Clergy from Southern Africa are gathered in Pretoria Archdiocese for a four-day workshop on mental health. The week-long program brings together priests from across the six episcopal conferences (Angola and São Tomé -CEAST, Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa -SACBC, Lesotho -LCBC, Mozambique -CEM, Namibia -NCBC, and Zimbabwe -ZCBC) of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) to reflect on emotional, psychological, and spiritual health, with an emphasis on self-care as a crucial aspect of effective ministry.

In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communication Office, Sister Yvonne Sanyanga, a Carmelite nun and certified counseling psychologist from Zimbabwe, highlighted the silent struggles that religious men and women often face, from depression and suicidal ideation to spiritual dryness and missionary fatigue.

She also pointed to chronic illness, silent addictions, and emotional burdens as factors that can significantly impact a priest’s ability to serve. “Think of someone diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, or hypertension. This affects them emotionally and psychologically, and mental health issues start to emerge. These are real challenges that need attention,” she said.

The Church, she noted, is increasingly recognizing these needs and striving to establish mental health support structures. “We are advocating for more centers where religious can feel free to vent and access assistance. Training in mental health first aid can empower priests and religious to cope with these challenges,” Sister Yvonne explained.

The workshop began on Monday, October 27, with arrivals, setting the stage for a week of reflection and learning. On Tuesday, October 28, the opening day of the plenary sessions included a welcoming session, featuring prayers, introductions, and an overview of the program. Sister Sanyanga led the session “The Silent Weight: Mental Health Realities in the Life of a Priest”, engaging participants in discussions about emotional and psychological burdens that are rarely visible. Group work encouraged priests to explore challenges that often remain unspoken, from missionary fatigue to chronic illness-related stress.

The afternoon focused on self-care as a factor for mental health, facilitated by Father Admar Alberto Pena, while plenary reflections allowed participants to share insights and strategies. Evening Mass and Vespers offered moments of spiritual replenishment, rounding out a full day of learning.

“This workshop is about creating a Church where priests can care for themselves while caring for others,” Sister Sanyanga said.

She continued, “Priests need time to reflect on issues that may seem normal but weigh heavily on them, and to explore pathways forward to maintain a stable mental mindset. We are not superhuman; we are not heroes. Being human, we need to acknowledge our struggles and take steps to care for ourselves. Our well-being depends on four dimensions: physical, psychological, spiritual, and social. If one is neglected, the others are affected.”

Through interactive plenary sessions, group work, and practical reflections, the IMBISA workshop aims to highlight the importance of holistic support for priests, empowering them to serve effectively while safeguarding their own mental, emotional, and spiritual health.