The Catholic Church had long regarded suicide as a sin, before adopting a more progressive stance in recent years.
On Sunday, the Diocese of Phoenix held its first remembrance Mass at Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral for those who have died by suicide, marking National Suicide Prevention Week.
Bishop John Dolan, who led the Mass, says the issue impacts him on a personal level.
"I was in eighth grade when my brother, Tom, died by suicide. And that created such a terrible wake of grief within the family," Dolan said.
Dolan later lost both his sister and her husband days apart to suicide.
"We were waiting for my sister, Therese, and her husband to come for Thanksgiving. Everything was ready, the table was set, and they were the last to arrive; or so we thought. Sadly that didn't happen. Neither made it," Dolan said.
Dolan said that when his brother died, no one talked about suicide. He believes communication is critical as relatives try to cope after losing a family member.
Dolan says he wants survivors of suicide loss to know that the church is here for them, and by sharing his own story, they know they’re not alone.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, there is help. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (en Español, llame al 988, prensa 2; for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, dial 711 then 988). You may also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
