The Diocese of Raphoe has launched a practical campaign to fight what one priest has described as the “epidemic of suicide.”
It comes as a well-known local priest admitted he is aware that up to 30 people have spoken or contemplated suicide or actually took their own life in Donegal within the past month alone.
The campaign’s centre piece is a Suicide Prevention Card which was introduced by Bishop Philip Boyce yesterday.
Thousands of the cards, which include phone numbers for practical help, will be distributed to schools and at masses.
Launching the card, Dr.Boyce said he wanted the public to know that the issue of suicide was very much in the minds of the Church.
Speaking after the launch, Fr Eamonn McLaughlin told Donegal Daily that the Church now realises it must act.
“Suicide in Donegal and in Ireland has been described as an epidemic and that’s not an unfair comment.
“On a personal level I know of up to 30 people who have spoken about it, contemplated it while others have actually done it over the past month.
“I have dealt directly with five of those people myself,” revealed Fr McLaughlin.
This Sunday sees a special suicide mass celebrated at St Eunan’s Cathedral at 12 noon.
The homily will deal with the issue of suicide and the offertory gifts will be brought to the altar by people directly touched by suicide.
Fr McLaughlin added that as well as offering a practical help to those considering suicide, the Church wanted to help on a spiritual basis.
“The Suicide Prevention Card contains a picture of Jesus embracing a person. We want people to know that no matter how low they fell, Jesus will always be there for them.”