Esquiline Operations Transferred to Benedictines in Zoom Ceremony

During a Zoom Meeting held on November 30, 2020, Fr. Louis Studer, OMI, Provincial of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, announced the sale of the Apartment Community, also known as the Esquiline, from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, U.S. Province, to the Benedictine Healthcare System (BHS), sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN. The sale was approved by the Vatican November 15, 2020, and Fr. Studer received the news shortly thereafter.

“I was very happy to receive this news of the approval of the sale by the Vatican. The planning for this transition has been in progress for over 18 months. I am very grateful to Bishop Michael McGovern, bishop for the Diocese of Belleville for his support of the transfer. Likewise, I have found the leadership of Benedictine very helpful and encouraging in this long process. The Oblates and lay persons who serve on the board of the Esquiline have been supportive and positive in helping make this happen. I wish Benedictine all the best in continuing their successful ministry of health care to seniors. They have made this transition of ownership seamless and positive,” said Father Louis Studer, OMI, Provincial of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

“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 their ministry at The Esquiline,” said Jerry Carley, President and CEO of Benedictine.

Fr. Studer, along with Sr. Beverly Raway, Prioress of the St. Scholastica Monastery, and Mr. Carley “hosted” the Zoom Meeting celebrating the transfer which was viewed by over 100 residents, employees and other interested parties on November 30. Transfer of operations at the Apartment Community/Esquiline to BHS began December 1, 2020.

Starting Jan. 1, The Esquiline will be a member organization (or subsidiary) of Benedictine and the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery would be the facility’s Catholic Sponsor.

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.

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, MN. Additional information can be found at www.benedictineliving.org.