With Dames, Knights, and other Michigan Area members looking on, Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger blessed the new home of the Malta Dental and Medical Clinic, located across Woodward Avenue from Detroit’s Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The Clinic’s official dedication took place after the June 22 Corpus Christi Mass at the Cathedral and Eucharistc Procession. See “Michigan Area joins Archdiocese of Detroit’s June 22 Corpus Christi Mass, Eucharistic Procession.”

Housed in the new Center for the Works of Mercy, the Clinic provides free health care to uninsured, low-income patients. Volunteers include doctors, dentists, nurses, dental hygienists, and other health care professionals.

The Clinic has been operating in temporary treatment areas in the new location while making extensive renovations in the Clinic’s space. When complete, the Clinic will include four dental operatories, two medical treatment areas, and three ophthalmology exam rooms, said Thomas Larabell, KM, the Clinic’s president.

The Malta Dental and Medical Clinic was founded in 2004 by Lou Mahoney, KM, whose widow, Elizabeth Mahoney, DM, was present for the June 22 dedication.

For many years, the Clinic operated in the basement of St. Leo Catholic Church in Detroit, then moved to a more accessible location at 8642 Woodward. The building also housed the Center for the Works of Mercy, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, featuring a free clothes closet, food pantry, and services for returning offenders.

However, as the Clinic expanded its services, it became apparent that a larger venue was needed, Mr. Larabell said. In the new location, the Clinic will be able to treat 25 to 30 percent more patients, he added.

In 2024, the Clinic provided over 1,400 dental, medical, and vision procedures, despite operations being suspended for four months during the move to the new location.

As in the former location, the new building also houses a free food pantry, free clothing closet, and the Wayne County Prison Outreach Ministry. Michigan Area Auxiliary Hon. Stephen J. Murphy III, judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, chairs the ministry’s board, on which Auxiliary Hon. Maura D. Corrigan, former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, also serves.

The Clinic is supported by many Michigan Area members, whether as volunteers or donors. In addition to Thomas Larabell, the Clinic board of directors includes Treasurer Michael Bonventre, KM; Member-in-Formation David Hocker; Medical Director Dr. Edward Jelonek Jr., KM; Msgr. Michael LeFevre, ChM; Auxiliary Vince Mastrangelo; Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM; and Dr. Catherine Stark, DM. Other board members are Secretary Tracy G. Smith, Esq; Sr. Mary Ellen Howard, RSM; Michael Masyln; and Dr. Charles Zammit, DDS.

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