For Priests in Crisis
Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.
In my ministry with the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network USA office, I preach retreats occasionally for clergy and seminarians. I’m able to offer them reflections from the first part of the Spiritual Exercises where St. Ignatius of Loyola invites us to consider our sinfulness and need for a Savior: we are all “sinners, yet deeply loved.”
I share in those retreats that at times some people don’t think of priests in this way: as human beings like everyone else, with all of our weaknesses. In other words, people can tend to put us on pedestals. At other times, due to the clear wrongdoing of some clergy, people can tend to lump all priests into the category of ne’er-do-wells. But, I conclude, neither characterization is true or helpful. We should neither be put on pedestals just because we are priests, nor looked down upon just because we are priests. We also are sinners, yet deeply loved by the Lord.
This month Pope Leo wisely invites us to pray for priests in moments of vocational crisis. He knows very well, as a priest and a bishop, now the Bishop of Rome, that we as priests face challenging moments: spiritually, emotionally, physically, or some combination of these.
At times of difficulty in my own life and priesthood, I’ve been so grateful for the prayers of others, the support of good practices like speaking regularly with a spiritual director, and having friends in faith among both the clergy and the laity who support me and with whom I can talk honestly.
There are certainly tremendous blessings, even privileges, of being a priest. But it can also–at times–feel like a lonely and challenging vocation. Let’s pray this month together with Pope Leo, for all priests who are struggling: that they might let themselves be drawn closer to Jesus who loves them unconditionally, and receive healing and strength to continue bringing the word of God and the sacraments to all the faithful. Who, together with them, are sinners–yet deeply loved.
By Father Phil Hurley, SJ
Fr. Phil Hurley, SJ is the National Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network-USA