Bishop Antony Kattiparambil Presides Over Mental Health Remembrance Mass in Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi, February 18, 2026: A solemn gathering for prayer, remembrance and healing was held at the Bishop’s House as the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) of the Diocese of Cochin, in collaboration with ASHRAY, organised a Suicide Healing and Remembrance Mass on February 14.

The initiative brought together clergy, ministry members and the faithful to remember those who lost their lives to suicide and to express solidarity with grieving families.

The Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Antony Kattiparambil, who offered prayers for the repose of the departed and for healing and hope among those affected by loss. The liturgy highlighted the Church’s pastoral concern for mental health and its commitment to respond with care and sensitivity.

In his homily, the Bishop emphasised the urgent need for compassion and accompaniment for individuals experiencing psychological distress. He noted that silence and stigma surrounding suicide must be addressed through awareness, understanding and sustained pastoral engagement. He also underscored the responsibility of faith communities to foster spaces of listening, support and timely intervention.

The presence of priests involved in mental health and pastoral outreach reflected the collaborative nature of the initiative. Fr. Chilton, Director of ASHRAY, and Fr. Ashbal, diocesan coordinator of CMHM, joined other clergy and ministry members in prayer, reinforcing a shared commitment to care and accompaniment.

More than a commemorative observance, the gathering served as a call to action for communities to respond to mental health challenges with empathy and practical support.

Through prayerful remembrance and reflection, participants renewed their resolve to build communities rooted in hope, healing and suicide prevention.

By Fr. Shinto