19/11/2025
WE MUST CARE FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH | “Depression is real. It is not imagined. It is not a weakness. And it is not a lack of faith.
It is a deep human suffering that can affect anyone. Way bataay, way tiguwangay. Way dato, way pobre. Way edukado, way inosente. It can happen to anyone. It can happen even to priests.
Let this remind us we must care for our mental health. Usa ni ka butang nga sauna wala pa nato masabti. Karon daghan nata og nasabtan mahitungod ani. So I encourage everyone to learn more about mental health kay di ta makaamping sa usa ka butang nga wa nato masabtan. Importante kaayo nga atong sabton aron ato nga malikayan.
It is a wake-up call for all of us to take care of one another seriously. Kinahanglan mag-amping ta sa usa’g usa. Magpakabana. Magpaminaway. Kay daghang tawo magpahiyom sa gawas apan nagmasulob-on sa sulod.
Today, we are reminded that priests are also human. Sometimes we forget this. We expect priests to be strong, steady, joyful, and available at all times. But the priests carry the same human frailty as everyone.
Ang mga pari huyang pod. Tawhanon kaayo. Masayop ug makasala. Ang mga pari, daghang higayon, makita nato, buhi tan-awon, pero sa sulod nagluya ug nagmasulob-on. Like all of us, priests can cry in silence, struggle with anxieties, and carry burdens they often cannot speak about kay wa man mi maanad nga magpahungaw. Bisan sa among kaubang pari maglisod mi og sulti, magpaambit sa among problema.
This is again a wake up call for priests. Ako silang gidasig pag-ayo nga makat-on sila pag-develop sa ilang fraternal charity. Mobati sila nga igsuon sila sa usa’g usa. Learn to support one anotherc, to pray for one another, to listen to one another.
Daghan ang pagkulang apan sayod ta nga ang gugma sa Diyos ug iyang kaluoy mopatigbabaw sa tanan. The love and mercy of God are much bigger than our sins, our weaknesses, bigger than depression.
Di ta angay mohukom tungod kay ang Ginoo mismo dili man mahukmanon. When Jesus died on the cross, he descended even into the depths of death so that no darkness, not even the darkness of su***de, is beyond His reach.
We entrust +Fr. Cocoi to that mercy, not because we understand everything, but because we believe in a God who understands Him completely.”
- Cebu Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy in his homily during the Funeral Mass of +Fr. Decoroso “Cocoi” Olmilla at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. (18 November 2025)
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During this difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and avoid sharing unverified information.
Moments of grief can bring heavy emotions, and it is important to take care of our mental and emotional wellbeing. If you or someone you know is feeling distressed, overwhelmed, or in need of compassionate support, help is accessible 24/7.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT LINES:
Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya (24/7):
• 0939-937-5433
• 0939-936-5433
• 0927-654-1629
NCMH Crisis Hotline (24/7):
• Toll-free: 1553
• Globe/TM: 0917-899-8727 / 0966-351-4518
• Smart/Sun/TNT: 0908-639-2672
Reaching out for support is a sign of strength. No one has to face emotional pain alone.
