For Those Who Are Depressed

"Christ took all human suffering on himself, even mental illness. Yes, even this affliction, which perhaps seems the most absurd and incomprehensible, configures the sick person to Christ and gives him a share in his passion."

‘Human suffering in fact can show forth the goodness of God: the wound can become a fountain of life (cf. Jn. 19:34). The experience of suffering discourages and depresses many people, but in the lives of others it can create a new depth of humanity: it can bring new strength and new insight. The path to understanding this mystery is our faith. When faith turns to prayerful contemplation, it reveals to us all the power of the Lord’s Easter victory: ‘death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor tears nor pain’ (Rv. 21:4).’

"Dear people who are sick, be able to find in love the salvific meaning of your sorrow and valid answers to all of your questions. Yours is a mission of most lofty value for both the Church and society. You who are weighed down by suffering are in the front line of those beloved by God. Just as he looked on all those whom he met on the roads of Palestine, Jesus looks on you with eyes full of tenderness. His love will never fail."

"Always look trustingly toward Jesus, the ‘Suffering Servant,’ asking him for the strength to transform the trial afflicting you into a gift. Listen with faith to his voice repeating to each of you: ‘Come to me, all who are weary and oppressed, and I will give you rest’ (Mt 11:28)."

"The sick or suffering bear Christ’s cross. Each of them is a great prophet, a very great prophet who bears Christ’s cross with his strength, in his light."

"You, Lord, are everything to everyone, but especially to the suffering, because you suffered, you took up the cross, you died on the cross and you rose again."