Bishop Dolan leads 1,000 worshippers at diocese’s fifth annual Mass of Remembrance

In brief

Bishop John Dolan led more than 1,000 people in the fifth annual Mass of Remembrance for those who died by suicide at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 13.

During the service, survivors of suicide loss placed carnations at the side altar dedicated to the diocese's patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Bishop Dolan spoke to the congregation about his personal experience losing three siblings, a brother-in-law, and a nephew to suicide. He told worshippers that while grief may not disappear, they can lessen their pain by entrusting their loved ones to the mercy of God. He described those lost as real people who belonged to God.