Blessing and Ribbon Cutting at Mercy Hospital Stoddard

City officials, hospital staff and Dexter Chamber of Commerce members gather for the official ribbon cutting.

City officials, hospital staff and Dexter Chamber of Commerce members gather for the official ribbon cutting.

Regional President, Southeast Missouri Communities Eric Ammons welcomed the large crowd of city officials, hospital staff, hospital board of trustees and Stoddard County residents gathered for the blessing. 

Vice President, Mission and Strategy Initiatives Mary Beth Bulte offered the opening blessing for the ceremony.

Michelle Aycock reads an intercession at the ceremony.

Aaron Mathis reads an intercession at the ceremony.

Charles Kruse reads an intercession at the ceremony.

Dr. Reza Jalal, chief of medical staff, reads an intercession at the ceremony.

Mercy Hospital Stoddard Administrator Sue Ann Williams speaks at the ceremony.

Mercy Southeast president Ryan Geib speaks at the ceremony.

Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese Bishop Edward Rice speaks at the ceremony as he prepares to bless the hospital.

Father Patrick Nwokoye, Diocesan Director of Health Affairs reads from the book of Matthew at the ceremony.

Father Patrick Nwokoye, Diocesan Director of Health Affairs holds the microphone as Bishop Edward Rice bestows the blessing on the hospital and its staff.

Kevin Minder, PhD, Senior VP, Mission and Community Health holds the Mercy Cross that now hangs in Mercy Hospital Stoddard.