India archdiocese launches suicide prevention helpline
By Antonio Anup Gonsalves
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/india-archdiocese-launches-suicide-prevention-helpline/
Article includes Photo:
Archbishop Filipe Neri (center) launches the suicide prevention helpline
with director Fr. Mario Saturnino Dias (second from right). Credit Fr.
Mario Saturnino Dias.
Goa, India, May 28, 2014 / 02:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).
The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has launched a
round-the-clock emergency suicide prevention helpline to proactively
address the escalating suicide rates in the region.
“Life is given by God, and only he has the power to take it back,” said
local archbishop Filipe Neri Sebastião do Rosário Ferrão at the May 24
announcement of the “God Saves Life-line” initiative.
“In today's society, we need to offer hope to the people that God has
created them in love and that He still loves them…and this hope is what
'God Saves Life-line,' is expected to offer.”
Archbishop Rosário Ferrão inaugurated the project by leading a prayer
service and imparting his blessing while commissioning the initiative to
the Diocesan Center for Missionary Animation in Old Goa. Located about
eight miles from the capital city Panjim, the center is near the
renowned Basilica of Bom Jesus that holds a reliquary of St. Francis
Xavier and draws daily an average of over five thousand devotees and
visitors.
“Life is important and its precious gift of God for we are created in
His image and likeness,” Fr. Dr. Mario Saturnino Dias, creator of the
project and director for the center told CNA May 25.
“It's concerning to witness while reading daily newspapers reports the
scourge of modern times that people are undertaking extreme steps in
committing suicide,” he said, adding: “Every human being has also an
inner urge to live and also an urge to save life irrespective of caste,
creed or religion.”
The director recounted that over the last two decades, the suicide rate
in the country has been “mounting steadily.” Over 180,000 suicides were
reported for 2010 and claimed a younger population between the ages of
15 to 29 years. According to the priest, many suicides also go unreported.
The National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs reports that
the average suicide rate in Goa is 15.8 per 100 thousand – above the
National Average of 11.4 – an “alarmingly distressing” fact putting the
state in tenth position country-wide.
“To me saving one life is as important as saving thousand lives,” Fr.
Dias said.
“If somebody becomes aware of receiving hope in hopelessness; finds
openness of love, care, affection, concern and positive energy,
assistance of qualified counselors a depressed life situation can bring
optimistic change.”
He noted that the challenges youth face in India range from family
poverty, drug abuse and alcoholism, failure in love affairs, dowry
disputes, rural illiteracy, ignorance, and superstitions, agricultural
challenges, to bankruptcy loans and many other causes.
Fr. Dias strongly emphasized the “important of role of the parents” in
upbringing of their children.
He urged parents, “Teach your children to appreciate life and be trained
to accept gracefully the many frustrations which are part of life so
that their tolerance level is increased.”
Callers are assured of confidentiality and can also be provided help
through a state-wide network of government services like hospitals, law
enforcement and legal bodies such as police, the fire department and
associations like Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Caritas and other
Church bodies.
“It is a good sign a helpline has been launched...such helplines act as
a preventive measure to the members of the society to avert tragedy and
save life,” Dr. Ivonne Pereira, head of the Dept. of Psychiatry for Goa
Medical College told CNA.
Dr. Ivone also released the sixth issue of “Celebrate God's Love” a
magazine published by the Centre as an effort to re-evangelize those
whose faith is dwindling.
Ashok Menon, director of Goa Fire and Emergency Services, also released
new promotional car stickers for the “God Saves Life-line.” He said the
personnel assisting in the calls should be able to “know not just what
to do but how to do as they offer their services in helping people in
distress.”
Local individuals experiencing suicidal feelings or those who want to
prevent suicide by another person displaying such tendencies can call
the “God Saves Help-line” at: +91832 22-8-44-33.
---end---
--
Albert Peres
afpe...@3129.ca
416.660.0847 cell
