The first AIDS facility on Catholic Church property on Long Island, Christa House, is closing its doors after a decade, said co-founder Jean Prochilo.
Christa House opened in 1998 with the goal of providing low-income AIDS patients in the final stages of the disease with a loving, family environment. Its mission broadened later to include other terminally ill people.
Prochilo confirmed Monday that the 12-bed facility would soon close. "I can't give you any of the details," she said of the shutdown. "But 569 people, before they died, they knew they were loved, cherished, that their lives had meaning and [they] were able to die in peace, safety and dignity."
Advertisement
Though Christa House is not affiliated with the Diocese of Rockville Center, diocese spokesperson Sean Dolan was saddened to learn of its demise. "We're sorry that it's closing its doors, because it has been a very vital ministry. We are looking to see what can be done to continue the mission of Christa House through some arrangement with Catholic Health Services."
Back to other news for May 2009
Search the Newsroom archive
.
E-Mail
Printable Single-Page
Glossary
Share
