US bishops call for prayer, action to address mental health crisis
The appeal comes during the bishops’ annual October mental health campaign, as the Vatican urges the Church to make care for those suffering an essential part of its mission.
Marking World Mental Health Day Oct. 10, the U.S. bishops renewed their commitment to addressing the nation’s mental health crisis through prayer, education, and community support.
In an Oct. 10 press release, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) highlighted its National Catholic Mental Health Campaign and an Oct. 10-18 novena inviting Catholics to pray and take action to support those facing mental health struggles.
The call follows Pope Leo’s October prayer intention for mental health ministry, in which he encouraged support for those living with mental illness and those who care for them, as Zeale News previously reported.
The release pointed to a message for World Mental Health Day from Sister Alessandra Smerilli, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, who urged the Church to make support for people experiencing mental health difficulties a sustained part of its pastoral mission.
“Today, interior, emotional and relational wounds represent one of the most profound dimensions of human suffering,” her message read.
Sister Smerilli identified mental health as an “urgent pastoral challenge” in many local Churches, highlighting people living through humanitarian crises, including war and displacement, as well as young people facing growing isolation and uncertainty about their future.
Her message called for pastoral workers equipped to respond, partnerships with health professionals, and clear ways to connect people with care. It also emphasized suicide prevention and support for families and young people.
“Listening must become action. The Church cannot limit herself to occasional or reactive responses. As Christians, we are called to develop a stable, competent, compassionate and preventive ministry that embraces the person in their totality: body, mind and spirit.”
The USCCB also directed groups seeking to establish mental health ministries to resources including the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers and Catholic Charities USA.
Sister Smerilli concluded by entrusting those efforts to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title Salus Infirmorum, meaning “Health of the Sick.”
“We entrust ourselves to Mary, Salus Infirmorum, so that every person may rediscover, even in the hardest trials, the joy of feeling loved, recognised and accompanied in their human and spiritual journey.”
Comments