THE country continues to have a shortage in Catholic priests, with only 11,000 priests for 80 million Filipinos, or a ratio of 1:7,000, according to Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy.
The ideal ratio of priests to parishioners is 1 to 2,000, said the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines which has declared November 2024 as the first-ever National Vocation Awareness Month.
Uy, in a statement for the National Vocation Awareness Month, said communities “are yearning for shepherds who can guide them in faith, offer the sacraments, and nurture their spiritual growth.”
He called on priests to help encourage young males to consider answering the call to serve the Lord by actively engaging with their parishioners.
“Through prayer, mentorship, and community engagement, we can foster an environment, where vocations flourish, thus inspiring our youth to respond to God’s call with courage and enthusiasm,” said Uy.
