Day for Life 2008
Archbishop Mario Conti

Every year churches throughout the world set aside a special day which they mark as the “Day for Life”. 

The idea came originally from the late Pope John Paul II, who in his great letter on the sacredness of human life asked that each country’s bishops designate such a day on which people could be asked to reflect and pray about themes relating to the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.

The Catholic Church is well known for its “pro-life” stance, and the media understand very well our respect for human life at its most vulnerable stages – namely in the womb and at the end of life’s span.

But to be pro-life is to champion “all of life” – not just the periods at the beginning and the end, but all the great ups and downs which mark our earthly existence.

That is why I am delighted that the decision has been made to focus this year’s Day of Life on the issue of illness – and especially mental illness.

I was amazed to read recently that one in four people in this country will experience a mental health problem at some time in their lives.  Though given the increasingly hectic and pressurised lifestyles we have today, perhaps I shouldn’t have been so taken aback.

Yet, despite the high numbers of persons affected by mental health disorders the issue remains something of a Cinderella subject.

Most people are reluctant to speak their about mental health, whether it be affected by stress, bereavement, exhaustion or diseases such as clinical depression or schizophrenia. 

That taboo has no place in the Church’s life.

The late Pope John – whom we still refer to as “Good Pope John” – likes to remind the world that the Church was “Mater et Magistra” – our Mother and out teacher … but our mother first!

So this year the Catholic Church in Great Britain and Ireland wants to give the message loud and clear that as a mother she is close to all those who are suffering, be it in body or soul, mind or spirit, but particularly in this area of mental health.

There are many in the Church who can lend a sympathetic ear and offer support in many ways. We have detailed some such services in the literature published for the occasion.

Alternatively on this website there are useful contact details for many organisations whose gentle and sensitive care can provide the support or healing people need.

Jesus was especially close to those who were oppressed and over-burdened by cares. He sought them out, reached out to them, and offered them the healing touch of God.

All of us who bear the name of Christ are asked to follow in Our Lord’s footsteps, showing a special concern for those affected by illness of any sort. We can ask ourselves how well we follow Christ’s commandment to love as He loved us, offering words of support and practical gestures of care for those affected and their families.

That commandment went beyond the wisdom of the ancients, who taught to do unto others what you would have them do unto you.

Christian love surpasses even the demands of the Old Testament to “love our neighbour”.

Instead Christians are called to “love one another as he has loved us.”