Suicide of Colombian priest in the US: Bishop of Paterson pray for him and calls hope in God

Paterson’s bishop in New Jersey (USA), Mons. Kevin J. Sweeney, lamented the suicide of Fr. Rafael Ciro, a priest of Colombian origin that served as a pastor of the church of San Esteban, said he pray for him and asked for prayers for him, in addition to trusting him to the mercy of God.

In a communication Published on August 29, the Prelate recalled that the priest, born in 1979 in Colombia, was “faithful, cheerful and delivered”, since his ordination on May 25, 2013.

In statements a UnivisionMaría Rodríguez commented that Fr. Rafael “was a very good father. He was very dear, he had many people who want him, although he is no longer with us. We miss him.”

A priest “is not exempt from the disease”

In his statement, the bishop said that “a priest, like every human being, is not exempt from the disease. Although most understand that a physical illness can be fatal, we do not always recognize that the same can be true regarding mental illness.”

“Fr. Rafael fought the good battle in his fighting with mental illness, and was not alone in that fight,” he said.

Mons. Sweeney also pointed out that “the deep despair that can lead to a person of faith to this earthly conclusion is beyond our full understanding. Therefore, we entrust Father Ciro, his loved ones afflicted already his brothers priests in prayer, asking for the consolation that only God can give.”

A call to hope

“Shakey in the deepest by this tragedy, our faith in eternal life in Christ remains as light in the dark,” explains the bishop.

“None of us can completely understand Father Rafael’s fears and struggles. However, we know he fought with courage to find the peace that he longed for. The shadow of this moment does not decrease the brilliant light of his spirit,” he adds.

“Grant him, Lord, eternal rest, and shine for him perpetual light. Rest in peace,” says the prelate by indicating that the details of the funeral will soon be announced.

What does the Catholic Church say about suicide?

Church teaching on suicide is in the numerals that go from 2280 to 2283 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In this regard, the bishop recalls what the 2283 says: “We must not despair of the eternal salvation of the people who have killed. God may have provided them, by ways he only knows, the occasion of a healthy repentance. The Church prays for the people who have taken their lives.”

In addition, and although suicide “is contrary to the love of the living God”, the catechism also establishes in numeral 2282 that “serious psychic disorders, anguish, or serious fear of the test, suffering or torture, may reduce the responsibility of the suicide.”

“With this certainty, we trust Father Rafael to the infinite mercy of God, rich in compassion,” says the bishop of Paterson.

Seek help

If you or someone you know is going through an emotional crisis or suicidal thoughts, remember that the Catholic Church offers spiritual accompaniment, prayer and listening spaces, and encourages to seek professional help, encourage prelate.

You can communicate with help lines, as a national suicide prevention line (988 in the US) corresponding to your country, or go to your parish, where you will find support and pastoral resources.

The Catholic Church teaches that life is a gift from God and accompanies those who suffer, without judging and offering hope, prayer and comfort to affected families.