Filipino Bishop Urges Simplicity in Episcopal Gatherings
A senior Filipino bishop has called on his brother bishops to exercise greater restraint and simplicity during national Church meetings, warning that displays of lavish hospitality risk causing scandal and distancing Church leadership from the lived realities of the faithful. Speaking during the recent plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Crispin Varquez addressed concerns over the growing practice of hosting episcopal gatherings in provincial dioceses. While acknowledging the generosity of local communities, he cautioned that such hospitality can sometimes exceed what is appropriate for the vocation and mission of bishops. He urged that moderation be observed so that host dioceses are not financially burdened or pressured to compete with one another in demonstrating hospitality.
Bishop Varquez, who has led the Diocese of Borongan in Eastern Samar for nearly two decades, spoke from the perspective of a pastor serving one of the country’s poorest regions. He emphasized that episcopal assemblies should reflect the simplicity expected of Church leadership, particularly in a nation where many Catholics struggle with economic hardship. He warned that accepting excessive hospitality could undermine the credibility of bishops and weaken their moral witness. According to Varquez, maintaining frugal and accessible gatherings would allow more dioceses, including those with limited resources, to host future meetings and participate fully in the life of the bishops’ conference. He also encouraged episcopal commissions to organize conventions that prioritize formation, mission and participation over formality and expense.
The appeal resonated with broader concerns within the Philippine Church regarding clerical culture and the perception of privilege among clergy. The current president of the bishops’ conference, Gilbert Garcera, later acknowledged that entrenched clericalism remains an obstacle to building a Church more closely aligned with the poor. Responding to Varquez’s remarks, Archbishop Garcera welcomed the intervention as a timely reminder, noting that simplicity is essential to authentic service. Other bishops echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for episcopal practices that reflect solidarity with ordinary Catholics and sensitivity to social and environmental concerns.
Several Church leaders also highlighted practical dimensions of simplicity, including responsible use of resources during large gatherings. Gerardo Alminaza drew attention to environmental responsibility, encouraging measures to reduce waste and reliance on single use materials during Church events. Additional bishops noted that modesty in organizing conferences is especially important given the economic pressures faced by many parishes and families. The discussion sparked wider reflection within Church circles and among the faithful, with many viewing the call for simplicity as an invitation for renewed coherence between episcopal leadership and the Gospel witness of humility, service and closeness to the poor.
