Originally posted from: Bol-anonPope Benedict XVI named a Boholano as the new bishop of the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar. Fr. Crispin Varquez succeeds Bishop Leonardo Medroso who was assigned to the Diocese of Tagbilaran in October 2006.
Fr. "Bay" Varquez, as he is fondly called by close friends, is the outgoing vicar general in the Borongan diocese and curate of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. He joins 8 other Boholano bishops, out of a total of 71 in the country, now in active service, and will be the 14th Boholano bishop ever.
Fr. Bay's appointment was announced by the Vatican at noon Saturday, 11 August 2007, Rome time. It was announced simultaneously in Manila by Msgr. Wojciech Zalsuki, charge d’affaires of the apostolic nunciature.
Fr. Bay was born in Sevilla, Bohol to Sinforiano Varquez and Justina Barrete. He studied elementary and high school in Sevilla, his Philosophy at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Taloto, Tagbilaran City, and Theology at St. Augustine Major Seminary in Tagaytay City.
For us who happened to know him during his seminary days in Taloto, Fr. Bay will always be remembered as a very amiable and humble fellow. As he joins the College of Bishops, there is no doubt that he will be making our dear alma mater, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, proud.
