We have become friends with a young Marine whose brother served our country in the Army. Upon the brother's return from overseas, he became very despondent. He was given medical attention through the Veterans Administration, but we recently learned that he took his own life.

Our young Marine is a Catholic and, therefore, recognizes the seriousness of the act. What comfort can I offer him? I have tried to make clear that his brother was not in his right mind, and sometimes drugs given to help such cases only make them worse. I hate to reduce salvation to an "in on a technicality" basis, but surely there must be some provision for those whose psychi is greatly disturbed and truly have no control over themselves anymore.

What does the Church say?

Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.

Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.

COPYRIGHT 2009

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