DEARBORN –  The Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center celebrated the re-dedication of its donation-driven, $1.3 million expansion and renovation project on its religious sanctuary and prayer space attended by a diverse group of hospital officials, project planners and religious leaders on Wednesday, April 13.

The new project has an interfaith theme, featuring a chapel with a Christian tabernacle and Jewish menorah and an adjacent prayer room with ample space for multiple worshipers complete with with prayer rugs, which will be especially welcomed by the sizable number of Muslim patients. It is decorated with symbols and holy books from various faiths including the three Abrahamic religions of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

The project was made possible through $800,000 worth of grants; noted Dearborn philanthropist Frank Padzieski, age 102, was one of the driving forces behind it.

Reverend Tony Marshall was among those who spoke at the dedication.

"We have one common plan with this sanctuary and that is to make a place to heal people who are hurting...we wish we could take this message to the ends of the earth," he said.

Imam Shuajb Gerguri of Oakwood Hospital and the Albanian Islamic Center in Harper Woods has worked as a board member in helping to design the sanctuary along with other leaders.

"The goal was to make everyone feel welcomed and to have privacy while praying together, and to bring understanding and mutual respect," he said.