Cardinal Pierre: Saint Luke Institute Reveals ‘Tender Face of Christ’
October 23, 2024 – In his prepared remarks at the Saint Luke Institute (SLI) Annual Benefit, held on October 21, Cardinal Christophe Pierre praised SLI, highlighting its mission of bringing the healing ministry of Christ to clergy, religious women and men, and all who serve the community of the Church.
To the gathered SLI benefactors, colleagues, and staff, Cardinal Pierre said: “Through psychological care, spiritual direction, and holistic support, you reveal the tender face of Christ to those most in need.” He also recognized the ways that SLI embodies the call of Pope Francis to the Church to be a “field hospital,” tending to those wounded in mind and spirit who are seeking renewal and wholeness.
Cardinal Pierre’s remarks followed his acceptance of the Saint Luke Award, given on or around the Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist by SLI to someone whose professional life or charitable works embody the ideals of the Institute. The Cardinal’s complete remarks follow below.
In presenting the award, Chair of the SLI Board of Trustees, Christine Gill, Esq., thanked His Eminence for his long-standing support: “Cardinal Pierre has always encouraged and supported our mission, especially by hosting our Annual Benefit here at the Vatican Embassy. His hospitality is a tangible and much appreciated demonstration of his commitment to helping our clergy and religious in the United States. His encouragement is a blessing to all of us who work to sustain this charitable ministry through thick and thin. We extend heartfelt thanks to Cardinal Pierre for his friendship and support over the years.”
The benefit is SLI’s most important annual fundraiser and provides crucial support for SLI’s mission. This year, over $260,000 was raised through sponsorships and individual donations. Those who have not had a chance to make a donation in support of the Annual Benefit may do so through December 31, 2024 at SLI.org/benefitsupport or by mailing a check to Saint Luke Institute, ATTN: Annual Benefit, 8380 Colesville Road, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Further details about the event and a list of sponsors are available and being added at SLI.org/benefit.
Image: Cardinal Pierre speaks to those gathered at the 2024 SLI Annual Benefit.
Remarks of His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre
Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America
Acceptance of the Saint Luke Award
Saint Luke Institute 27th Annual Benefit
Apostolic Nunciature – Washington, D.C.
October 21, 2024
My dear brother bishops and clergy, distinguished guests, esteemed members of the Saint Luke Institute, dear brothers and sisters in Christ:
I stand before you today with deep gratitude to accept this Saint Luke Award. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Saint Luke Institute, which has been a beacon of healing and hope, providing essential care and support for clergy and religious in times of need. Your work reflects the compassion and mercy at the heart of the Church’s mission.
As I receive this honor, I am reminded of Pope Francis’ call to embrace the ministry of healing that Christ himself modeled. The Holy Father often reminds us that the Church is not a “museum for saints” but a “field hospital” for those wounded in battle. He says that the mission of Jesus is to heal the wounds of the soul, of sin, and of fear. The Saint Luke Institute embodies this mission by tending to the inner wounds of those who dedicate their lives to serving God’s people.
Saint Luke, your patron, was a physician. His Gospel recounts how Jesus healed the sick, comforted the weary, and restored hope to those in despair. In this same Spirit, the Saint Luke Institute provides healing for both body and soul. You have created a sacred space where clergy and religious can find rest, renewal, and restoration. You understand that those who serve others often need care themselves, and you respond with great compassion.
Pope Francis reminds us that healing requires us to walk with the suffering, to “touch the wounds of the crucified Christ” in the lives of the afflicted. In your ministry, you accompany those who have given their lives to the Church but struggle with the pressures of ministry, mental health challenges, or burnout.
Through psychological care, spiritual direction, and holistic support, you reveal the tender face of Christ to those most in need.
The healing work that you do is especially significant as we approach the Jubilee Year of 2025. The theme of this Jubilee is hope – a hope that does not disappoint. In introducing the Jubilee, Pope Francis writes: “In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come.” And yet, for many who are wounded, whether by life’s burdens or interior struggles, hope can seem distant.
But when healing begins, hope is rediscovered. This is why ministries like the Saint Luke Institute embody the spirit of Jubilee: a time to forgive debts, free captives, and offer rest to the weary. Your ministry prepares the hearts and minds of those who will lead the Church in her mission. By caring for the well-being of clergy and religious, you ensure they can become instruments of God’s healing grace to others. In the coming Jubilee, we are called to proclaim with renewed conviction that God’s mercy is stronger than our wounds and that healing is always possible through His grace.
As we prepare for the Jubilee, let us remember that true hope is not vague optimism but confident trust in God’s promise to make all things new. The Saint Luke Institute stands as a witness to this hope, fostering healing in those who carry the Gospel to others. You show us that hope grows in healed hearts, and through that hope, we can embrace the future with courage.
Tonight, I accept this award not as a personal accolade but as a tribute to the many who labor quietly in the vineyard of the Lord, ensuring that His workers remain healthy and whole. Thank you again for this great honor, and may the Saint Luke Institute continue to flourish as a sign of Christ’s healing presence in our world.
May God bless you all. Thank you.