Those with mental illness, their families should not suffer alone, bishop says at special Mass

By Mark Zimmermann, OSV News

LANDOVER HILLS, Md. (OSV News) -- Those living with mental illness, and families struggling to assist them, should never bear those burdens alone, Washington Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar said at a May 11 Mass for persons living with mental health challenges.

"We Christians must encounter them, accompany them, comfort them, include them, and help bear their burdens in solidarity with them, offering our understanding, prayers and tangible, ongoing support," the bishop said.

The Mass was hosted at the Pope Francis Center in the Washington suburb of Landover Hills by the Office of Deaf and Disabilities Ministry of the Archdiocese of Washington.

The Mass at the center's St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church was celebrated in conjunction with May as Mental Health Awareness Month. It also came ahead of the May 15 feast day of St. Dymphna, a 17th-century Irish teen saint who is the patron saint of people experiencing mental health challenges and nervous or emotional distress.

Bishop Menjivar said that as he has traveled to parishes presiding at confirmations, Dymphna is becoming a popular confirmation name for teenagers. Reflecting on that saint's popularity, the bishop noted, "In a way, St. Dymphna is the patron saint of all of us, because who can say that (he or she) is totally free of these types of challenges?"

Pointing out that "we need not look far to encounter our brothers and sisters who struggle with mental illness," the bishop said those who do not have mental health problems can relate to those who do, for no one is free from experiencing things like anxiety or emotional distress.

Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems more people are suffering from mental illness, Bishop Menjivar said.

"Persons with mental health challenges often suffer in silence, hidden, unrecognized and very often stigmatized by others," the bishop said, noting how people who suffer from other illnesses often receive support from family, friends, co-workers and their faith communities.

"On the contrary," he continued, "a person suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses frequently experiences isolation and inadequate support, often because of ignorance, shame and the unjust social stigma of mental illness."

That should not happen, said Bishop Menjivar, who emphasized, "Those living with a mental illness should never bear these burdens alone, nor should their families who struggle heroically to assist their loved ones."

Underscoring how Christ in his suffering and death on the cross experienced "our fears and mental anguish to the end" and gave meaning to people's suffering, the bishop said that "just as Christ never abandons anyone, so also the church, we, should never abandon those who suffer in any possible way. Therefore, ministering to those who suffer from mental illness is an essential part of the pastoral care of the church."

Bishop Menjivar said that Christians as the body of Christ in today's world are "called to be wounded healers who help alleviate the burdens that stem from mental afflictions."

As he concluded his homily, the bishop thanked caregivers "for dedicating your life, your talents, your expertise, your energy, your whole being in caring for people with mental illnesses. You are truly the hands of Jesus who continue healing, but above all, you are the heart of Jesus who continues loving all of us when we are most vulnerable."

The bishop said that "it is into Christ's hands stretched out on the cross that we entrust our loved ones who are suffering, and all those who have died as a result of a mental illness. We pray that the departed may find God's presence and peace."

About 40 people attended the Mass, and they were welcomed at the beginning of the liturgy by Father Patrick Mullan, the chaplain of the Office of Deaf and Disability Ministry who also serves as the chaplain at Gallaudet University in Washington and at St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church.

He noted that a monthly rosary and Mass for mental illness is held at 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at that church.

"We meet every month to pray for those who live with mental illness, for their strength and perseverance," Father Mullan said.

At the Mass, a prayer asked that Jesus, who came to bring light to darkness, might help people with undiagnosed mental illnesses to receive the assistance that they need. The intercessions included a prayer that community leaders will create policies, laws and outreach to support people living with mental health challenges, and that those living with mental illnesses or challenges might experience "the loving embrace of our Lord and the healing touch of the Holy Spirit."

Another prayer asked that family members, friends and support staff ministering to people with mental illness "know the Lord is walking beside them."

A prayer after Communion was offered for those living with mental illness.

Mary O'Meara, the executive director of the archdiocesan Office of Deaf and Disabilities Ministry who offered American Sign Language interpretation at the Mass, said it is important to create awareness of church programs that offer a safety net for people suffering from mental illness and can help them find clinical support, "so nobody's suffering alone. We need to say, 'We're here for you.'"