Bishop Roberto Gaa links decline in family prayer to fewer Church vocations

Bishop Roberto Gaa attributed the decrease in priestly and religious vocations to a decline in family prayer. Speaking at the Manila Cathedral on Oct. 31, 2026, the Bishop of Novaliches said that families must create a culture of prayer to help children listen to God and discern their callings. He noted that less frequent family prayer results in fewer discovered vocations and encouraged parents to establish steadfast prayer habits with children from an early age.

The Mass presided over by Gaa opened the 3rd National Vocations Month. Gaa serves as the chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Vocations. The gathering included seminarians, consecrated persons, and vocation directors from various dioceses.

Participants held a Walk for Vocations through Intramuros to promote awareness of religious and priestly life. National Vocations Month is observed every November.