Personality Disorders

In recent days I have been made acutely aware of the damage that persons with personality disorders can cause around them.  I use this term to designate a kind of mental issue that lies somewhere in between diagnosable mental illness and the general norm of mental stability (which may itself be accompanied by more or less harmless eccentricities).  Those who have to experience personality disorders in their nearest and dearest carry a heavy load of suffering and anxiety.  In Carmel we can find resources to help us bear this suffering.  Though these disorders seem to be beyond healing, we can learn to take everything to God in prayer and to rely on Him to find coping strategies for ourselves.  We need His help in order to endure life as the ‘carers’ of those who do not even see that they need help. Of course the resources in question are not restricted to Carmel, they are a part of the rich treasury of the Church, but the Carmelite saints have particular gifts to offer in this sphere.

Intercessions

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Sister Daranee Teapthong, Theresa K

Kevin (heart attack)

William Gove (recovering from stroke)

Illness:  Hilary Solomon, Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael, Kira – vulnerable youngsters

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.