Sunday, May 05, 2013

Church launches suicide prevention campaign

The Catholic bishop of Raphoe has launched a campaign to fight combat suicide in the diocese.

Bishop Philip Boyce has introduced a suicide prevention card as part of the campaign.

Thousands of the cards, which include phone numbers for practical help, will be distributed to schools and at Masses.

Dr Boyce said he wanted the public to know that the issue of suicide was very much in the minds of the church.

Speaking after the launch, Fr Eamonn McLaughlin told Donegal Daily that the church now realises it must act.

"Suicide in Donegal and in Ireland has been described as an epidemic and that's not an unfair comment," he said.

On Sunday a special Mass will be celebrated at St Eunan's Cathedral at noon.

The homily will deal with the issue of suicide and the offertory gifts will be brought to the altar by people directly touched by suicide.

Fr McLaughlin added that as well as offering a practical help to those considering suicide, the church wanted to help on a spiritual basis.

"The suicide prevention card contains a picture of Jesus embracing a person. We want people to know that no matter how low they fell, Jesus will always be there for them."