World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10. The USCCB has announced a new component within the ongoing National Catholic Mental Health Campaign. This aspect of the mental health campaign builds upon the goal of promoting healing and hope for all who struggle with mental illness and is inclusive of the people who accompany them.
“Healing and Hope” is taken from the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign’s introductory statement, authored by Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Robert Barron, who wrote: “As pastors, we want to emphasize this point to anyone who is suffering from mental illness or facing mental health challenges: nobody and nothing can alter or diminish your God-given dignity. You are a beloved child of God, a God of healing and hope.”
Catholics are encouraged to pray the Novena for Mental Health from Friday, October 10, to Saturday, October 18. You can read more about the Healing and Hope initiative here.