Prayer for Healing of Mothers Who Have Lost a Child to Suicide
O Sorrowful Mother Mary given to us at the foot of the cross and protectress of all souls; you who lost your son and only child, can empathize with us, mothers who have lost a child to the hopelessness of suicide; come to our aid. You dear Mother know perfectly the fathomless desolation left in each of our hearts, as we strive to accept this sorrow and to find the strength to continue our journey.
Unite our shattered hearts with your Immaculate Heart, and pour into them abounding graces that will lead us to aid our children with our continuous prayers. Help us with unwavering hope to entrust their souls into your compassionate arms for comfort, as they are perfected for entry into their heavenly home. Loving Mother in your absolute understanding grant each of us who recites this prayer, in faith, healing and peace.
Give us the ability to cast our eyes on the things above, so we can continue on our own path to heaven and be reunited one day with our loved one.
Amen
My Story
I lost my only son to suicide in 2023. Diagnosed as bipolar at 18years old, he lost his struggle with mental illness at 47 years old when he purchased a gun and shot himself in the head. I found him that day and was totally devastated. I thought, I could never recover from the trauma and loss of my precious son.
One day about nine months after the suicide, while in prayer, Our Lord spoke to my mind and heart saying, “give me your sorrow and I will increase your capacity to love”. Of course I wanted to do this but didn’t know how to, as much as I tried. Again, I prayed and asked God for guidance on how to do this. God helped me to understand that I needed to focus on the things above and not earthly things. I began to realize my responsibility as a mother did not end with my son’s physical death. I was to pray for him each day. I entrusted his soul into the gentle arms of the Blessed Mother; I was confident she would bring him comfort and refreshment as he was prepared to live in the presence of God. (Kowalska, 2003)1 Within a short time that deep debilitating sorrow was gone and never returned. I continue to pray every day for him and for other mothers, and their children lost by suicide.
Our God is incredibly merciful and desires all souls to be saved. He is not bound by our time; there is no past or future for him. He sees all as a continuous now and can apply all prayers and sacrifices made by us to the last moments of an individual’s life, regardless when the prayer was made. (Alar and Lewis, 2019)2
We should have tremendous hope in this knowledge. Every prayer and sacrifice we continue to make on behalf of our children and the children of others can be applied to them at the moments before death. Never stop praying! Never stop hoping! May God’s mercy and love bring you much hope and healing.
Irene
If you would like to leave a brief comment or sharing please do so. If you would like prayers please write- prayers and first name of your child.
There is great wisdom in those words! It’s a shame we usually only find wisdom through forced suffering, but that wisdom is a gift from God. I fully believe that Jay’s soul lives on, and whether past, present, or future, he is with God, the loving source of all creation. Envision him in heaven already!
Jay was my best friend back in high school. We had lots of good times and I miss him greatly. If he only understood how much we cared about him.
I also lost a son, although under much different circumstances. I really appreciate your story Irene. If possible, I would love to share thoughts with you.
I often think of Jason and pray for him and I know in my heart that he is in heaven with our all loving Lord. I picture him smiling, happy and making the angels and saints and all who have gone to heaven laugh with his witty humor. I think he makes Jesus laugh too.
I was a close friend of Jay’s for over 40 years. Through good times, great times, bad times, devastating times, through it all – except losing him. I am not religious in any traditional sense, nor am I a parent, but suicide has touched my life several times & this perspective does give me hope. Hope that somehow, some way, my thoughts & ‘prayers’ can still help his soul in the ever after. You are deeply missed my friend, rest easy sir
– Kellie
Jason is in my thoughts and prayers every day. I know he is with Jesus and that we will all see him again.
I think of Jason often, and I pray for him every night. I know in my heart that he is with the Lord and that he is at peace. I sometimes envision him in heaven with his grandma and grandpa – happy together. I miss you Jason.
Rest in peace dear Jason. I love you and miss you.
Such a heart breaking yet uplifting story. I’m so sorry your son lost his battle with mental illness. Mental illness affects way too many people my family included. Sending love and prayers your way.
-Jean B.