Suicide

[ThomasB36]

catholicspirit.com/stories/2007/april/12uicide.html

The Catholic Church’s position on suicide has evolved over the years. Advances in medical science and psychology have guided the church in its understanding of the dynamics of suicide.

Msgr. Michael J. Alliegro, diocesan executive director, Worship and Liturgical Formation, cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2282 and 2283: “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

“We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.”

The church also now offers funeral Masses for those who have committed suicide. They where once prohibited by canon law. Santos’ husband received a funeral Mass in St. Ann Church

 

[Trishie]

For those who have committed suicide in less understanding times, since time is no barrier to God, I ask the Lord Jesus to take comfort to those anguished families who long ago believed their loved ones were in hell. Lord, I ask Your compassion on the families and friends of those who suicide, and upon the souls of their dead.

 

[apromisemade]

This is something I have wondered about for a while, as I can say, from personal experience, suicide is rarely about actually wanting to die. Most of the time, what people who attempt/commit suicide are trying to say is, “Somebody help me.”

 

[ThomasB36]

This is something I have wondered about for a while, as I can say, from personal experience, suicide is rarely about actually wanting to die. Most of the time, what people who attempt/commit suicide are trying to say is, “Somebody help me.”

Yeah but sometimes it is too late for help and the family grieving are the people who need help. I walked for my brother in the AFSP Out of Darkness walk.

 

[Christy_Beth]

Suicide is also about “I just want the pain to end.” This pain may be physical or mental. On my part, it was the mental/emotional pain that caused me to attempt suicide three different times. Right now I’m “stable.” But that isn’t to mean that the bottom might drop out on me tomorrow.

 

[captbackfire]

So is suicide a mortal sin or not? What sayeth the Pope?

capt

 

[ThomasB36]

So is suicide a mortal sin or not? What sayeth the Pope?

capt

I think it is but did you read the article I posted? People can judge my brother how ever they want but the people that loved him have learned to forgive him. We need to do all we can to prevent other people from causing harm to themselves. If anyone can provide more info on this cause let us know. I would like to hear a priest say that he has been forgiven but I haven’t heard that. It seems like it is a topic which is not dealt with a lot of times.

 

[emeraldcoast]

I think it is but did you read the article I posted? People can judge my brother how ever they want but the people that loved him have learned to forgive him. We need to do all we can to prevent other people from causing harm to themselves. If anyone can provide more info on this cause let us know. I would like to hear a priest say that he has been forgiven but I haven’t heard that. It seems like it is a topic which is not dealt with a lot of times.

Hi Thomas,

I will tell you what I believe…

I believe that God softened the hearts of you and those that loved your brother to forgive him.

Do you not believe that your brother is in Heaven?

God Bless!

 

[ThomasB36]

Hi Thomas,

I will tell you what I believe…

I believe that God softened the hearts of you and those that loved your brother to forgive him.

Do you not believe that your brother is in Heaven?

God Bless!

No offense but if there is such a place he is there. Or if you ever watch Ghostwhisperer, he may still be with us.
I question a lot of things but have never let anyone tell me what I should think. I think this is due to my father abandoning my family when I was 2 years old. I do consider everything that is presented to me but then I make my own decsion.

 

[emeraldcoast]

No offense but if there is such a place he is there. Or if you ever watch Ghostwhisperer, he may still be with us.
I question a lot of things but have never let anyone tell me what I should think. I think this is due to my father abandoning my family when I was 2 years old. I do consider everything that is presented to me but then I make my own decsion.

Thomas,

Are you a practicing Catholic? Do you have a priest that you can go to directly and ask your questions about your brother’s death?

Ghostwhisperer—not my cup of tea…

God Bless!

 

[ThomasB36]

Thomas,

Are you a practicing Catholic? Do you have a priest that you can go to directly and ask your questions about your brother’s death?

Ghostwhisperer—not my cup of tea…

God Bless!

Yes, I went through RCIA last year. I was only baptised and was not raised Catholic.
I have a priest at my church that is a friend of the family. My cousin is also a retired priest. I have talked to them but they just listen and don’t say much which is what most people do.

 

[captbackfire]

Check out “The Original Catholic Encyclopedia”, which you can click on at the top of your screen when you come to CAF, and look up “suicide”. You may find your answers there.

capt

 

[vera_dicere]

I’m guessing if you kill yourself because you want to avoid justice for a crime you committed - like someone from Enron or somerhing then chances are, God won’t be too impressed with them.

When a person takes their life because of a mental issue, I’m sure the Lord shows mercy.

HOwever, I’m pretty sure someone who activtly seeks euthanasia and is in their “right mind” regardless of pain level, I’d wagdger that’s a mortal sin.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I’m guessing if you kill yourself because you want to avoid justice for a crime you committed - like someone from Enron or somerhing then chances are, God won’t be too impressed with them.

When a person takes their life because of a mental issue, I’m sure the Lord shows mercy.

HOwever, I’m pretty sure someone who activtly seeks euthanasia and is in their “right mind” regardless of pain level, I’d wagdger that’s a mortal sin.

Define “right mind”. Augment that definition with regard to “pain level”. Is anyone thinking of suicide in their right mind?

Both of these are subjective and, and from our vantage point, difficult to determine. And if a person being euthanized regrets and repents at the last minute it would mitigate some of the responsibility.

 

[ThomasB36]

Define “right mind”. Augment that definition with regard to “pain level”. Is anyone thinking of suicide in their right mind?

Both of these are subjective and, and from our vantage point, difficult to determine. And if a person being euthanized regrets and repents at the last minute it would mitigate some of the responsibility.

I think that the Original Catholic Encyclopedia is a good reference for this topic. Someone in an earlier post referred to this.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I think that the Original Catholic Encyclopedia is a good reference for this topic. Someone in an earlier post referred to this.

Thanks but I didn’t need a reference. I concerned about the PP’s statement about euthanasia and mortal sin. I suggested that there may be some mitigating circumstances. I was asking the PP for his perspective.

 

[captbackfire]

Was there a question in the original post that started this thread? Or am I missing something?

capt

 

[ThomasB36]

Was there a question in the original post that started this thread? Or am I missing something?

capt

Nope. I just posted some information from an article.

 

[ThomasB36]

Thanks but I didn’t need a reference. I concerned about the PP’s statement about euthanasia and mortal sin. I suggested that there may be some mitigating circumstances. I was asking the PP for his perspective.

Not sure what “PP” is referring to.