On Tuesday afternoon the French far right historian, Dominique Venner, committed suicide on the altar of the Notre Dame cathedral in in the centre of Paris. The 78-year-old man walked up to the altar, placed a sealed envelope and then shot himself in full view of many people who were visiting. The envelope contained the “Declaration of Dominique Venner: reasons for a voluntary death.”
Venner paid the ultimate price in defence of his conservative beliefs. His tragic death seem to have been a final protest against the introduction of gay marriage in France and what he considered to be the Islamisation of his country.
The reaction of the Femen activist group and other far right protestors is despicable and condemnable in the extreme. Whatever views one holds, the moment of one’s death is a moment that should be respected.
This is not the first time that a suicide was committed publicly as an act of protest. On 6 May 1998 Bishop John Joseph of Faisalabad shot himself publicly at the court. His death was an act of protest against the execution of a Christian man who was falsely charge of blasphemy by Muslims in Pakistan. Bishop Joseph had spent all his life fighting for the rights of Christian. His final act was a loud cri de cour against the suffering of Christians in Pakistan.
Most suicides, however, are not public manifestations of protest. They are private act of pain both for the person committing it and for the family. Following a piece I recently wrote I received an email that, with the permission of the writer, I am sharing with you.
“I am a mother who lost her son through suicide some years back, and I can understand the grief and pain the Pace family, and of any other family, go through under the circumstances. Nobody understands our devastation and helplessness, plus the unanswered questions we ask ourselves.
“My son lost his battle with depression after nine years, he was only 27. He never abused drugs or alcohol, he was ill and a broken relationship was the last straw. Nobody can understand the fragile mind.
“Then all sort of gossip arises. People point fingers and judge. Some people simply avoid you, I quite understand, they don't know what to say. Others pass hurtful remarks, like, 'he got what he wanted' or 'he was selfish' and even asking personal questions.
“I firmly believe that after all the suffering he, and others like him, go through GOD in His mercy will be awaiting them with His arms open for them.
“I walk proud and with my head held high up, because I loved him no matter what.
My point to all this is that articles like yours are very empowering and of solace to families like us.”
She then referred me to the articles that every August Fr. Ronald Rolhieser writes about suicide in the Catholic Herald. She also sent me a fewof these articles. Reading them I could understand why this lady found so much solace in these articles. Fr Rolheiser communicates so very clearly and effectively God's tender love and forgiveness towards all, suicide victims definitely included.
I will not repeat the consoling words of Fr Rolheise but will refer my readers to www.ronrolheiser.com. Go to the archives to find his writings about suicide and about so many other subjects (http://www.ronrolheiser.com/columnarchive/?search=suicide&Submit=Search+Archives).
PS. Please note that every December at the Millennuim Chapel a symbolic ceremony is held as an aid to families whose dear ones died as a result of suicide. Anyone interested can email me and I will put him in contact with the organisers.