Press Release February 6th Immediate
World Day of the Sick:
Suicide – A Community Responds
Suicide – A Community Responds
A dramatic theatre representation of stories of suicide will form a central role in events to mark World Day of the Sick in the Archdiocese of Dublin this weekend.
World Day of the Sick is celebrated by the Church worldwide every year on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and in Dublin this year it will be marked on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February.
On Saturday 7th February from 9:00am – 1:00 pm ‘Suicide a Community Responds’ is the theme for a conference of parish representatives and professionals in St. John of God Conference Centre in Stillorgan, Co. Dublin. Based on the experiences of parish communities, priests, parents, youth workers and professionals, they will discuss how they are trying to change a culture in which suicide occurs.
Bishop Raymond Field of the Dublin Diocesan World Day of the Sick Committee said their hope was that this discussion would help communities support people involved in the trauma of suicide. Bishop Field also said “This is about being proactive in developing a sense of wellbeing, care and support for people in the community, who at times in the past have felt powerless in the face of suicide.”
The event will include a drama presentation called ‘Life Force’, by the Blue Drum Theatre Company. ‘It will present stories around people who have died through suicide and facilitate a discussion based on the various stages of the person making the decision to take their own life, as to how people could have intervened and made a difference.’
On Sunday 8th February at 3pm Archbishop Diarmuid Martin will celebrate the Annual Diocesan Mass of
Healing and Anointing of the Sick in the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Navan Road, Dublin 7.
All are welcome to both events. ENDS
Healing and Anointing of the Sick in the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Navan Road, Dublin 7.
All are welcome to both events. ENDS
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Blue Drum is a specialist support agency working with the community development sector in Ireland. It is a not-for-profit company and a registered charity. The agency also aims to enable individuals, groups and communities most disadvantaged by society to access a quality arts experience.
Further Information: Trish Conway – 087 6220349 Dublin Diocese Communications Office – 8360723
