ORLANDO | More than 200 people gathered in hope to pray for loved ones lost to suicide, to accompany those who have experienced that loss, and to pray for those who are still struggling with suicidal ideation.

The second Mass for Suicide Prevention and Remembrance at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Sept. 21, 2024 was also “a call to action to the wider Church to open our eyes and hearts, to reach out and allow others to reach out to us in their despair,” said Luis Nieves, Director of Pastoral Ministry for the Diocese of Orlando.

Particularly moving during the Mass was the candle ceremony where families received light from the Paschal Candle, recalling Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

“Families who are hurt are passing the light of Christ to each other,” said Nieves. “It’s a symbol of what we can do and who we are as Church. No one should ever feel alone.”

Recalling the often-heard phrase, “Wherever there is a need, there is the Catholic Church,” he noted the Church is each and every baptized person. “It is up to us to fill that need and proclaim the Gospel of Hope with our actions.”

Nieves also relayed the profound meaning of the imagery for the Mass – a cross with a resurrected Christ, enveloped with flowers. Referencing her studies in floriography, artist Katherine Knapik researched the symbolism of flowers related to loss, hope, grief, and eternity, and incorporated them into the iconography used to announce the Mass.

“Floriography is a great way to increase that environmental storytelling, to say something without words, and to bring the themes you’re trying to portray into visual elements,” Knapik shared. “The combined message of the flowers is acknowledgement of the loss of a loved one and looking forward to rest in heaven.” The image and a key to discovering each flower’s meaning was in the narthex of the basilica, along with a floral arrangement and Book of Remembrance where visitors entered names of those lost.

In his homily, Father Anthony Aarons, Missionary of Mercy and basilica rector, communicated the urgency of sharing the Good News and truth in a world clouded by despair, and darkness.

“We are called upon to hear again the words of Scripture,” Father Aarons said. “Jesus, in today’s Gospel says, ‘Come to me, you who find life burdensome. Come and I will give you rest.’ But in order for this message to be experienced by people in our world, we who hear that message have to live that message. We have to know that we can always go to Him.”

Bishop John Noonan also assured those present, “Even those who despair, God is there with them.” He prayed for the families, “That the Lord will come console and strengthen you, even in your moments of doubts and in those painful losses you have suffered. God is there for you.”

Father Aarons said he is glad the Mass is now celebrated at the basilica because so many find refuge in Mary. “We like to think of going home to Mama because a mother offers refuge; a mother offers comfort; a mother offers healing. It is to say to the people – bring all your concerns to Mama and everything will be alright,” he said.

Father Aarons also put hearts at ease, sharing Church teaching on suicide considering new science on mental illness.

“When a person commits suicide, it means that person has reached a state or place in his or her life where they’re not thinking straight; they’re not thinking right. There’s a lot of confusion,” explained Father Aarons. “The Church relies on the mercy of God, therefore we leave everything and every person up to God. God knows what He’s doing and all we do is commend them to God’s mercy.”

Catherine Galda, Director of Behavioral Health for Catholic Charities of Central Florida, pointed out, “As grief goes, (loss by suicide) is a unique type of grief. It’s not the same as the loss of an elderly parent, a grandparent, or even the loss of a child due to illness. This is someone actively ending their own life. There’s a lot of conflict that goes on inside of us when somebody we love kills themselves. We have a lot of unanswered questions, but also questions regarding our faith—not questions to God, like why did you let this happen, although I’m sure those are there. But questions about being able to return to our houses of worship.”

She said, “This Mass is affirming God loves you and God loves the person who died. Come and be in His arms during your most difficult and challenging time. You are not alone. People need that. People need to feel connected to each other in times of suffering.” She said, “As a faith community that’s built on love, we need to do better at noticing, leaning in and supporting those facing a mental health challenge.”

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, September 26, 2024