TACLOBAN CITY — Amid growing financial pressures on dioceses nationwide, Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez has called on his fellow prelates to embrace simplicity, frugality, and deeper solidarity in Church gatherings, particularly during plenary assemblies of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
Varquez made the appeal in a privilege speech during the 131st CBCP Plenary Assembly on Sunday, January 25, urging bishops to ensure that Church activities remain consistent with their pastoral vocation and sensitive to the realities faced by local churches.
He specifically appealed for restraint in CBCP plenary assemblies hosted by dioceses, warning that while the generosity and hospitality of host dioceses are deeply appreciated, they should not be pushed beyond what is reasonable.
“Accepting lavish hospitality can unintentionally place financial strain on host dioceses and may cause misunderstanding or even scandal among the faithful,” Varquez said, stressing that bishops are called to be witnesses of moderation and stewardship.
The Borongan prelate said that practicing simplicity would make it easier for poorer and smaller dioceses to host future CBCP gatherings without feeling pressured to overspend, thereby promoting wider participation across the Church.
Beyond plenary assemblies, Varquez also called for simpler and more affordable conventions organized by CBCP episcopal commissions. He said Church meetings should prioritize formation, dialogue, and mission rather than costly arrangements, allowing bishops and Church workers from resource-limited dioceses to participate meaningfully.
Addressing concerns about unity within the hierarchy, Varquez rejected claims that brotherhood among bishops is weakening, saying genuine solidarity remains strong among those who actively nurture it. He emphasized that no bishop—whether active or retired—should ever be viewed as a burden, as all share the same vocation and responsibility to serve the People of God.
“Our journey of synodality calls us to walk together and help one another with humility and generosity,” he said.
In the same address, Varquez appealed to dioceses to offer modest and capacity-based financial contributions to help sustain the operations and mission of the CBCP. While acknowledging the financial and pastoral challenges confronting many dioceses, he said even small contributions would be a concrete sign of shared responsibility.
He renewed his proposal for each ecclesiastical territory to consider contributing a small percentage of its available resources to a common fund dedicated to supporting the Conference’s programs and administrative needs.
Varquez concluded by urging his fellow bishops to respond with unity and trust, expressing confidence that acts of generosity—no matter how modest—would strengthen the Church’s mission and be returned manifold in blessings as they continue to serve both the Church and the nation.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
