A special dedication mass will be held on 25 September next for the new Christ the Light Cathedral Centre in Oakland, California. At the same time the Order of Malta’s health clinic will start up in the cathedral, where work is almost completed.

This health clinic was created with the hope of helping the thousands of people, adults and children, who have no access to medical services because they lack health insurance. Thanks to the cooperation between the Diocese of Oakland and the Order of Malta Western Association, an area of the Christ the Light Cathedral Centre has been set aside for the health clinic, with the main objective of treating the uninsured. The clinic’s staff will consist of voluntary doctors, nurses and other professionals, ready to give free assistance to anyone who comes, regardless of their faith, religion or race.

The idea for this project, the first to involve the Diocese in providing medical assistance, came from the Bishop of Oakland Allen Vigneron during a pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Order of Malta.

The cooperation between the Diocese and the Order of Malta continues with the promotion of the services offered by the new health clinic and its incorporation in the wider range of Catholic social services offered throughout the East Bay area.