On this Solemnity of All Saints we are reminded of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us and inherited the Kingdom. They are a powerful source of support and encouragement. Many of them faced the same challenges we do, including mental health struggles and mental illnesses. As we pray for their spiritual support and we meditate on their lives, we are offered hope. Hope that if they can overcome their suffering, we can too. They were human, with all the same flaws and imperfections, yet they became transformed by drawing close to God. May we befriend them on our journey as a vehicle for more intensely experiencing God’s love for us. He longs to be with us in our suffering and the saints can help us open the door to our hearts.
St. Dymphna: Patron saint of mental illness/mental health
St. Therese of Lisieux: Believed to have had an anxiety disorder related to an insecure attachment style. She often experienced separation anxiety and described feeling abandoned. This struggle fueled her spirituality which in turn earned her the title of Doctor of the Church
St. Oscar Romero: Salvadoran Archbishop diagnosed with OCD Personality Disorder. Attended and advocated for long term therapy in addition to spiritual practices
Saint Mark Ji Tianxiang & St. Augustine: Patron saints of addiction
St. Thorlak: Patron saint for autistic people
St. Margaret of Castello & St. Joseph of Cupertino: Patron saints for the disabled
St. Eugene & St. Elizabeth of Portugal: Patron saints of wounded families and healing ruptured relationships
Our Lady Undoer of Knots: Intercedes for us with anything that causes suffering, specifically whatever impedes the glory of God from shining in our lives
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* The information provided is for self-enrichment and not intended to replace any necessary mental health treatment.
Warmly,
Jonathan Dixon, LMFT
Alpha Omega Team
