3GEN+ & Pope Francis
3.14-15.20
In 2018 the California Bishops wrote Hope and Healing: A Pastoral Letter on Caring for Those Who Suffer from Mental Illness Addressed to All Catholics and People of Goodwill. Within our parish, several gathered in August 2019 to reflect on the letter. One mother said, “I wish I had read this when my son was younger.” A teacher exclaimed, “This is so practical! It’s not flowery!” At the 2020 ad limina meeting of our Bishops with Pope Francis, Bishop John Dolan of San Diego speaking from his lived experience of family members dying by suicide, stepped out and spoke up in bold faith about mental illness’ stigma and shame.
In Bishop Dolan’s family of nine siblings, one sister, one brother, one brother-in-law have died by
suicide. Recently, another sister attempted suicide. Describing that Vatican moment, Bishop Dolan said that another Bishop had spoken about the increase in suicide, or “deaths by despair.” Some mused that loss of faith contributed to the increase in deaths by suicide. Bishop Dolan asked to speak on the topic. From his own place of sorrow and grace, he told the story of the deaths by suicide of his family members. He spoke about their active involvement in the Church. “They were not lacking in faith or virtue. They had a mental disorder.” Then Bishop Dolan
invited Pope Francis to read Hope and Healing and to write a letter on mental illness. Pope Francis
nodded and said that he needed to do so. Only God knows if Pope Francis will write on Mental Illness. Today, however, you can read the practical and faith-filled Hope & Healing at www.CACatholic.org.

--Barbara F. Zahner, BCC; 3GEN+ coordinator; barbarazahner1@mac.com