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INTENTION : |
For the prevention of suicide. Let us pray that those who are tempted to commit suicide might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
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FOCUS
The Pope's intention for November 2025, focused on the prevention of suicide, reflects his deep concern for the emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals, especially those experiencing despair and loneliness. This intention calls for a compassionate and proactive approach within the community to offer support, care, and love to those tempted by suicide, helping them rediscover the beauty of life.
The intention underscores the need for communities to be spaces of welcome and support for people in distress. This involves cultivating a culture of listening, understanding, and mutual care, where each person feels valued and accompanied in their struggles. Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach that includes both psychological and spiritual support. The Pope has emphasised the importance of this accompaniment in healing emotional and spiritual wounds, emphasising that caring for mental health is an essential part of pastoral care. Encouraging individuals to open themselves to the beauty of life is also inviting them to recognise life as a precious gift from God. This perspective can help renew hope and find meaning even in the midst of suffering.
ATTITUDES FOR DAILY LIFE
1. Reaching out to those who are suffering
"Without a reliable hope that helps him face pain and death, man cannot live well and maintain a confident outlook on his future. This is one of the services that the Church is called to offer to contemporary man." (Pope Francis)
There are those who suffer from the temptation of suicide and need the support of the community. Is this pastoral service present in your community? What can you contribute to its development or growth?
2. Drawing close to those who feel hopeless
"Let us try to be close to those who are exhausted, to those who are desperate, without hope, often simply listening in silence." (Pope Francis)
Contribute to a culture of closeness, listening, understanding, and caring for people in your environments, especially welcoming those who are depressed or feel hopeless.
3. Encouraging those who are sad
"It is sad to see young people without hope... When the future becomes uncertain and impermeable to dreams... it is inevitable that the present will be lived in melancholy and boredom... Therefore, let the Jubilee be an occasion in the Church to encourage them." (Pope Francis)
Being there for those who face life's void and who see no way out - do you know anyone in this situation? Christ Himself calls upon you to comfort those experiencing loneliness and despair during this Jubilee of Hope.
4. Nurturing with others those who need us
"And besides, let us not forget that, along with the indispensable psychological counselling, which is useful and effective, Jesus' words also help. It comes to my mind and heart: 'Come to Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'." (Pope Francis)
Sometimes, a simple call, listening attentively, offering service, or sharing a smile can make all the difference for those grappling with thoughts of ending their lives. This month, the Lord is counting on your contribution.
5. Sharing the hope that moves us
"This is how the Lord saves us, from within our "whys." From there He unfolds the hope that does not disappoint." (Pope Francis)
Your life and your faith are invaluable. They are God's treasures to share with others. May the message of love you receive daily from Jesus be the healing light you radiate around you, especially towards those trapped in their suffering.
MONTHLY PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
Who invites those who are weary and
burdened to come and rest in Your Heart:
Today we come to ask for those
who struggle with suicidal thoughts.
May they find in our communities
places of welcome, listening, and understanding.
May we know how to be close to them,
offering support, care, and love,
helping them rediscover the beauty of life
and a reliable hope that helps them
face pain and even death
with a confident outlook on their future.
May we be able to give them
the necessary psychological and spiritual support
to heal their emotional and spiritual wounds
and to open up to the beauty of life,
recognising it as a precious gift from God,
thus renewing their hope and finding meaning even in the midst of suffering.
Help us to take the hand of the men and women of today
when they have lost their sense of dignity and destiny,
so they can discover the loving fatherhood of God,
His good plan for them,
and ways to build a more humane world.
Amen.
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