THE JOYS AND SUFFERINGS OF PRIESTS

 THE JOYS AND SUFFERINGS OF PRIESTS

I came back from seminary for holidays some years back. One of my brothers reported to me what their chaplain did that he did not like. It goes thus: after Mass, a woman approached the chaplain to pray for her for she is sick. The chaplain told her “o nwekwaranu onye ji ahu!” meaning there is no one who is not sick. For this my brother, he should not have replied the woman like that because that will weaken the faith of the woman. Yes, of course!! But it is often forgotten that Priests are also human beings with their own strengths and weaknesses, and they can experience pain and struggle. 

I feel happy sharing with you my experience as a priest. I know surely that “many” Christians hold the priest in high esteem and also appreciate the service he offers for the good of humankind. The celebration of today serves to raise more awareness about the duties of the priest in present-day society.

I am a priest because I accepted the call of God to follow Him closely and serve His people. And this has kept me going. I remembered the Sundays I do not have much strength to stand due to ill health, but I will encourage myself that I am called to serve the people of God even with my last strength. I will end up celebrating three Masses (atimes) without falling down.

The seed of my vocation was sown when I was 15. I sensed that God wanted something out of me. Gradually this call matured to a point where it seemed to be a torn on my flesh. Though my entire paternal family members belong to three denominations viz: Jehovah’s Witness, CMS and Cherubim and Seraphim. However, the will of the Lord God prevailed.

For me, the priesthood signifies a call to serve as a bridge between God and humankind. Pastoral experience is teaching me that just as God might have used me to draw people closer to him, in much the same way he uses them as a means to draw me closer to Him.

As a priest, I dedicate time to listen to people who are suffering, who are facing problems and difficulties in life. Yet, I still feel the need to be close to the people at a personal level, especially those who are in need. 

I hold those who have drifted away from the Church very close to my heart. The priest must be the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost sheep. Yes, people who do not attend Church are not problems, but possibilities. I sincerely believe that if we approach them with the same love and gentleness of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will once again join his flock. This should be one of the major solicitudes of every priest who believes that to be close to God is the greatest benefit; for We must bear in mind that the Holy Spirit did not only descend upon priests, but also upon lay people. All this good develops in a human context. When God calls someone to His service, he can only choose from among humans.

On a more serious note, we need to bear it in mind that every person has both strengths and weaknesses. When St Peter asked Jesus to turn away from him because he was a sinful man, Jesus immediately called him to follow him to make him a fisher of man.

I wish to show my appreciation to all those who welcome, respect and collaborate with me in the areas I worked, as well as those who pray for me, conscious of the fact that a priest is human too. Many are those who cared for me, helping me in my daily needs or in times of illness. For this, I thank you all.

I want to make this point at this juncture: here are some ways to remember that priests are human:

(a) Approach them with compassion: Instead of placing unreasonable expectations on them, try to see them as individuals with personal lives and struggles. 

(b) Pray for them: Pray for their personal well-being, not just for their ministry. 

(c) Appreciate their sacrifices: Priests have many responsibilities, and they can experience a range of emotions in a day. 

(d) Be kind to each other: Remember that everyone has their own struggles, and be kind to each other

On November 26 2024, the news of the death of Fr. Dennis spread across the web. Fr. Dennis Conway was aged 33, and a priest of Dubuque Archdiocese. He died in the Immaculate Conception rectory, Cedar Rapids, Iowa US, by way of suicide. My point is that priests die on daily basis, both young and old. Priests are humans too and need our care.

Despite the sacrifice, contempt, and ungratefulness that surrounds the vocation to the priesthood, there are still men choosing to give all to God and become a Catholic priest. It is of utmost importance that the Christ faithful pray for their priests because priests are very much in need of prayers. Pope Francis in his Letter to Priests on the 160th Anniversary of the Death of the Holy Cure of Ars, St. John Vianney, writes “Countless priests make of their lives a work of mercy in areas or situations that are often hostile, isolated or ignored, even at the risk of their lives.”

On the mental health of priests, Dr. Jim Langley said something about it. In his article “The joys and sufferings of a priest, and how laypeople can help” published on November 5, 2023 and being accessed by on December 1 2024. Jim says: “As a psychologist, I primarily work with priests, and I am constantly fascinated by how different their lives are yet how normal their struggles are. The research available on clergy mental health is quite mixed. Some research suggests priests’ mental health is in a state of crisis, while others state they are psychologically thriving. Research from Msgr. Stephen Rossetti suggests priests are happy in general but experience high stress, and their rates of mental health problems are probably like the general population.”  

Let me put it this way: We cannot forget that priests have everyday human anxieties like every other individual. They want people to like them, they worry about going bald, and they get stressed out by too many emails like anyone else. Being a priest does not mean escaping the human condition. Not at all! In a week, I can receive not less than fifteen (15) text messages from people asking for money of various degrees. But they have refused to come closer to know how I am managing situations. Many think that Pope Francis pays priests thousands of dollars every month. Hahahahaha!!!   

In the church, the priest will tell the congregation to greet their neighbours, then everyone will go around asking, shaking and patting one another’s back. Some will even hug! But no one will ask the priest how was his day although many priests do have a really very hard tiring and stressful day! People assume that Priests are always fine as long as they are breathing! People are quick to ask their priest “Are you praying for me?” But the same people never told him “I am praying for you”. Even when God answers the prayer your priest joined faith to pray with you, you will go to another place and share the testimony, and still come back to him and say, papa o, pray harder o!!!

You know how to accuse the priest of not visiting you but have you ever stopped by to check on him? You tell the priest that you are going on vacation or to pray for you as you go for a holiday but have you ever wondered when last he had a break or a day off and whether he always spent his off day in the house for lack or otherwise? 

