May: Honoring Mental Health and Our Blessed Mother
During May, not only do we honor Our Blessed Mother, Mary, but we also observe Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we ask the faithful to reflect on the gift of mental health and our call to foster communities of compassion and hope.
Mental health is a precious gift from God, integral to our overall well-being. The Catholic faith teaches that every person is made in the image and likeness of God, and our dignity is never diminished by illness-whether physical or mental. Pope Francis reminds us that “every life has immense value,” especially those who require more care and attention.
How to observe the month of May as a Catholic:
Pray the Rosary: During May, seek Mary’s intercession for healing and peace for those struggling with mental health challenges, or use this rosary meditation specific for mental illness.
St. Dymphna: Add an intercessory prayer to St. Dymphna, patron saint of mental health, to your daily prayers, or complete this St. Dymphna Novena.
Reduce Stigma: Share mental health resources at your parish or on social media for others to find healing.
Education & Training: Learn more about mental health or request a training for a group.
Build Community: Pray about starting a Mental Health Ministry at your parish, or click here to learn more.
Seek Help: You are not alone! If you are struggling, contact our counseling team to book an appointment with a Christian counselor.
Fort Wayne: 260-422-5625
South Bend: 574-234-3111
Give a Gift: This May, you can give a stranger the gift of mental health support by designating a gift to Catholic Charities’ Hope to Healing Counseling or Mental Health Ministries.
As we honor Mary this May, let us also honor the dignity of every person by supporting mental health with compassion, prayer, and action. Together, we can build communities where no one suffers alone, and where hope and healing flourish.