The Michigan Area’s support of authentic Catholic health care was evident at the 2024 Gala for the Heart of Christ Clinic in Detroit. The Order of Malta is a partner in the collaboration that supports the Clinic.

The September 26 fundraiser, held at the Inn at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, was a celebration of the Clinic’s success, but also a reaffirmation of the Clinic’s mission to bring Christ’s love to every patient. Twenty-six members of the Michigan Area attended.

The keynote address at the gala was delivered by Fr. Mathias Thelen, co-founder and president of Encounter Ministries and the pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Parish in Brighton, Michigan.  A graduate of St. John Vianney College Seminary and of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit,  Fr. Thelen’s theme was Christ as the Divine Physician.

Michigan Area members David Wilson, KM, a co-founder of the Christ Medicus Foundation, and Louis Brown, KM, the executive director of the Christ Medicus Foundation, were also featured speakers. 

The Clinic is the first health care service launched by Heart of Christ Health, founded in 2022 by the Christ Medicus Foundation to provide truly Catholic health care for women and families. Heart of Christ Health’s motto is “Live Christ’s Healing Love, As One, Fully Alive.” Heart of Christ Health doctors and providers focus on the care of the whole person – emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

As Heart of Christ Health works to launch more Heart of Christ Clinics nationally, they are doing so “As One” Church, in partnership with a set of defined Catholic apostolates, including the Order of Malta, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance, among others.

The Heart of Christ Clinic in Detroit was completed in late 2023, with the Clinic welcoming its first patients in early 2024. The Clinic is located in the former convent of  the historic Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit. The Clinic includes a first-floor chapel; patients, visitors, and staff can pray before the Blessed Sacrament and experience Christ’s healing love.

The Clinic provides preventive care, health promotion, annual exams, routine primary care, gynecology, pre- and post-natal care, abortion pill reversal, and other services.  The Clinic also provides on-site lab services and coaching on health, wellness, and flourishing. The goal is to provide authentic, loving, and life-affirming care to each client. 

To contribute to Heart of Christ Health, please click here.

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