(January 03, 2012) The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has urged parents
to t take time to spend time with and listen to their children as he lamented the
increase of suicide. “The ability to listen is necessary in many areas of life but
this is one which is extremely urgent,” said Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh,
during his Mass on New Year’s Day. Preaching in his January 1st homily the Primate
of All Ireland said, “Suicide is now the biggest killer of young men in Ireland, but
not only young men. It is vitally important therefore that society as whole, take
on board its responsibility in this matter and give careful consideration to the challenge
of listening appropriately to the concerns of young people.” Cardinal Brady noted
the frustration of young people in finding a job and forming a family. But the greatest
challenge he said is that of communicating to young people an appreciation for the
positive value of life.