Church Offers Hope Amid Sorrow in Naga Incident
MANILA, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Caceres expressed heartfelt sorrow following a tragic event last Sunday evening inside the Parish Church of San Francisco de Asis in Naga City. It emphasized that in these moments of sorrow and uncertainty, the Church offers not judgment, but the hope of Christ’s mercy, who came to bind up the wounded and heal the brokenhearted.
The four-word keyphrase “moments of sorrow and” captures the Church’s compassionate stance during this difficult time. The archdiocese extended prayers for the soul of the individual who took their own life on church grounds. It also reached out to the bereaved family and the affected parish community, asking the public to respect their privacy and show restraint, especially on social media platforms.
Support Offered to Affected Families and Parishioners
Recognizing the emotional impact of the incident, the archdiocese announced it will provide access to licensed psychologists and trained pastoral counselors. These professionals will assist the deceased’s immediate family, parishioners, and volunteers who witnessed the event. The Church encouraged anyone feeling distressed to seek help from priests, counselors, or trusted friends, reaffirming its commitment to offer support.
“We pray for the eternal repose of the soul of the deceased. We pray that deep psychological suffering will not lead to hopelessness,” the statement added. The Church’s message underscores the importance of mental health awareness and compassionate care during such moments of sorrow and uncertainty.
Temporary Closure and Healing Ritual Announced
In response to the event, the Parish Church of San Francisco de Asis will suspend public liturgical celebrations and close its doors until Wednesday, July 2. This pause allows the community a period of prayerful mourning and reparation. On the evening of July 2, the Rite of Reparation and Healing will be held to foster spiritual restoration.
Seeking Help and Resources
For those in need of support, the archdiocese advises reaching out to mental health services and crisis hotlines available nationwide. The Church remains dedicated to providing comfort and guidance through pastoral care and professional assistance.
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