JESUIT PRIESTS: MOMENTS FROM THE ALTAR

 JESUIT PRIESTS: MOMENTS FROM THE ALTAR

One of the commonly asked questions about priests and especially the Jesuit priests is: What do Jesuit Priests do outside mass? So, then what do Jesuit priests really do for fun and recreation? There is this misconception that priests are boring old men who sit locked away in Church. That couldn’t be further from the truth, because those in the ministry are called to minister right? But first and foremost, they are called to be human remember. What people do not understand is the aspect of humanity in priests. Remember priests are humans. I think to be fully human means having hobbies and leisure activities that you do beyond your normal job or vocation. Whatever it might be, so does the clergy and religious in their diverse hobbies derive some of the same physical, mental and spiritual benefits from taking breaks off their work. Jesuits priests are not exempted from such activities.

Who are the Jesuits then? They are originally known as the Society of Jesus, is a religious congregation of brothers and priests. The Jesuits Eastern Africa are part of the global Society of Jesus. In Eastern Africa Province, Jesuits are at work in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. Others are working elsewhere as part of the global society.

For over 500 years Jesuit priest have lived an amazing story of serving the Church in a new and unexpected ways. We are found almost everywhere in the world, especially where nobody else is willing and/or able to go, where there is greatest need, and where our presence will bring greatest honor and glory to God. They are tirelessly and happily so, seeking the most universal good by involving ourselves in different apostolates for example, education (universities, colleges, schools), spiritual ministry (retreat centers), pastoral works (parishes, chaplaincies), and social ministry (justice and peace centers, HIV/AIDS, environment, prison ministry, media/communication).

A part from being involved in different activities, A Jesuit priest can do many other things as a human person but also a s a process of serving others. Let me take you through the daily experience of a Jesuit priest moments from the altar. They say, the end of labor is to gain leisure, and Pope Francis added that together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure and gratification. In other words, people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, to read, listen to music play a sport among others, and our priests are not an exemption.

Doing leisure is how we ordinarily learn to open ourselves to reality, to school ourselves in receptiveness to life, for we need a sense of balance in life, an ability to rest and take time to enjoy beauty and the ability to pace ourselves and be at rest. This helps us gain better problem-solving skills, improved work ethic, and improved creativity. We are also engaged in other activities individuals are gifted on. Others involves in entertainment, sports, cooking, farming, and other activities that brings joy in priest’s lives.

For more information contact us at vocations@aorjesuits.org|| +254734707040.

By. Fr. Didmus Shirima, S.J.

Vocations Director-Jesuits