The Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) Training Programme was successfully held on Sunday, 1st March 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the auditorium of St Lawrence English Medium School. The programme was organised under the guidance of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, BEC Central Church Committee Director Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, and Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal of St Lawrence English Medium School. With their constant support and encouragement, the programme was conducted smoothly and meaningfully.

The programme began with the BEC hymn, creating a prayerful atmosphere, followed by a solemn procession. The Holy Bible was reverently carried in procession with lighted candles, a sign of Christ the Light and the presence of the Word of God among the faithful. The procession was accompanied by the religious sisters and the dignitaries on the dais.

The Bible was then respectfully placed in a prominent place, symbolising the centrality of the Word of God in the community and reminding everyone that all activities and deliberations are rooted in faith and guided by God’s Word.

Rev. Fr Sunil George D’Souza, Director of BEC, Mangalore Diocese, was the resource person for the session. As a mark of reverence, a garland was placed on the Holy Bible. Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza proclaimed the Word of God from John 1:1–12 and delivered a brief reflection, emphasising the importance of living according to the Word.

Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza formally introduced and welcomed Rev. Fr Sunil George D’Souza. Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha presented a bouquet to Fr Sunil George as a gesture of welcome.

The dignitaries on the dais included PPC Vice President Mr John D’Silva, Secretary Mr Alwyn Saldanha, All Commissions Head Mrs Avitha Mascarenhas, BEC Convener Mrs Mary Miranda, and Secretary Mrs Lavita D’Souza.

In his session, Fr Sunil George gave a brief introduction to the origin and growth of the BEC movement. He explained the meaning and importance of a Catholic community, highlighted the strengths of BECs, and spoke about community bonding within Bondel Parish. He also addressed the challenges faced by the parish and suggested practical ways to overcome them.

There was an interactive sharing session where participants discussed various issues and explored solutions. Fr Sunil George clearly explained the “Seven Steps” prayer service method and emphasised the importance of lay leadership within the community. He encouraged parishioners to actively share the Gospel and to involve children—especially those from 4th, 5th, and 6th standard—in ward meetings to nurture faith from a young age.

Mrs Mary Miranda, the Central Committee Convener, compered the entire programme gracefully. The vote of thanks was delivered by Secretary Mrs Lavita D’Souza, who expressed gratitude to the resource person, parish priests, organisers, and all participants.

With the wholehearted support and cooperation of everyone, the programme was a great success. A total of 168 parishioners actively participated in the training, making it a fruitful and enriching experience for the parish community.

Report : Meena Serrao Barboza