SJVC Recognizes World Suicide Prevention Day

Today, SJVC staff and residents gathered to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day in Our Lady of Hope Chapel here at Saint John Vianney Center-a place of hope, healing, and renewal of life. As we celebrated Mass, we remembered those whom we have lost to suicide. From the words of Deacon Tim Lynch who preached the homily, "we hold them in our hearts and entrust them to the mercy of God."

We also recognized the extraordinary human kindness for all those who walk beside someone who may be struggling with the brokenness that life can sometimes bring. "Some of the deepest wounds are the ones we cannot see", said Deacon Tim. Today, the words of Scripture spoke directly into those places in our hearts. "The souls of the just are in the hand of God." And, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, let us remember that suicide is not a moral failure or a character flaw. It is often the result of profound mental and emotional suffering - a suffering that can be hidden, complicated, and deeply misunderstood. Deacon Tim concluded by sharing "with tender hearts, we place those we have lost into His loving hands. Let us be people who care for one another's wounds-both the wounds we can see and the wounds we cannot. May those of us struggling find the courage to reach out, and the grace to receive help. And may all of us become, for one another, instruments of God's tenderness, compassion, and hope. For the souls of the just are in the hand of God. And nothing can separate us from that love."

To learn more about Saint John Vianney Center's Suicide Prevention and Awareness Program, click here.

Saint John Vianney Center is open 24/7/365 for information, referrals, admissions, resources. Call us at 888.993.8885.