FILIPINO PRIESTS must confront the reality of mental and emotional struggles through honesty and communion, Cardinal Jose Advincula said during the Archdiocese of Manila’s Chrism Mass on Maundy Thursday, April 2, at the Manila Cathedral.
In his homily, Advincula cited a survey in which 18 percent of Filipino priests were found to have experienced psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, and burnout, and called the issue an “important yet misunderstood” pastoral problem.
“We need to acknowledge the signs and symptoms of difficulty so that they can be addressed. We have to name it to tame it. We have to feel it to heal it. If we hide in shame or point fingers in blame, we will end up in greater resentment and bitterness,” Advincula said.
Mental health issues also manifest in priestly life through or in the absence of prayer life and compassion, he said.
“These are not signs that we are failing; they are signs that we are human. A holy priest is someone who can recognize even his own difficulties,” he added.
Advincula also urged the clergy to reconnect with others, noting that communion is essential to priestly life. Citing the Gospel, he said Christ carried out his mission in community, not isolation.
“To be a priest is to be a priest with,” he said. “Hindi mo ito kailangang kayanin nang ikaw lang. Nandito lang kami.”
He reminded priests of their fraternal bond, describing it as a source of support that endures despite physical distance.
“Isolation can drain us, but communion will sustain us and heal us,” he added, stressing priestly brotherhood as an essential, non-optional aspect of vocation.
The archbishop cautioned the Manila clergy that losing sight of the priestly identity could lead to burnout or bitterness, but reaffirmed that they remain “anointed, chosen and blessed” regardless of their struggles.
The Chrism Mass is the liturgical celebration in which three sacred oils—Oil of the Sick, Oil of the Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism, used for baptism, confirmation and holy orders—are consecrated by the diocesan bishop.
These oils are distributed to parishes for their use in the sacraments throughout the liturgical year.
Priests also renew their ordination vows during the Mass, symbolizing their commitment to priestly service and unity with their bishop.
