November brings many moments of remembrance and reflection to the Church, the mental health community, and our society.
The Church celebrates All Saints and All Souls. We recognize and honor family caregivers, remember those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and offer compassion to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. As a nation, we gather for Thanksgiving, grateful for the many blessings God has given us.
For me, these November observances evoke deep feelings of loss and grief, but also gratitude and hope. They remind us of our shared humanity and our need for connection—with one another and with God.
Loss and life’s challenges can humble us. They can strip away the defenses we build around ourselves and leave us feeling vulnerable. Yet, in that sacred space of vulnerability, we may also discover something beautiful: the courage to be ourselves, to receive the love of others, and to love more deeply. It is there that we encounter our shared humanity and the gift of being fully alive.
As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, nature invites us to reflect on change, letting go, and surrender. Autumn brings the abundance of the harvest, even as it leads us into a season of waiting. For people of faith, this rhythm can remind us of the Paschal Mystery: through Christ, death gives way to the promise of resurrection and new life.
November also calls us to recognize those whose lives have been changed by the responsibility of caring for a family member or friend. Caregiving is a profound expression of love, but it can also bring exhaustion, isolation, and worry. Caregivers need care, too. They deserve our gratitude, our support, and opportunities to tend to their own health and well-being.
We also hold close in our hearts those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, along with the people who love and care for them. These illnesses can bring painful changes in memory and abilities, and families may experience grief throughout the journey. Yet each person remains worthy of dignity, tenderness, and connection. Even when words or memories become difficult to find, a loving presence can still offer comfort.
This month, we also remember those who have lost someone to suicide. In 2024, nearly 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States—an average of approximately 134 people each day.
Behind every number is a precious life and a circle of family, friends, and loved ones whose lives have been changed. Those grieving a suicide loss may experience sorrow, anger, guilt, confusion, and many other emotions. There is no timetable for grief and no simple answer to every question. Healing can be a slow and tender journey, supported by the presence of family and friends, compassionate mental health and pastoral care, and the patience to walk together one day at a time.
As we gather in our churches for All Saints and All Souls, we remember that we are connected to the great communion of saints and to all who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Their lives and their love continue to touch our own.
When we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, may we be mindful of the precious and sometimes fragile humanity we share. May we also remember those for whom this season is difficult—those who are grieving, feeling alone, or longing for the presence of someone they love.
As a nation and as a people, may we grow in gratitude for one another. May we listen more deeply, reach out more readily, and treat one another with greater compassion and understanding.
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My prayer for all of us this November is that we may find healing, strengthen the bonds that connect us, and grow in respect and love for one another.
From all of us at Saint Luke Institute, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving! May your hearts and homes be filled with peace.