is experienced through Saint Luke’s, and I have seen it in some of the brothers and sisters I have known who have been part of the program.”

Paddle Raise for Healing and Hope

Master of Ceremonies John Dombrowski, MD, framed the evening’s theme. Speaking of clergy, religious and those who serve the life of the Church he said: “They’ve been there for us. Now, tonight, let’s be there for them.” During the event, in conjunction with donor Randy Kincaid, a live auction was held, along with a live paddle raise to secure additional support for SLI’s Chariable Fund. Together with a silent auction which ran from early October through the Benefit event, several thousand dollars in additional proceeds were raised.

Presidential Reception & Healing Hearts Ambassadors

The Benefit also introduced SLI’s inaugural Healing Hearts Ambassadors, commissioned the night before, at a special Presidential Reception for SLI Board Members, Donors and special guests of SLI at the organization’s Silver Spring, Maryland office suite. These partners, Fr. McDevitt said, “will help share our story, build relationships, and bring our mission into their communities.”

The Reception’s program included a dedication of the Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity in the Silver Spring office suite, with icons and some furnishings provided by the Archdioces of Baltimore and the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity (the Trinitarians). The dedication plaque honors SLI’s enduring partnership with the Trinitarians, going back to 1996 when SLI was located at their former seminary on New Hampshire Avenue. The plaque prays that the chapel will “bring healing to those who suffer, hope to those who struggle, and foster healthy ministers for a more vibrant Church.”

In the new chapel, Rick and Rhonda Cuba, Thelma Irwin, Joe and Melissa Jedlicka (in abstentia), Randy and Julie Kincaid, Larry and Carmen Newell, and James and Michaele Riley received blessed medallions as Healing Hearts Ambassadors. Each committed “to advancing a mission of healing, hope, compassion, and human dignity” and to “encourage others to become Partners in Healing for the good of the Church and those we serve.”

During the reception, guests were also able to meet and greet clinicians and spiritual team members, discuss the therapeutic and supportive care provided to clients, educational and advancement initiatives. A highlight of the tour was the new James W. Riley, Jr. Media Studio, named after the generous donor who provided the funds for the equipment and setup. In this state-of-the-art studio, SLI will produce promotional and educational videos as well as other short- and long-form content.

In a capstone letter of thanks to the SLI staff sent after the events, Fr. McDevitt summarized the impact of this 2-day celebration: “Together, you shared the very best of Saint Luke Institute with the Church and the wider community. We deepened longstanding friendships, welcomed back friends we had not seen in years, and introduced new friends to our mission. Your dedication and gracious hospitality made all of this possible…. we give thanks to God for the grace that sustains our mission and for the gifts each of you brings to it. Let us carry that gratitude forward … as we continue healing hearts and renewing hope.”

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If you haven’t yet had a chance to contribute to the Benefit, you may still do so here. Every gift directly supports SLI’s mission of furthering Christ’s healing ministry through psychological, spiritual and educational services for those who serve the Church.