Rev. Patrick J. McDevitt, CM, PhD, President & CEO of Saint Luke Institute (SLI), recently penned a blog post to accompany the prayer intention of Pope Leo XIV for the month of April for priests in crisis. The blog post, reproduced below, appeared on the free app ClicktoPray.org, the prayer site for the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. SLI gratefully acknowledges our partnership with the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers and thanks them for the opportunity to contribute to this blog.
Wounded Shepherds: Crisis as Moments of Grace
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.
The etymology of the word, “crisis” means more than a “breakdown;” crisis also mean decision, turning point, moment of truth, and a deeper integration. We live in a culture that views crises as negative, a problem, and something to be completely avoided. The Chinese word for “crisis” has two characters, one character defining “crisis” as risk, and the second character for a moment for change.
Most people who seek psychological counseling are not severely mentally ill. Many are navigating developmental, relational, spiritual, or moderate emotional challenges. These sorts of challenges are not “problems,” but, in fact, are healthy milestones that provide deeper growth and meaning. Soren Kierkegaard said, “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” The therapeutic challenge is to reframe our understanding of “crisis” from a “problem mindset” to a “grace mindset.” Crises are not something to be avoided but to be welcomed and embraced without fear.
An essential aspect of moving through crises in a healthy and productive way is that we cannot do this in isolation. These crisis moments of grace depend upon a spirit of vulnerability in prayer, friendship, counseling, and community. Priests, like everyone else, need to reframe their thinking about crises and open themselves to supportive relationships.
Rev. Patrick J. McDevitt, C.M., Ph.D.
President and CEO
Saint Luke Institute
Saint Luke Institute is an independent, international Catholic mental health treatment center dedicated to healthy life and ministry for priests, deacons, religious and all church ministers and leaders. The mission of SLI is to bring the healing ministry of Christ through integrated psychological and spiritual treatment and education for those they serve. SLI provides clinical evaluations to identify and recommend mental health treatment, and affordable day-treatment or traditional individual or group outpatient care. SLI also offers in-person and online ongoing education and psychological and spiritual wellness programs to clergy, religious, and laity, and provides candidate assessments for those preparing for seminary, diaconate or religious life.
Read more about Rev. Patrick J. McDevitt, CM, PhD.
For inquiries, visit SLI.org/contact-us.