Stations of the Cross offered for those with mental illness

A special Stations of the Cross for those with mental illness will be offered March 10 at 1 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park – one of several Lenten observances at the parish, which also holds weekly Stations of the Cross on Fridays at noon and 7 p.m.

“Stations of the Cross for Persons with Mental Illness, their Families and Friends” combines traditional prayers with meditations from St. Isidora, a fourth-century nun who feigned madness while living at the Monastery at Tabenna in Egypt to be left alone to worship.

“It will focus on Christ’s suffering as a parallel to today’s struggles with mental illness,” said Judy Tacyn, communications director at St. John. “There is strength in shared suffering.”

The readings were collected by the Guild of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, a Catholic organization that spiritually supports those with mental illness or brain disorders. St. Isidora is recognized as the patron saint for those who are misunderstood, humiliated or dedicated to serving in menial, hidden ways. Her canonization date is unknown.

“I learned about it a couple of years ago,” said Cathy Sitzwohl, coordinator of the Mental Health Awareness ministry at St. John, of the mental health stations. “It mentions the station and tells you something to consider with the small mediations more or less pertaining to people with mental illnesses.”

Mental health awareness ministries are needed, Sitzwohl said, and more parishes are creating committees to help those in need.

“What we do most, what brings the most comfort to people, is the prayer group,” Sitzwohl said. Named after St. Dymphna, the patron saint of mental illness, nervous disorders, anxiety and emotional distress, the prayer group meets monthly from September through May.

“We pray for 20 minutes, listen to a speaker or watch a video, and then we have lunch,” Sitzwohl said. The gathering is free, though registration is requested.

The ministry recently began offering a monthly rosary over Zoom on the first Saturday of each month. To receive a link, email Sitzwohl at sjemhaevent@gmail.com.

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

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