Touched By Mercy: Community Members Affected by Suicide Invited to Join Day of Reflection

We received the following press release from the Franciscan Life Process Center. 

Lowell, Michigan, Feb. 11, 2024 – The Franciscan Life Process Center will again host Touched By Mercy, an annual event for community members affected by suicide, on March 1.

Led by Sister Colleen Ann Nagle, a licensed therapist, the event invites all who have lost a loved one through suicide to join for a day of reflection, prayer and support from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Center’s Lowell location, 11650 Downes St. NE. Coffee, baked goods and lunch will be provided. Individuals from all faiths are welcome to attend.

“Touched By Mercy is an intensive, educational day designed to help individuals who have lost a loved one or friend to suicide process the experience with an understanding community,” Nagle said. “We will discuss trauma and grief as a framework for understanding how to cope after loss with opportunities for personal reflection and group support.”

The event will begin with time for reflection and readings to set the stage for the day, followed by a presentation on the interconnectedness of grief and trauma. After quiet prayer and lunch, attendees will gather as a group and be invited to share personal stories.

“No one is ever required to share, but it is an opportunity to process what can be a very isolating experience in a supportive environment,” Nagle said. “I’m always edified by people’s questions and thoughts. It is both very humbling and healing when people are ready to process this particular kind of loss.”

Event registration costs $65. Individuals who are interested in attending are asked to register online by Feb. 24. New this year, thanks to the generosity of a friend of the Center, financial assistance is available to anyone who would like to attend but cannot afford the registration fee. To inquire about financial assistance or register for the over the phone, call 616.897.7842.

Nagle, executive director of the Franciscan Life Process Center, has hosted Touched by Mercy and presented on compassion for survivors of suicide for 15 years after experiencing suicide in her own family. During her 48 years as a nun, including more than four decades serving the West Michigan community, Nagle has been an educator, administrator, licensed therapist and consultant. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from Michigan State University, among other degrees.

For anyone who is struggling, the Franciscan Life Process Center offers counseling services to all ages with therapists who are licensed in the state of Michigan and credentialed in their areas of expertise. More information can be found at LifeProcessCenter.org/counseling.