Jesuit journal: Strong spiritual life helps keep priests from burnout

Published: 2007-09-13

ROME (CNS) -- A strong spiritual life supported by reading and reflecting on sacred Scripture can help protect priests from the emotional exhaustion of burnout, said an influential Jesuit journal. In a Sept. 15 article released to journalists Sept. 13, La Civilta Cattolica summarized the results of a recent survey on the presence and causes of burnout among diocesan priests in Padua, in northern Italy. The Rome-based biweekly journal, reviewed by the Vatican Secretariat of State before publication, said the researchers were unable to elaborate on their brief suggestion that "a steady spiritual life" could have a positive effect on an overburdened clergy. The Jesuit journal said in its opinion spiritual reading or "lectio divina" is a "tried and true protection" against spiritual and emotional depletion. The survey was published last year by the University of Padua. Of the diocese's 450 priests, 321 responded to the survey.

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