Naperville church to host special liturgy celebrating St. Dymphna May 24
Anyone living with emotional or mental illness and those who love and care about them are invited to a special Mass commemorating St. Dymphna at 7 p.m. Monday, May 24, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.
Because of its recognition, the Mass has become an annual event held near the feast day, May 15, of this patron saint of individuals involved with such illnesses.
"We encourage anyone who wishes to attend and participate in this healing liturgy to join us because it offers prayer and a quiet respite for those touched by emotional or mental illness in any way, especially during these very trying times," said Susan Kearney, coordinator of the behavioral health ministry that is sponsoring the Mass.
Health and safety reasons, as well as Joliet Diocesan and Illinois Department of Health rules, require that those attending the liturgy wear face masks and observe social distancing regulations. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the service.
Registration also is requested for planning purposes and will be accepted until 5 p.m. the day of the Mass. Registration is available by contacting Susan Kearney at (630) 355-8980, ext. 108, or sdkearney@comcast.net. Walk-ins also will be welcomed.
Dymphna was only 17 when her mother died, and the emotional and mental difficulties that plagued her father following his wife's death culminated in the young girl's martyrdom.
Subsequent cures and miracles attributed to her resulted in Dymphna's being canonized a saint and many successful treatment centers today are named in her honor.
The behavioral health ministry at St. Thomas strives to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and to minister to the emotionally/mentally ill and their family and friends with confidentiality and respect. Support is offered through advocacy, prayer and education.
Those interested in further information about the St. Dymphna Mass or the behavioral health ministry may contact Kearney at (630) 355-8980, ext. 108, or sdkearney@comcast.net.
St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God's unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,400 households of more than 10,750 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs is available at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information, call (630) 355-8980.