A Beacon of Light is Shining in Kentucky

Contact: Royce Hood, 239-273-6038, rhood@immaculaw.com

STANTON, Ky., March 8, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The fate of the U.S. healthcare system is uncertain. The Obama Administration continues to restrict the freedoms of Christian organizations while advancing a culture of death. Christian and Catholic organizations have united in various lawsuits to challenge the legality of measures such as the HHS Mandate. Meanwhile some Christian and Catholic institutions have waivered in varying degrees from Church teachings by offering healthcare services that are contrary to their Christian faith. There is a cultural divide in our Country, but the culture of life will ultimately prevail.

Where there is faith there is hope. A little-known organization called Catholic Healthcare International Foundation ("CHIF") has launched an initiative to bring authentic and fully faithful Catholic healthcare to the United States. The mission for this organization began in a little village in Italy called San Giovanni Rotondo, where a priest known as Padre Pio created a house for the relief of suffering, called Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (In English: The Home For The Relief Of Suffering). "We will build a Cathedral of Love," said Padre Pio. The Casa was to be a place of both spiritual and physical healing. The Casa is located in a largely underserved area of Italy known for its poverty and has grown from 300 beds to over 1,000 beds. Padre Pio was canonized a saint of the Church on June 16, 2002 by Pope John Paul II.

Fast forward to present day: CHIF has embarked on a mission to bring St. Pio's vision of healthcare to the United States. On October 24, 2011, CHIF opened a state-of-the-art, comprehensive clinic in Stanton, Kentucky called Casa San Pio Media Clinic. The Clinic is nestled at the foothills of Appalachia, one of the poorest regions in the United States. To date the U.S. Clinic has served over 5,000 patients many of whom were not covered by insurance. The Clinic is the first phase under a Collaboration Agreement with the Vatican-owned hospital to launch a U.S. based healthcare initiative loyal to the Magesterium of the Church.

Jere Palazzolo, the Founder and President of CHIF, believes that the timing of this initiative is no accident. "Our culture is in need of healing," said Palazzolo. "Our foundation is dedicated to providing a Home for the Relief of Suffering here in the United States. We will stay true to our Christian values and we will promote a culture of faith, family and life."

Casa San Pio Medical Clinic is the first phase in a long-term mission. Future phases of the initiative include opening additional Clinics, opening a Shrine and retreat center, opening a hospital and eventually creating a medical school fully faithful and loyal to all Church teachings.

The Casa San Pio Clinic in Stanton, Kentucky is gearing up to open its Pediatrics Department. "When Christians stand together there is nothing we cannot do," said Palazzolo. "Just as David defeated Goliath, we can defeat a Culture of Death through faith, prayer and healing ministries. We are inviting Christians and people of good will to join us in supporting Christian healthcare. The Appalachia region needs our help and we are dedicated to serving those in need."

Casa San Pio has launched an Indiegogo based Crowd Funding Campaign to support the launch of its Pediatrics Department.

Check out the Indiegogo campaign here.

Also see www.Chi-Usa.com

Mr. Palazzolo is available for comment and interview. Please contact rhood@immaculaw.com for media inquiries.