Everyone knows how to fault a Priest but not many know he has pains of his own. Everyone knows how to judge the action of a Priest but not everyone wants him to discipline them even if it is part of his job! May God help our priests in their work.

Your priest may smile at you telling you “It is will be well with you” when at times; it is a prophecy and consolation for himself.

Sometimes the close members of their families are dying yet you want him ever happy and at your service. Do you know a priest can officiate a wedding just after consoling his family members who are bereaved? Do you know sometimes we attended your jovial occasions after attending a very sorrowful one or vice-versa! Can you imagine that emotional switch, yet the priest must be stable.

Priests are human too! Trust me, there are days your priest does not feel like coming to church but he still come to church to celebrate Mass! After mass, parishioners will like to gist with the priest, share their burden with him or confess their sins; yet he is attending to them with BP of 200/120. The Soutane, Alb and Chasuble we wear during Mass cover our pains. Do you understand!!

Today, depression is on the rise, and priests are not left out. And it has made some priests to quit priesthood, some go to the extent of committing suicide. Is that clear to you!!!

According to Bishop Michael F. Olson, in his article “The Joy of the Priesthood”, Joy is a supernatural gift that we receive through God’s grace. Our joy as priests comes to us through a point of faith and a point of hope. First, the point of faith is that the priesthood exists entirely at Christ’s initiative for the sake of the Eucharist. There is no Eucharist without the priesthood. Without Jesus’ decision to institute the Eucharist, there is no priesthood.1 This is why the catholic priest is always joyful. However, “the joy of the priestly vocation makes clear that fidelity to Christ’s unique sacrifice in the institution of the Eucharist (the gift of Christ’s Body and Blood) is the only way of giving God fitting thanks.2

It is evident that “there are many aspects of our priestly ministry that make us happy. There are many parts of our priestly ministry that please us and comfort us. Yet, sometimes they are present and sometimes they are absent. The joy of the priesthood is engendered by Christ’s call to each of us to share in His Cross – because on the Cross, we see no pleasure, no happiness, but the perfect joy of the Son’s will lovingly surrendered in obedience to the will of the Father.”3 This is where we have the answer to question: Why does the ordinand lie prostrate during the ordination? The lying down by the ordinands during ordination symbolizes his unworthiness for the office to be assumed and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community.

For Pope Francis, key to happy and healthy priesthood is holding fast to joy of the Gospel.4

Some of the challenges of Priests today include: balancing spiritual and personal life, financial assistance, addressing diverse congregational needs, managing pastoral care, navigating theological questions, physical and mental health issues, and coping with the emotional toll of supporting others in times of crisis.

With the help of Mama Maria, the priest is making headway. Mama Maria is considered a mother figure to Catholic priests, and is often referred to as the “Mother of Priests”: The Second Vatican Council encourages priests to look unto Mama Maria as a model for their lives, and to venerate and love her. Mama Maria is seen as a guide to Christ, and is said to lead priests to him. Again, Mama Maria is said to watch over the growth of priestly vocations and life in the Church, and to intercede for priests. Priests are encouraged to ponder the mystery of Christ in their hearts, as Mama Maria did. 

 “What should we ask of Mary as Mother of Priests?” asks Pope John Paul II. For them we…must ask Mary especially for the grace of knowing how to accept God’s gift with grateful love, fully appreciating it as she did in the Magnificat—the grace of generosity in self-giving, in order to imitate her example as a “generous Mother”; the grace of purity and fidelity in the obligation of celibacy, following her example as the “faithful Virgin”; the grace of burning, merciful love, in the light of her witness as the “Mother of mercy”.5 From these reflections we can understand why the pontificate of John Paul II was so fruitful. He had dedicated his entire pontificate to Mary, Mother of Priests—Totus tuus! Priests should dedicate and entrust themselves to the maternal care of Mama Maria and beg of her the grace of many and holy vocations in the service of Christ and His Church. 

Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, you can put a smile on your Priest by greeting him, checking on him or buy gifts for him. Appreciate your Priest! Buy gifts for your priests. Send words and messages of love, affirmation and encouragement to him. Priests often only hear feedback when they make mistakes or when someone did not like something in their homily. In my poll, several priests shared that words of affirmation given to them are helpful because they are usually doing their best. A priest once said: “It gives me joy when they appreciate my services and sacrifices. Seeing their smiles as they grow in their faith, trust and hope in Jesus Christ and serving as an instrument in helping them find meaning in life, even in difficult times, fills me with joy and keeps me motivated.”

Seriously, when last did you call your Priest just to wish him well and ask how he is? Distance is not a barrier!! Above all, pray for him for he is human too!!! The happier and more stable he is, the better he will discharge his duties! Help your Priest to succeed!

O DIVINE WORD WHO TOOK FLESH FOR HUMAN SAKE, REDEEM US IN OUR SITUATION

© Rev Fr. Utazi Prince Marie Benignus Zereuwa

December 6 2024

Memorial of Saint Nicholas, Bishop

For my 4th Priestly Anniversary coming on December 8 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

END NOTE

1. Michael F. Olson. “The Joy of the Priesthood”, 1

2. Ibid., 2

3. ibid

4. Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service - 9 February 2024, 10:50 509

5. Pope John Paul II. General  Audience June 30, 1993

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service - 9 February 2024, 10:50 509

Michael F. Olson. “The Joy of the Priesthood”,https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://fwdioc.org/joy-of-the-priesthood.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiSlI6Z2JOKAxUJVkEAHY79CE8QFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1gfQL9bRFByNrRbWLA-FCu December 6 2024

Pope John Paul II. General  Audience June 30, 1993