SUICIDE AND CHRISTIAN BURIAL
By. Rev. Fr. Petros Mwale (Mzuzu Diocese – Malawi)
INTRODUCTION
“Fr. Petros, those who die from the act of Suicide do they deserve Christian burial” – Madalitso Chione (Karonga Diocese)
DEFINITION
Suicide means ending your own life. Many factors and circumstances can contribute to someone’s decision to end his/her life. Factors such as loss, addictions, childhood trauma or other forms of trauma, depression, serious physical illness, and major life changes can make some people feel overwhelmed and unable to cope.
VIOLATION OF LOVE
Suicide violates a genuine love for oneself and one’s neighbor — family, friends, neighbors, and even acquaintances. Other people need us and depend upon us in ways we may not even know.
DO THEY DESERVE CHRISTIAN BURIAL?
Yes. It is recognized that those who die from the act of suicide deserve understanding and compassion. The deceased may have been suffering from a serious psychological instability, or overwhelming fear and confusion. Therefore, the Church offers funeral and burial rites for those who may have died as a result of suicide.
Only God can read the depths of our soul. Only He knows how much we love Him and how responsible we are for our actions. We leave the judgment then to Him alone.
CONCLUSION
Honestly speaking, it is a very bad idea to commit suicide. Our Lord knew the joy and pain, success and failure, pleasure and suffering, happiness and sorrow that come in this life; yet, He also showed us how to live this life in the love of God and trusting in His will ~ Mt 6:10.
May the souls of all those who committed suicide, Rest in Eternal Peace…. Amen!
Receive my priestly blessings from St. Cecilia Catholic Parish (Mpherembe)
Rev. Fr. Petros Mwale (Mzuzu Diocese – MALAWI. Feedback: WhatsApp only +265884150185)
SOURCES
Clemons, J. T., Perspectives on Suicide, Westminster: John Knox Press, 1990.
Dowie, J. A., Leaves of Healing. London: Zion Publishing House, 2002.
Catholic Doctrines 