US Bishops Invite Faithful to Pray Mental-Health Novena

The novena will be completed on Oct. 18, the feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist, the saint of health care.

The US bishops announced the second annual novena for mental health as part of a national campaign to promote mental health.

Founded in 2023, the National Campaign for Catholic Mental Health was committed to addressing mental illness around the message that “everyone who needs help should get help.”

Starting on World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) “will begin nine days of focused prayer, education, and actionable steps to engage more intentionally in mental health issues,” according to the USCCB Sept. . 23 news release. The novena will be completed on Oct. 18, the feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist, the saint of health care.

The novena will be a tradition for years to come, said Paul Jarzembowski, USCCB’s associate director for members of the Laity Secretariat, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.

Jarzembowski told CNA that the Church wants to “follow Jesus’ example of responding to the needs of God’s people in real time.”

“Today mental health affects the lives of so many people, which was reinforced and raised in our minds by the global epidemic,” he explained. “The bishops of the United States have also noted the growing epidemic of loneliness throughout the country, especially among the young, the elderly and the disadvantaged.”

Jarzembowski said: “People feel pain all around us at this time, even if we don’t see it. “Through this nationwide campaign, the US bishops are asking everyone to join them in respond with greater awareness and action as the mental health crisis unfolds before us every day.”

Each day of the novena has a different theme and focuses on a different saint. For example, Day 1 of the novena begins with St. Dymphna, the patron saint of those with mental illness and mental health professionals, and focuses on praying to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.

The purpose of the novena is to build “a lasting way for all Catholics to remember in prayer those affected by this disaster and respond to Jesus’ call to respond to those who are struggling with simple care and pastoral action,” said Jarzembowski. .

The hope is that the campaign and the novena “will be integrated with our families, our churches and our work in the community,” according to Jarzembowski.

When asked what steps Catholics can take to better support people with mental health problems, Jarzembowski suggested “being more aware of potential mental health issues.” ” and taking care “that he may be hidden where he may be seen.”

“Cultivating the habits of compassion and tolerance for one another, especially online, can go a long way in creating a culture of spiritual and mental health,” he continued. “Be aware of the signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, loneliness and anxiety, and go with people who are struggling to find the help and support they may need.”

Each day of the novena includes actions that Catholics can take to help address mental health issues.

Jarzembowski added: “In our parishes and Catholic churches, we can advocate for more mental health services. “From creating mental health support groups to researching health care practices in our community to instilling a spirit of mental health into our ministry, especially for young people, families and the elderly, there are many things Catholics can do to create a habit of response.”

Resources for the mental health campaign, including the novena, can be found here.