St. Ignatius of Loyola understood the darkness of depression and was even tempted to suicide. Depression is an extremely difficult condition.
The good news is that we are not alone in this battle and in addition to medical care, we have a long list of heavenly friends who can help us see the light of Christ.
One such saint who is a strong intercessor and knew depression well was St. Ignatius of Loyola. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “At one time he was violently tempted to end his miseries by suicide, on which he resolved neither to eat nor to drink (unless his life was in danger), until God granted him the peace which he desired, and so he continued until his confessor stopped him at the end of the week.”
Through God’s grace he was able to climb out of the darkness of despair and become one of the greatest saints of all time.
He also left us a powerful “Prayer Against Depression” that can be said frequently, especially during those dark times in our lives. As always, prayer, matched with proper medical attention, can be a powerful aid in bringing a person out of the depths of depression into a new life of Christian joy.
O Christ Jesus
When all is darkness
And we feel our weakness and helplessness,
Give us the sense of Your Presence,
Your Love and Your Strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
In Your protecting love
And strengthening power,
So that nothing may frighten or worry us,
For, living close to You,
We shall see Your Hand,
Your Purpose, Your Will through all things.
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When we’re depressed or feeling blue, pray this prayer from Padre Pio
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Feeling alone and depressed? Pray this prayer to St. Jude for hope
