Esquiline Community to Become Part of Benedectine Health System.

Benedictine, a leading faith-based provider of senior care and living services in the Midwest, and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate announce the signing of a letter of intent for The Esquiline, a life plan community for seniors, to join Benedictine. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate founded and sponsor The Esquiline at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Ill.

Desiring to sustain their mission at The Esquiline into the future, the Oblates sought an organization that shared their Catholic mission and values, and that would provide for growth and sustainability, facilitate access to capital, provide proven leadership in senior care and commit to the continuation of their ministry.

The Oblates have transferred facilities to Benedictine in the past, and based on these positive experiences they chose Benedictine as their preferred partner for ensuring strategic expertise in a competitive market and for continuing the their ministry at The Esquiline.

This new plan for the Esquiline was announced on February 27, 2020 by U.S. Provincial, Fr. Louis Studer, along with the two Vicars-provincial, Fathers Art Flores and Jim Brobst. The CEO of Benedictine, Jerry Carley also spoke at the series of meetings which were held individually with Esquiline residents, Esquiline employees, and Oblates from the Shrine, King’s House and St. Henry’s communities in the Belleville area.

With the signing of the letter of intent, a period of due diligence is underway. Following site visits and the review of documentation, final approval to proceed with the transaction will be needed from both organizations’ boards of directors. If the transaction proceeds as planned, it would likely be completed this year. Following the transaction, The Esquiline would be a member organization (or subsidiary) of Benedictine and the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery would be the facility’s Catholic Sponsor.

For 35 years, Benedictine, a nationally recognized, non-profit senior care organization based in Minnesota, has provided a full spectrum of health and housing services to aging adults. Benedictine owns and manages skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living communities across the Midwest and offers services in such areas as therapy, rehabilitation, memory care, home health care, adult day and transitional care. Benedictine is sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, Minn. Additional information can be found at www.bhshealth.org.

The Esquiline is an award-winning, faith-based life plan community dedicated to the pursuit of active living and wellness in body, mind and spirit in the next chapter of life. Services include 119 independent living units, 30 assisted living units and 57 nursing facility units. The Esquiline was built in 1966 for supporters of the Oblates’ mission and is the only retirement living community located on the grounds of a national Catholic shrine.