Church is Granting Last Wishes

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The Church of the Holy Family is granting many last wishes by building the Mercy House in Endicott. The 10 bed residential home for the terminally ill will be the first of its kind in Broome and Tioga counties. Emily Lorsch explains how organizers will help loved ones in need of specialized care.

ENDICOTT, N.Y.-- "Everybody is born and everybody passes," said Anthony Paniccia, Mercy House Board President.

That's why the Church of the Holy Family is building the Mercy House to give people a warm and comfortable place during their final stages of life.

"I know many people that have passed away that have died alone in a nursing home or have died alone in their home because they haven't had family or friends," said Paniccia.

Organizers said when the time comes, families should be there. "The families need a lot of support and they need a place to stay and not be in an environment that's too sterile, where it's just more like being home," said Director of Business Operations David DeAngelo.

That's why the Mercy House will have two suites for loved ones. And those without blood relatives will have the Mercy House family by their side.

"You can be in your 30's, 40's, or you can be 102, but death will come to all of us and having someone journey with you takes the edge of fear off because you're helping them cross over to the threshold of eternity," said Sister Joanna Monticello, executive director.

The Mercy House will be at St. Casimir's Church in Endicott and will be modeled on Francis House in Syracuse. "This is not a hospice house, it's a community shelter so in that respect Francis House broke ground to make that a reality," said DeAngelo.

"There really is no place like this. There are several places in other areas but there's nothing in Broome County or Tioga," said Father Clarence Rumble, Church of the Holy Family pastor.

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Church is Granting Last Wishes