Episode 23: Losing a Daughter to Suicide
“All grace flows from mercy, and the last hour abounds with mercy for us. Let no one doubt concerning the goodness of God; even if a person’s sins were as dark as night, God’s mercy is stronger than our misery. One thing alone is necessary; that the sinner set ajar the door of his heart, be it ever so little, to let in a ray of God’s merciful grace, and then God will do the rest.” - Jesus to St. Faustina (Diary #1507)
Love is Stronger Than Death with Rick Rotondi
This episode is in honor of Suicide Awareness Month. Join Elizabeth as she speaks with author and bereaved father Rick Rotondi whose daughter Olivia died by suicide in 2022. Rick shares openly about Olivia’s beautiful life as well as her struggles with anxiety and depression. He describes how his faith and devotion to Divine Mercy helped bring him comfort and consolation. Divine Mercy devotion and the power of prayer in the midst of tragedy. He shares the inspiration behind writing his book, Love is Stronger Than Death, and encourages others to trust in God's mercy after enduring the loss of a loved one to suicide.
Takeaways:
Grief and healing after the loss of a loved one to suicide
The power of prayer and the Divine Mercy devotion in times of tragedy
Taking care of yourself during the early stages of grief and seeking support from loved ones.
Finding comfort in the Church and the belief that your loved one is united with you in Holy Communion.
Sound Bites:
"In God's providence, He allowed this. I don't think he wanted it, but he allowed it."
"Our Lord can refuse nothing that is requested of him at the hour of mercy, 3 p.m."
"The biggest consolation is when the church is praying for Olivia. It's Christ praying for her."
"In every Holy Communion, Jesus brings your departed loved ones with him because you cannot receive Jesus without receiving all of heaven."
"Life is like the rosary. It's two thirds joy and one third sorrow."
“The only tragedy in life is not to become a saint.”
