Roman Catholic Bishops of Ireland Issue a Pastoral Letter on Suicide

Bishop Fleming continued “Each of us has a duty to care for one another and, in particular, to care for the weak and the vulnerable in our society. The parish community can play an important role both in the promotion of mental health and in the provision of the support which says to its members that approaching a professional in the area of mental health is a sign of strength rather than an indication of weakness. Through the creation of a supportive and compassionate community, each of us can reach out to those who, for whatever reason, find life a great burden.

“The Day for Life 2009 also wishes to support those who have lost a friend or a family member through the taking of their own life. In helping them to understand the forces which may draw someone to do this, we wish to show them something of the love and compassion of Christ.”

“Life matters. It is commonly accepted that those who die by suicide don’t want to die; they simply wish to end their pain. Suicide prevention is, therefore, a duty of everyone in our society. In this area we need to be particularly concerned for other people and sensitive to their difficulties.” You are Precious in my Sight addresses pastoral issues around suicide such as why some people consider suicide and the issue of assisted suicide. Bishop Fleming said “Our Pastoral Letter is for everybody. It contains a special Day for Life prayer and it reminds us that “the message of the Gospel is that, whatever has happened to us, and whatever we have done, we can never be separated from the love of God in Jesus Christ. Pain, even tragedy, are never God’s last word.'”

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Posted in * Culture-Watch, * International News & Commentary, * Religion News & Commentary, England / UK, Health & Medicine, Ireland, Life Ethics, Other Churches, Roman Catholic

One comment on “Roman Catholic Bishops of Ireland Issue a Pastoral Letter on Suicide

  1. Just Passing By says:

    Greetings.

    With all courtesy and respect, I think [url=”http://www.catholicbishops.ie/media-centre/press-release-archive/64-press-release-archive-2009/1545-4-october-2009-homily-of-bishop-john-fleming-at-the-killala-diocesan-pilgrimage-to-knock-for-day-for-life-2009″]this[/url] is the link to the referenced address by Bishop Fleming.

    regards,

    JPB