Poland, like many countries, saw an increase in suicide rates among teens during the COVID-19 pandemic. One community decided to take action. They created an online platform called Pray4teens that offers people the opportunity to spiritually adopt struggling teens.
SR. AGNESE MRUGA
There is someone who prays, there is someone who believes in them, there is someone who wants to give support—even though we do not know the names of each other, it is not shared. But just an awareness that there is someone who cares, who simply cares for me. I think it is a great force so this is why I committed and I do pray.
After launching six months ago, the program already has a website in five languages. In Poland, nearly 1,000 people are signed up to pray.
In May, Pope Francis spent over two hours with the founders of Pray4teens and spoke about the importance of their work.
SR. AGNESE MRUGA
He blessed this program and he also promised he would mention it during World Youth Day so that more and more people will know there is a possibility, there is a tool to make use of when you feel lonely and you seek others' help.
If it helps even one person, it is worth doing it.
Pray4teens has received positive feedback from teens who say the initiative gave them hope to keep living.
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