MANILA (RVA News): Bishop Alberto Uy of Tagbilaran, Bohol, in the Philippines,urged Catholic communities nationwide to actively support and inspire young people to consider vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
This appeal coincides with the Church in the Philippines observing its first-ever National Vocation Awareness Month this November. This significant event aims to address the urgent need for more priests in the country and the broader Asian region.
With over 80 million Catholics but only around 11,000 priests, there is approximately one priest for every 7,000 parishioners. This disparity poses challenges for clergy trying to meet the spiritual needs of the faithful and highlights a broader decline in vocations across Asia.
Emphasising the communal dimension of a vocation, Bishop Uy explained that a call to the priesthood is more than a personal path—it’s a divine invitation that benefits the entire Church community.
With over 80 million Catholics but only around 11,000 priests, there is approximately one priest for every 7,000 parishioners
“We must actively encourage our young men to discern this sacred calling, reminding them of the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from serving God and His people,” the bishop said.
In his message on Radio Veritas Philippines, he underscored the crucial role that Catholic communities play in fostering an environment that nurtures vocations.
“Through prayer, mentorship, and community engagement, we can create an environment where vocations flourish, inspiring our youth to respond to God’s call with courage and enthusiasm,” Bishop Uy added.
The month-long observance of National Vocation Awareness Month officially began on November 3 with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Roberto Gaa of Novaliches, chairperson of the Episcopal Commission on Vocations of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines [CBCP], at the Cathedral and Parish of the Good Shepherd in Quezon City.
This historic observance was declared by the CBCP in January 2024, emphasising a renewed focus on promoting vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and consecrated life across the Philippines.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
We must actively encourage our young men to discern this sacred calling, reminding them of the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from serving God and His people
Bishop Uy
This year’s theme, “Tara, Magmisyon kasama si Kristo: Journeying Together as Pilgrims of Hope, Called to Holiness towards the Jubilee Year,” reflects the Church’s call for community-based faith journeys marked by hope and holiness.
The theme emphasises the journey toward the 2025 Jubilee Year, encouraging Filipino Catholics to strengthen their dedication to nurturing a new generation of religious vocations.
This call for vocations from the Philippine Church is part of a broader global movement. Recent data from the Vatican reveals that there are currently 407,730 priests worldwide, which includes 279,171 diocesan priests and 128,559 religious priests.
As the Church increasingly depends on new vocations to carry out its mission globally, the role of community support in promoting these vocations becomes crucial.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Uy highlighted the need for young Catholics to see the priesthood as a path filled with purpose and joy.
His appeal for community action reflects a broader vision for the future of the Church in the Philippines and beyond—a future where young men and women find strength, encouragement, and support to answer God’s call, embracing lives dedicated to service and faith.
