With Pope Benedict's visit to the US (check out Beliefnet's coverage by clicking here) comes an opportunity for me to explain why Catholicism is, hands down, the best religion for the mentally ill. Here are a few cool devotions and traditions within the Catholic faith that work well with those brains that are, well, creatively designed.
1. There is a saint for every neurosis.
You have a neurosis? We've got a saint! St. Joseph takes care of those prone to panic attacks while traveling. For twitching, Bartholomew the Apostle is your dude. Those roaming the house in their sleep can call on Dymphna. The venerable Matt Talbot is patron saint to those struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. And, of course, St. Jude covers the hopeless causes.
2. We have an abundance of blankies.
It's okay to be scared, to shake with anxiety, because Catholicism is chock full of security items (much like baby blankets) that mentally challenged people such as myself can carry in their pockets, purses, or on their necklaces: relics, metals, rosaries, holy water, and so on.
3. Time-outs are included.
Priests and sisters call them "retreats," but, in my humble opinion, a short stay in a psych ward and a few days at a prayer house in the woods are two similar means to an end: peace of mind. The activities for both are the same: small group discussions ("This is what energizes me, and this is what drives me absolutely crazy,") moments of silence, and several disgusting meals shared in a community room. If you ever want to feel better about being committed to a psych ward, consider it a "pilgrimage," what Pope John II called, “an exercise of...constant vigilance over one's own frailty, of interior preparation for a change of heart."
4. A vision? Cool!
A real perk of being Catholic is that you can be psychotic and people will believe you. I mean, if you see a statue of Mary weeping, or the figure of Jesus standing between your brothers in a family photo, or an angel appearing on the side of a building, you're not weird. You're a hero!
5. Go Ahead, talk to yourself.
Likewise, if you are ever caught talking to yourself—like when a car pulls up to you wanting directions to the Fish Fry and then noticing that no one is beside you as you jabber along--simply pull out your prayer beads, and the Catholics will commend you for saying a rosary.
6. Angels are on call.
Some people get reckless when they are manic. They try different kinds dangerous stunts (racking up $4,000 on a master card) that could damage or kill them. If they didn't have a gaggle of angels looking over them. Phew.
7. You might lose weight.
This one isn't a guarantee, but any non-Catholic who comes to our liturgy will feel like he has just been to aerobics with all the ups (standing) and downs (sitting), and in-betweens (kneeling). Now throw on top of those cardio workouts the fasts that we like to do, especially during Lent, and chances are that you will shed a few pounds.
8. We party a lot.
Do you know how many holy days of obligation there are? I get confused, too, because days like Ash Wednesdays aren't obligated, just strongly suggested. But by the time you add all the solemnities and feast days and liturgical seasons, nearly every day is a party. Neurobiologists and psychiatrists and psychologists--all those smart people with initials after their names--say that celebration is good for the brain. Especially laughter. We Catholics like to laugh. And laughter can heal.
9. You can tell our jokes.
And speaking of laughing, if you are Catholic, you get to tell Catholic jokes. Note: they aren't received well from non-Catholics. Remember that "Seinfeld" episode, when Jerry's dentist converts to Judaism so that he can tell Jewish jokes? If you are in the club, you can tell us about what St. Peter said to the lawyer who tried to get into heaven.
10. We do a lot of good.
Unlike evangelical Protestants, we Catholics believe that we are saved not only by our faith, but also by our charitable works. So we invest a lot of sweat and energy into social justice, which is good for every form of mood disorder. By getting out of ourselves and attaching ourselves to a bigger cause, we lessen our despair.
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Dear kyxapka,
I, personally, understood the point you were making in your first post as viewed through your eyes. What you said has merit to it. It IS very important to see all sides of an issue.
I would not like you to feel it is necessary to defend yourself ... more importantly; nor would Therese.
What I would like you to do instead is:
See the Post Therese wrote on:
MARCH 26th. J.K. ROWLING'S SUICIDAL DAYS
Next go to ARCHIVES:
(You may already know this, but just incase -
on the right of your screen just scroll down)
Then click on APRIL
Continue to APRIL 8th.
"Mr. Dogg, Stress and Depression"
At the bottom under CATEGORIES
Click on J.K.ROWLING's NAME
Today is too precious to spend one more minute of your time on the past ...
Yes, all those classical tenets of Catholicism attracted me when I hung around them. When I had visions I had a choice between thinking I was a loony and Hildegarde von Bingen. I chose Hildegarde. But there are other tenets, like the problems of celibacy and the ordination of women which I find insurmountable. (Not to mention that I had the horrific experience of feeling a priest was coming on to me when I went to him for pastoral counseling!)
But really, as the saying goes - the ways are many - the PATH is ONE. We all see this spiritual journey through our cultural lens. Mine is really a high church Protestantism - or a Celtic Christianity - but whatever WORKS.
It is reassuring that traditionally religious traditions have seen people such as ourselves, who are beyond the norm, as being that way closer to God. (and nowadays, we would add creativity.) Holding on to that traditional sense and its rituals can be something to hold on to when the mental storms descend.
I'm not Catholic but those 10 reason were just to good to pass up on sending it to all my friends...some Catholic and some not!!
Thanks for the laugh.
Nan
Please listen my advice and accaept Islam please research about Islam dont look only with your own media and books please be more objective
i hope you are right and im wrong because your reasons dont make sense ,next time include the real way for salvation,or the saints are going to save you?good luck,keep praying i hope the were as good as my Lord
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