In today’s rapidly moving world, mental health has emerged as a significant concern, with individuals from all backgrounds encountering diverse mental health challenges. Inspired by the first India Chapter (5th-6th April 2024, Bangalore) of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) and the Catholic Bishops Conference of India’s Healthcare Commission, Cochin Diocese sent out a circular to all the deaneries and Parishes promoting mental wellbeing and an invitation to join a day of prayer to remember those families who lost their loved ones through suicide.
The newly formed CMHM ministry under the Cochin Diocese with 11 Priests members expressed their determination to continue the momentum in building a strong support group after receiving the PFA training from Ashray Counseling Center. CMHM team in collaboration with Ashray Counseling Center and the Neuro Navigation and Trauma Therapy Institute (NNATTI), organized a memorial Mass on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at St.Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Aroor to honour those who have lost their lives to suicide and to support families grieving these losses.
Fr. Chilton George Fernandez and Fr. Joshy Allesseril led the service, with Fr. Martin Antony O.Dem delivering the homily sharing a God experience with the gospel passage from where Jesus weeps with Martha and Mariam leaving everyone in the church with hope amid grief. Jesus raises Lazarus to life and how God uses suffering to reveal his grace and power when it seems like the end, God can bring new life…hope emphasizes the importance of community building and a healthy support system for mental health. During the Mass, flowers were offered at the altar as a tribute to the departed, symbolizing God’s compassion and care.
Following the service, Catholic Mental Health Ministry(CMHM) members Fr. Ashbal, Fr. Jineesh, and Fr. Josmon met with families to discuss future mental health initiatives aimed at suicide prevention. Fr. Chilton George Fernandez, Director of Ashray, expressed his gratitude to the CMHM India Commission for the continued support of Fr. Shinto and Edwin Walker in implementing the program. The impact made 18 families who joined the healing ceremony grasp the urgency and call to service step to the fore with their wholehearted support to be present in this great mission.