Diocese of Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez has called on fellow Catholic bishops to embrace simplicity and frugality, especially when holding Church conferences in poorer dioceses, to avoid becoming a burden to host communities.

Varquez made the appeal during a privilege speech on the opening day of the 131st Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Plenary Assembly on Sunday.

The two-day assembly, held at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, is attended by 87 bishops from across the country and is presided over by CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa.

The gathering opened with a Mass celebrated by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, followed by the oath-taking of members of the CBCP Permanent Council and the newly appointed commission, committee, and office chairpersons.

In his address, Varquez stressed that CBCP plenary assemblies — particularly those hosted by dioceses — should be marked by restraint, simplicity and moderation.

He acknowledged that these gatherings are often made possible by the generosity of the faithful as an expression of their love for the Church, but warned that such generosity can sometimes go beyond what is appropriate for Church leaders.

“May it never be said that we have burdened our host dioceses financially or caused scandal by accepting lavish hospitality at the expense and inconvenience of the faithful,” Varquez said. “If we practice moderation, host dioceses will not feel pressured to outdo one another, and more dioceses may be willing to host future plenary assemblies.”

The Borongan bishop also proposed that conventions organized by episcopal commissions follow the same principles of simplicity and affordability.

“The focus should be on what truly matters — participation, formation, program, and mission,” he said. “I hope these gatherings can be made accessible so even smaller and less-resourced dioceses can fully take part in the life and work of the Conference.”

Varquez further encouraged each diocese to make a modest contribution to help sustain CBCP operations and advance its mission, while recognizing the varied challenges dioceses face.

“Many dioceses carry heavy pastoral and financial burdens, serving communities affected by poverty, disasters, and social challenges,” he said. “This appeal is made with full sensitivity to those realities.”