The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced a nine-day mental health novena beginning on October 10, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.
This initiative is part of the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign, aiming to raise awareness and combat stigmas associated with mental health.
The novena will conclude on October 18, the feast of Saint Luke, the patron of health care. Each day focuses on a specific theme and saint, such as Saint Dymphna on the first day, who is the patroness of those suffering from mental illness.
Catholics nationwide are encouraged to participate by engaging in daily prayers, teachings and actionable steps to address mental health concerns. Parishes are also invited to integrate the campaign into homilies and prayers of the faithful.
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Robert Barron, leading figures in the campaign, emphasized last year that “everyone who needs help should receive help.”
The USCCB hopes the novena will inspire greater assistance for those facing mental health challenges.
Resources and materials for the novena are available on the USCCB website at www.usccb.org/mentalhealth.
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