ROCKFORD—On May 15, Bishop Malloy was the celebrant at a special Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter where some 75 people from the area, the Fox Valley, Dixon, DeKalb and elsewhere gathered to pray for themselves and loved ones who struggle with mental health or substance use challenges, as well as for caregivers, clinicians, mental health ministers and first responders.

 

Those who have died by suicide and those mourning their loss also were remembered in prayer.

 

The Mass was celebrated on the feast of St. Dymphna, patron of those suffering from mental illness.

 

A reception followed, and guests lingered and visited for more than an hour.

 

Two guests recalled how their parish churches were a place of solace for them and their family members during the peak of their mental health trials, and they shared the hope-filled status of their thriving loved ones today.

 

“We need to support each other and pray to St. Dymphna and, especially, to the Blessed Mother,” one said. “Prayer helps,” a third person said simply. “It hits the heart.”