EnCourage: When pain led to purpose
January 7, 2026
Street Carolling in Couva
January 7, 2026
On Monday, September 29, 2025, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) hosted another session in its ongoing grief support series, ‘When a Loved One Dies by Suicide’. The evening focused on the video ‘What the Church Teaches’, which explores the Catholic Church’s evolving understanding of suicide, mental health, and God’s boundless mercy.
Facilitated by members of the AFLC’s grief support team, the session provided a sacred space for individuals who have experienced suicide loss to reflect, learn, and share.
Participants included those mourning loved ones, as well as persons seeking to better understand how to support others living with such grief. The programme was introduced as part of the Church’s pastoral response to the growing number of suicides in Trinidad and Tobago and the urgent need to accompany those who are suffering.
The featured video, adapted from a US-based Catholic resource, presented reflections from Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix, and Deacon Ed Schooner—both of whom have personally experienced the loss of family members to suicide.
They spoke candidly about their journeys of faith, grief, and healing, emphasising the Church’s mission of compassion rather than condemnation. The presentation helped to dispel misconceptions about suicide and salvation, clarifying that the Church does not teach that those who die by suicide are automatically lost, but rather entrusts their souls to God’s mercy.
Following the video, participants discussed their own experiences and understandings of the Church’s teachings. Many expressed relief in learning that the Church recognises the complex realities of mental illness and despair. Facilitators emphasised that this awareness marks a shift from past attitudes, reflecting the Church’s growing pastoral care for those affected by suicide and its commitment to offering hope and healing.
The session also included a discussion on the stages of grief, helping participants recognise that their emotions, whether anger, guilt, or sorrow, are natural responses to loss.
Facilitators reminded the group that grief is a healthy expression of love and encouraged them to seek professional support if needed. A reflective prayer closed the session, affirming that God’s mercy is greater than any human pain, and that praying for the deceased remains a powerful act of love. The series continued December 8 and 15 from 7 p.m. online.
To register or for more information on this series,
please email: aflc.pc@catholictt.org Need support? Call 800-COPE (2673) Resources: https://aflcrc.org/suicide-awareness/
