As a Catholic health care ministry, Mercy Health values the healing power of faith. All hospitals in the greater Toledo area contain chapels for worship. Thanks to donor gifts, the patients, families and caregivers at Mercy Health — St. Anne Hospital have a beautiful, newly renovated place to pray.

Angie Pahl is Supervisor of Rehabilitation-Physical Therapy at St. Anne’s. She has seen firsthand how important the chapel is to the hospital. Patients and their families pray there for positive medical outcomes. She has spoken with others who have missed funerals due to hospitalization and used the chapel to pray for their loved one.

“There are many times as a health care worker when I do not have the words to adequately comfort a patient facing a difficult journey,” Angie says. “In those moments, having a chapel provides support that goes beyond words.”

And while the chapel has always been well-appointed with the loving spirit of Christ, the material furnishings needed attention. Donors initiated a renovation befitting the importance of the space.

“Staff and patients at St. Anne’s are deeply grateful for the chapel updates,” Angie says. “The renovated space feels more peaceful and reverent. The congregation is now oriented toward the altar and tabernacle. And the restored visibility of the beautiful stained-glass windows enhances the worship experience.”

Angie says having a chapel on site is important for health care providers.

“The chapel provides an opportunity to seek peace, grace and renewal. This is particularly valuable after supporting patients who may be experiencing fear, anger or distress.”