The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu extends its heartfelt felicitations to the Diocese of Tagbilaran on the Solemn Possession and Canonical Installation of Most Rev. Crispin “Bai” Varquez as its 8th Bishop.
Bishop Bai was formally installed during the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration held earlier today, October 27, at the Tagbilaran Cathedral.
Among those present were the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Charles John Brown; Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy, who served as the Installing Prelate; Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, who delivered the homily; and visiting archbishops and bishops from across the country.
Reflecting on Bishop Bai’s episcopal motto, Humilitas et Simplicitas (Humility and Simplicity), Cardinal Advincula reminded the clergy that they are preachers, not the Creator; that they remain finite and limited, not almighty or all-knowing; and that their lives are always in the hands of God, the giver of life. He noted how these virtues are reflected in Bishop Bai’s life and ministry.
“We are but clay in the hands of the Father. The clay does not shape itself, but remains in the hands of the potter, so that it will become a beautiful vessel or a useful tool,” Cardinal Advincula said.
He emphasized that despite Bishop Bai’s excellent education, years of pastoral experience, administrative skills, and leadership abilities, the new bishop remains dependent on God’s providence, humbly allowing himself to be reshaped by the Lord as he responds to the call of mission, even when it entails sacrifice.
Cardinal Advincula also highlighted simplicity as a heart wholly devoted to the love of Jesus. He expressed confidence that Bishop Bai’s love for Christ ultimately led him to accept this new mission, even as it meant leaving behind the communities he had previously served.
He then called on the Boholano faithful to continue loving and supporting their new shepherd.
“Hinaot unta nga inyo siyang suportahan pinaagi sa inyong mga pag-ampo ug pagtabang kaniya sa iyang gimbuhaton isip inyong magbalantay,” Cardinal Advincula said.
Meanwhile, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Brown expressed his joy and gratitude to the people of Bohol, drawing inspiration from the inscription on the ceiling of the Tagbilaran Cathedral: “It is good for us to be here.”
Emphasizing the importance of “looking up,” he reminded the faithful of the bishop’s responsibility to lead the Church toward God by lifting up the poor, defending their dignity, and encouraging the clergy to live out the dignity of their priesthood.
Through the bishop’s ministry, he said, the faithful are likewise called to lift one another up and journey together toward God.
Archbishop Abet, who served the Diocese of Tagbilaran for nine years before his appointment as Archbishop of Cebu, also shared in the joy of the Boholano faithful as he welcomed his successor.
“I thank God for He has given Tagbilaran a good, humble, simple, and fatherly shepherd. We waited. We prayed. And today we can say, Bishop Bai is worth the wait,” Archbishop Abet said.
Addressing the faithful, he emphasized that the installation marks not only a new beginning for Bishop Bai but also a new chapter for the entire local Church. He urged them to accompany their new shepherd through prayer, collaboration, and patience.
“Walk with your bishop, work with him, pray for him, and perhaps, sometimes, be patient with him. A bishop cannot shepherd the diocese alone,” Archbishop Abet said.
In his response message, Bishop Bai looked back on his years of ministry in the Diocese of Borongan, expressing his desire to bring the lessons and experiences he gained there into his service to the Diocese of Tagbilaran.
Acknowledging his own limitations, he humbly asked the clergy and faithful to allow him to journey with them, recognizing that he would need the gifts, talents, and unique contributions of each member of the local Church to serve God and His people more faithfully.
“Allow me to journey with you, to walk with you, and to love you. With humble and grateful heart, I accept this new ministry. Pero kahibaw ko, wala akong igong katakos nga ipaambit kaninyo. Ako lamang ihalad akong kaugalingon sa tumang pagpaubos ug diha sa kayano sa kinabuhi,” Bishop Bai said.
He also committed himself to sustaining the Church’s enthusiasm for evangelization, ensuring transparency and accountability in the stewardship of its financial and material resources, and embracing progress without compromising the faith, values, and identity of the Boholano people.
In pursuing these aspirations, Bishop Bai called on the faithful to remain open to dialogue and mutual listening in the spirit of synodality, emphasizing that the challenges ahead cannot be faced by a bishop alone.
“Kon naa moy maayo ng idea, sultihi ko. Kon naa moy ikasaway nako, sultihi pod ko kay dili ko masuko. Open ko, aron mahimong maayo ang atong pag-journey isip usa ka local Church sa Diocese of Tagbilaran … Ang mga hagit sa unahan dili nako kaya kon ako ra. Pari, religious, lay, please tabangi ko ninyo nga dili ko mag-inusara,” he said.
Congratulations, Bishop Bai! May the Lord strengthen you in your mission, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary accompany you as you shepherd the people of God in the Diocese of Tagbilaran toward a deeper and more living faith.