PRESS RELEASE
March 3, 2022
MORE INFO: Rachel Hrbolich, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities and Liaison to Catholic Healthcare and Long-Term Care Institutions, (330) 744-8451, rhrbolich@youngstowndiocese.org
ADDITIONAL MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Huyck, Coordinator of Media Relations, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320, jhuyck@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH — Following a discernment process and discussions with Bon Secours Mercy Health leadership, Bishop David J. Bonnar of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown announces his support for the transition of local long-term care facilities from Bon Secours Mercy Health to Aventura Health Group. The Diocese of Youngstown has been notified by Bon Secours Mercy Health that the transaction took place on Tuesday, March 1.
In June 2021, as a transaction was pending, Bishop Bonnar requested additional information regarding Bon Secours Mercy Health’s sale of Assumption Village, Marian Living Center, and Humility House before he would consider issuing a votum, an authoritative opinion required for the divestiture of church property and temporal goods, known as “stable patrimony.” After several discussions between diocesan representatives and Mercy Health leadership, Bishop Bonnar provided the votum, which was approved by the Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in December 2021.
“I am grateful for Mercy Health’s many years of faith-filled service to older adults in the Mahoning Valley, many of whom helped to build our communities, as well as our Catholic parishes,” Bishop Bonnar states. “My concern has always been for those impacted by this decision—residents, families and employees at the three long-term care facilities involved with this transaction. The new buyer has agreed to respect and accommodate the pastoral and spiritual needs of the residents to the greatest extent possible. I am confident that the Catholic heritage and tradition of compassionate care will be maintained, and the Catholic health care directives concerning end-of-life issues will remain in effect.”
Bishop Bonnar and diocesan leadership plan to meet with representatives from Aventura Health Group in the coming months to discuss the priorities articulated during this process, and to re-affirm the diocese’s commitment to the pastoral and spiritual care of residents.
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