CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted October 24, 2024

Saint John Vianney Center (SJVC) celebrated its second annual Day of Prayer for Clergy and Men and Women Religious on Oct. 18, inviting the faithful to lift up in prayer those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church.

Attendees had the opportunity to remember the sacrifices and spiritual leadership of clergy and religious, and to pray for their continued strength, wisdom, and grace.

The day began with Morning Prayer and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Our Lady of Hope Chapel on the campus of SJVC in Downingtown, led by Deacon Jim Friend, director of Mission Advancement.

“On this memorial of St. Luke the Evangelist,” Deacon Friend said in his homily, “it’s fitting to remember that Luke didn’t just write one of the Gospels, he was a physician.”

The deacon also said St. Luke knew how much people needed healing — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. “Our clergy and religious are healers in the same way,” he said.  “They are spiritual doctors for our souls but they also need healing themselves. That’s why we’re here today: to pray for their renewal and to ask God to strengthen them in their mission.”

Following Morning Prayer, SJVC President and CEO David Shellenberger gave the keynote address on the topic of “Nourishing Our Ministers with Compassion and Gratitude.” In his talk, Mr. Shellenberger commented,

“Our clergy and religious are facing unprecedented challenges in today’s world, from societal changes to the evolving dynamics within the Church,” Shellenberger said. “These challenges create significant stress, uncertainty, and a sense of isolation. The Day of Prayer is an opportunity to bring these concerns before God and raise awareness among the laity so that we can better support them.”

The talk was followed by a prayer hour hosted by SJVC’s spiritual care team who led a Taizé prayer service, which featured  readings from Scripture, song, contemplative prayer, and candlelight.

Deacon Jim Friend, Director of Mission Advancement at Saint John Vianney Center, gives a homily during the second annual Day of Prayer.

Before Mass in the afternoon a video highlighted SJVC staff and volunteers who shared their thoughts on the importance of SJVC’s mission and the Day of Prayer.

In the video Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez offered words of encouragement, pointing out that one’s prayers for others are critical, “especially for those who have devoted themselves to God’s people.”

Shellenberger said the day was one of “profound significance” in which attendees honored clergy and religious “for their sacrifices and tireless dedication, and we can express our unwavering support for their physical, spiritual, and mental wellbeing.”

The capstone of the day was Mass celebrated by SJVC’s chaplain, Father David Brzoska.

“We know that nowadays, with all that we ask and expect from our priests, and our men and women religious, it’s very hard for them to sustain their health and well-being,” he said in his homily.

The priest reminded the assembly that Church ministers experience a great deal of stress and are often over-extended.

“Just as they minister to others, we all have a responsibility to support and assist them to be healthy in mind, body and spirit,” he said. “This Day of Prayer is a good opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to pray and support all those in Church ministry,” said Father Brzoska.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Karen M. Cote, a psychologist and director of Outpatient Services for SJVC, said, “I was grateful for the opportunity to come together and pray for the clergy and religious brothers and sisters who serve so faithfully in the many dioceses and archdioceses throughout the United States.”

Sister of St. Joseph Mary M. Lindsay, also a psychologist at SJVC, said, “The prayerful support of others is a source of strength and is received with gratitude.”

Founded in 1946, SJVC is the oldest Catholic behavioral health and addiction treatment facility in North America for clergy and religious. It provides professional programs and services, spiritual experiences, and round-the-clock nursing supervision to assist clergy and religious in living a healthy lifestyle in mind, body, and spirit.

These men and women have answered God’s call to serve his people with a profound commitment to the Gospel. Their daily lives are a testament to faith, marked by prayer, pastoral care, and selfless devotion, and everyone can support them.

To watch this year’s Day of Prayer and to learn more about the mission and ministry of SJVC, please visit www.sjvcenter.org/dayofprayer.