A Catholic bishop has raised concern over the declining number of priestly vocations in the country, saying ordinations have become increasingly uncommon.
During a Mass at the Cathedral-Shrine of the Good Shepherd in Quezon City, Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa said the Church is facing a serious shortage of men entering the priesthood.
“Ordinations have become a rare sight not only in Novaliches but also in other places because no one wants to become a priest anymore,” Gaa said in his homily. “It is difficult to be a priest.”
The bishop made the statement as he ordained two new priests and two deacons on Tuesday. The last priestly ordination in the diocese was held about three years ago.
Those ordained were Ramon Mikhail Paolo Nicdao and John Paul Adia as priests, and Joshua Paul Sadernas and Michael George Villasis as deacons.
Gaa said the shortage has become a major pastoral issue, noting that the diocese has only one priest for every 70,000 parishioners. He urged the faithful to pray for more vocations.
He also recalled instances in his time as a seminary formator when parents discouraged their sons from pursuing priesthood, believing the Church was taking them away after they earned college degrees.
Despite these challenges, the bishop said “God’s grace is always sufficient” and continued to ask for prayers for priests and those discerning their calling.
The Diocese of Novaliches covers 73 parishes in northern Caloocan and northern Quezon City, serving around 2.5 million Catholics. (CBCP News)
