Provide Health Care for the Jesuits 

It is often said that Jesuits never truly retire.  Older members of the Society of Jesus often remain active into their seventies and eighties, even nineties.  Father Stephen Meder, S.J. will be ninety-eight in September, 2009.  That will be something to celebrate.

When a Jesuit from the Detroit Province and the Chicago Province require special health care,

Fr. Joe Downey, S.J.

assisted living and even full-time nursing care they are taken care of at he Colombiere Health Care Center in Clarkston, Michigan.

This is their home a home filled with brother Jesuits, friends and surrounded by a loving a compassionate staff.  Colombiere is a vital Jesuit Community.  Jesuits who are missioned here pray daily for the needs of the Society of Jesus and the Church.  They are often asked to prayer for the special intentions of our Benefactors.  They know that your prayers and active partnership make Jesuit apostolates possible around the world.

It is good to see that even needing daily care many of them continue to be active. Fr. Joe Downey is a good example.  During his time at Colombiere he has completed the writing of more than five books on faith and spirituality.  He was once asked if he found life at Colombiere at all confining.  He laughed and said, “Well, you’re here because you belong here!”  He then thought for a moment and said, “I have found this time to be one of great excitement.  It’s been a time to reflect, a time to measure yourself up and ask, have I become the man that God intended me to be?”

We continue daily to make sure that the Community of Jesuits at the Health Care Center are well taken care of after their many years of service to so many of us.  With the continuing health care costs rising we are challenged more and more to make sure their needs are taken care of each day.