On Maundy Thursday, Advincula urges priests to take care of mental health
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula on Maundy Thursday urged priests to pay attention to their mental health, warning that psychological strain is present within the clergy.
In his homily during the Chrism Mass on April 2, Advincula cited data indicating that nearly one in five Filipino priests experiences psychological distress.
"The sign of mental health issues can be clearly seen in our priestly life. It is not only when our bodily functions lose balance or when our minds are overwhelmed with negative activities," Advincula said.
"It is more clearly seen when our prayer life becomes routine or even absent. When our ministry feels heavy rather than life-giving," he added.
Recognizing limits
Advincula said acknowledging personal struggles is essential to healing, stressing that fatigue and difficulty are not signs of failure.
"The danger is not that we grow tired, but that we refuse to recognize it. Because what is unrecognized cannot be offered to God and what is not offered to God cannot be healed," he said.
He also urged priests to confront their limits as part of their vocation.
"If we truly love our flock, if we cannot serve our people, we cannot honestly face our issues and embrace our limits so that they can be addressed and resolved. A holy priest is someone who can recognize even his own difficulties," he added.
Chrism Mass. The special Mass, traditionally held during Holy Week, was concelebrated by former Manila Archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales and Apostolic Nuncio to Manila Archbishop Charles Brown.
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