Mental health and missionary children: they are the themes of the Day for Life in Ireland on 5th October, and of the Day for Children on 10th October. The goal of the Day for Life is increasing sensitivity, within the Catholic community, to the needs of the people affected by mental diseases, of their friends, relatives and the people who help them also by spreading information on the aids which several parish communities as well as the National Health Service may provide. The pastoral letter signed by the Bishops recalled that "helping those who suffer from mental diseases is up to everybody". On the other hand, the day of prayer for children (10th October) is promoted by the Society of missionary children, which has been operating in Ireland for 155 years. Its motto is "Children help other children" and, for this reason, the youngest are encouraged to pray for their less lucky fellows of the same age living in mission countries; they are also encouraged to share what they have with them. This initiative was very successful last year. Further information may be found at the site www.missionsocieties.ie.” ” ” ” ” “
