The Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) recently concluded a five-day workshop on mental health and self-care for priests at the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria Archdiocese.

The workshop, held from 27 to 31 October 2025, gathered 28 priests from all nine IMBISA member countries for an open and synodal reflection on the growing mental health challenges facing clergy today.

Speaking to the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Communication Office after the workshop, several participants described the experience as deeply transformative.

Facilitated by Sr. Yvonne Sanyanga, HLMC from Zimbabwe, and Fr. Admar Alberto Pena from Angola—both specialists in psychology—the sessions encouraged priests to adopt a holistic approach to wellbeing that integrates the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social dimensions of their lives.

Using the Conversation in the Spirit methodology, participants reflected on how excessive workloads, isolation, and the stigma surrounding vulnerability often affect priests’ mental health. “We need to take care of ourselves before we can care for those entrusted to us,” said Fr. Karabo Lephuthing from the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, who emphasised the need for openness and professional support within the Church.

From Manzini Diocese, Eswatini, Fr. Sandile Mswane, Vicar General of Manzini Diocese, stressed the importance of balance. “Prayer is vital, but so are rest, exercise, and community life. We are still human beings,” he said. Meanwhile, Fr. Phillip Ntsiki, Secretary General of the Lesotho Catholic Bishops’ Conference, added that healing emotional wounds is essential for effective ministry: “If we are not healed, we cannot deliver to the people we serve.”

Reflecting on the regional context, Fr. Pena noted that while awareness is growing, “there is still a long way to go in building Church structures that provide appropriate psychological and spiritual care for clergy.” He called for more training opportunities and specialized centres within the IMBISA region to accompany priests facing mental health struggles.

During a visit to the workshop, Bishop Masilo John Selemela, Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria, commended participants for taking time to focus on self-care. He reminded them that “a healthy priest makes for a healthy Church,” encouraging ongoing dialogue and proactive planning in this area.

In its final statement, IMBISA reaffirmed that mental health is not a private or secondary concern, but a pastoral and structural priority for the Church in Southern Africa. The Secretariat urged all member conferences to develop concrete and coordinated initiatives—including the possible establishment of a regional centre for priestly mental health and wellbeing.

As the priests return to their dioceses, they carry with them a renewed commitment to fostering a culture of openness, care, and mutual support within the presbyterate—ensuring that those who serve others are also cared for in mind, body, and spirit.