Mental Health Seminar for Priests and Religious in Bangalore

Bangalore, November 19, 2024: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, the Office for Health Care, in collaboration with the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM), will host a two-day seminar on mental health for priests and religious leaders on November 26 and 27 at Nirjhari, Bangalore. The seminar, on “Fostering Positive Mental Health in Religious and Priestly Life and Ministry" aims to address the rising prevalence of mental health issues and their debilitating effects on the religious and priests.

Resource persons will include Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore; Archbishop Thomas Tharayil of Changanassery, Ecclesiastical Advisor, CMHM, India; Fr. Santhosh Dias, National Secretary, CBCI Commission for Health Care; Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura MMS, National Secretary, CMHM, India; Dr. Johnson Pradeep, Head, Dept. of Psychiatry, St. John’s Medical College Hospital; Sr. Dr. Mary Therese CSN, Psychiatrist, Stella Maris Hospital; Sr. Dr. Sharon SD, Psychiatrist & CMHM National Board Member and Sr. Dr. Rani Augustine, Regional Director, CMHM, Agra Region.

The seminar will include key topics such as recognizing mental health disorders, understanding risk factors, exploring effective interventions, fostering positive attitudes that encourage help-seeking behaviours and providing training in mental health and guidance.

Mental illness continues to create significant barriers for individuals seeking meaningful engagement within the Church. For many, these challenges hinder their journey closer to Christ and prevent them from living a life of spiritual and personal fulfillment. Particularly concerning is the plight of priests and religious members who often struggle silently with mental health issues.

Fr. Paul Parathazham, in his book Christianity in India, states, "All efforts seem to be concentrated on building a spiritual superstructure without adequate attention to the human base structure." A genuine Christian spirituality necessitates a healthy mind; therefore, it is imperative to promote mental health literacy, accompaniment and self-care within priestly and religious life today.

The CBCI and CMHM echo this sentiment, urging religious leaders to prioritize their mental well-being while remaining steadfast in their spiritual and ministerial commitments.

For registration, contact +91 8147 755 011 or +91 9036 370 469.

By Catholic Connect Reporter