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Tokyo archbishop tells priests to rest more PDF Print E-mail
Written by ucanews.com   
Friday, 18 June 2010 00:00
Archbishop Peter Takeo Okada of Tokyo says priests in the archdiocese have many health problems and is urging them to find time for “recreation of mind and body, as well as rest for the soul.”

In a June 14 message: “Rest for Priests: the Reinvigoration of Spiritual Life,” the archbishop reiterated the contents of a homily he delivered during a Mass marking the close of the Year for Priests on June 11.

“For priests working within the excitement, temptations and stresses of a major metropolis, rest is of first importance in maintaining mental and physical health and to lead a spiritual life,” he wrote.

Yet, “to be honest, the Church is in an unusually difficult position,” Archbishop Okada continued. “It would be sad for priests to lose their zeal and strength of will.”

At the same time, old age, illness as well as fatigue among priests have become “a major issue for the Church,” he said.

As of December, 2009, the Archdiocese of Tokyo had 85 diocesan priests and 281 priests belonging to religious orders and mission societies.

“One third of them are old or infirm, another third have health problems but are still working,” the archbishop said.

Stress factors for priests were also major concerns.

Priests also live with stress through friction with laypeople and “a lack of cooperation and understanding among fellow priests and their bishops,” explained Okada.

In Tokyo archdiocese, priests are directed to take a minimum one day off per week. Under canon law, they are entitled to one month off per year, with one two-week vacation considered a minimum.

The health issues were discussed at recent archdiocesan presbyteral council meetings.

Priests on the council urged the bishop to address these matters publicly, so that they could more easily gain the understanding of the laity.

“What is important is how you spend your free time.” Archbishop Okada said.
 
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