French bishop: holidays are essential for mental health from priests

The vacations “are essential” to maintain the mental health of the priests, according to the French bishop Benoît Bertrand, of the Diocese of Pontoise. The prelate, although he assures that he cannot speak for all the priests, said that “the rest, the leisure and the inner reunion” are fundamental for the mission of a consecrated.

“A priest who knows how to rest and disconnect is a priest who will be better delivered to his community and the people of God,” added Mons. Bertrand, in an interview with The Vatican media.

These statements of the French bishop are related to the recent suicide of A young 35 -year -old Italian priestwhich has shocked the Catholic world. Fr. Matteo Balzano, who died on July 5, was very dear in the parish of Cannobio (Piedmont, Italy), especially For the youth of your community.

Mons. Bertrand expressed his closeness to the bishop, to the priests and all the people of the Diocese of Novara, where the young Jesuit priest came from. “There are many factors that can cause discomfort among priests,” he said.

In 2020, the bishops of France requested a study that deepened the physical, moral and psychological health of their priests. 6,300 presbyters who were active throughout the country for that year were interviewed. The objective, recalls Mons. Bertrand, was to establish preventive measures and provide resources to the dioceses to meet each case.

The results showed that more than 90% of the priests declared to enjoy good physical health. “However, we worried that almost 2 out of 10 showed depressive symptoms, and that 2% were in a situation of burnout”Said the French bishop.

According to the May Cliniche burnout o Labor wear is a type of stress linked to work, which includes physical or emotional wear. It can also cause feel useless, helpless and empty.

In addition, the study revealed that 40% of the survey priests had a low level of personal fulfillment.

“These data alerted the bishops. The first action was to disseminate the study between priests, bishops and faithful. Then, we worked with the presbyteral and episcopal advice to underline the importance of rest and regular medical monitoring, which many priests still do not have,” said Mons. Bertrand.

For the Episcopate of France, the most important prevention measure that was promoted was “listening to the priests.” The superiors, said Mons. Bertrand, must approach their presbyters and spend time with them, in addition to sensitizing the laity on this issue that is, “a priority task for bishops.”

The prelate remarked the role of the laity, who can “be attentive, fraternal, vigilants” and offer their priests moments of distraction.

“Many Catholic families care about their priests, but it is also important that the priest leaves and accepts sharing when he is going through difficult moments,” he said.

Should priests be available all the time?

The French bishop commented that this “is a very real pressure” among the priests, because their lives are consecrated to God and their people.

“We must learn to say no,” he said, even if it is difficult because “it can project a negative image of oneself.”

“And it is also important that others accept that no. Most of the time, priests and bishops try to respond positively, sometimes too fast and without discernment. When they make us an important request, it is better to pray a mass, reflect, and not hurry to answer, ”said Mons. Bertrand.