This is not a racist post—just an observation from a practicing Catholic mom.
Our family tries to attend Mass every weekend. I grew up with a religious Catholic grandmother, and my husband thankfully shares the same belief: that despite the flaws of the Church, going to Mass is one of the best ways to hear God’s word and grow spiritually. The Bible remains our most accessible source of God’s teachings, and faith, for us, is what holds everything together.
But over time, a question started to form in my mind: Why are there so many Indian priests in Manila?
We’ve attended Mass in at least five to ten different churches in the past year, and in many of them, the presiding priest is Indian. I honestly have no issue with nationality. But I also can’t deny that there are times when we struggle to understand what’s being said—especially during the homily. That’s why, sometimes, we even consider who the priest will be before choosing which church to attend.
Curious, I did a bit of research, and here’s what I found:
1. A Shortage of Local Priests in the Philippines
The Philippines has too few priests to serve its large Catholic population—about 1 priest per 7,000 parishioners.
Sources:
- https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1831656/church-turning-to-deacons-amid-shortage-of-priests
- https://clericalwhispers.blogspot.com/2024/11/philippine-catholics-urged-to-support.html
2. India Produces Many Priestly Vocations and Missionary Orders
India has a large Catholic population and many religious communities that regularly ordain priests and send them on mission.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priest_shortage_in_the_Catholic_Church
- https://cnewa.org/magazine/forming-priests-in-indias-thriving-church-30740/
3. Active Missionary Exchange Programs
Missionary groups like the Missionary Society of St. Columban assign Indian priests across the world, including in the Philippines.
Source:
4. Filipino Parishes Welcome Foreign Clergy
Many Indian priests have expressed how warmly they’re received in the Philippines, and how much they enjoy serving here.
Sources:
- https://mattersindia.com/2020/02/philippines-inspires-indian-missionary/
- https://mattersindia.com/2019/10/lay-missionary-who-reaches-out-to-indigenous-filipinos/
5. Indian Priests Are Taking Leadership Roles in Local Communities
Example: Fr. Terence Abranches, an Indian priest, now serves as National Director of the Family Rosary Crusade in the Philippines.
Source:
6. Indian Congregations Have Active Missions in the Philippines
Congregations like the Holy Cross have a strong presence in both India and the Philippines, actively assigning priests abroad.
Source:
It’s sad but not surprising to learn that there is a shortage of Filipino priests. After all, becoming a priest is a long, expensive journey and requires a deep, personal calling. Not everyone is ready to make that kind of commitment.
Still, it raises the question: how can we make the Mass experience more meaningful for Filipino parishioners when the presiding priest is not a native speaker?
Faith is something that grows through hearing and understanding. For many of us, the homily is a key part of the Mass—where we receive guidance, clarity, and spiritual encouragement. When communication is unclear, the impact is lessened.
Here are some possible ways churches can help:
Suggestions for Improving Mass Accessibility When the Priest is a Foreigner:
- Encourage Basic Filipino Language Training for Foreign Priests
Even learning a few Tagalog phrases or greetings shows effort and respect. It helps build rapport with parishioners and bridges communication gaps. - Provide Mass Guides or Translations in the Local Language
Bilingual missalettes, slides, or printed summaries of the homily can help the congregation follow along despite language barriers. - Use Lay Ministers or Readers for Local Context
Filipino lay readers can translate key points or lead parts of the service in Tagalog or the local dialect, adding clarity and cultural resonance. - Offer Cultural and Language Orientation to New Priests
Orientation programs can teach foreign priests about local customs, religious traditions, and common churchgoer expectations. - Foster Feedback and Conversation With the Community
Creating space for dialogue—through open forums, suggestion boxes, or parish gatherings—allows for mutual learning and adaptation. - Emphasize Visual and Musical Participation
Using Filipino hymns, familiar devotions like novenas, and symbolic gestures during Mass can reinforce the message beyond language, making the liturgy feel more grounded and inclusive.
This blog is not meant to criticize, but to reflect and raise awareness. The presence of Indian priests in our churches is a blessing and a reminder of the global nature of the Catholic Church. But as with all things, understanding and accessibility are key.
Mass is more than ritual—it’s a moment of connection, guidance, and renewal. As churchgoers, we deeply value those moments of clarity and inspiration during the homily or the gospel reading. And so, it is only right to ask: how can we, as a community, help make every Mass feel more understandable and more meaningful for all?
By making small adjustments and embracing open communication, we can ensure that the message of God continues to reach every Filipino heart—clearly, powerfully, and with love.
