The Commission on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) in the Philippines has launched a project that will honor individuals who served as pioneers, heroes, and even martyrs in building and strengthening BECs.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza led the launch of the project during the National BEC Assembly currently being held in the Diocese of Bacolod.
Through a survey, Catholics across the Philippines are encouraged to submit the names of individuals or organizations they believe must be recognized for their noteworthy contribution to this particular Church priority.
“The BEC pioneers, heroes, and martyrs can provide us with an example of faith that does justice [to] the formation that they went through so that they are able to integrate deep spirituality with a strong commitment to social justice [and] social transformation,” said Bishop Alminaza.
“They are our examples of servant leadership, [which] so important if we want to realize the vision of Church in the Philippines,” he also said.
The bishop said this project is a great way to express gratitude and tell inspiring stories of the so-called “Next Door Saints” who left an incredible legacy for the Church.
“Learning about them can be a good way to learn from their mistakes and victories. We will know what to avoid and continue,” he said. “Perhaps their experiences will inspire us to start with something even new that they haven’t tried.”
Bishop Alminaza also said that it is the present generation's duty to keep their memories alive “as a way [to] celebrate God’s presence and action through their lives [and] works.
Taking note of the assembly’s theme “BEC as the way to a Synodal Church,” Bishop Alminaza explained how honoring key BEC persons or groups can help the Filipino faithful nurture a deeper sense of Synodality.
“We will realize that even before Pope Francis called for a Synod on Synodality, through the Basic Ecclesial Communities and basic human communities, we have been practicing Synodality. But we need to keep on deepening that experience,” he said.
Now in its fifth year, the National BEC Assembly in the Philippines opened on November 20.
Attended by diocesan BEC coordinators nationwide, the event ended on November 21 with a Closing Mass and the release of the commission’s report and Statement of Commitment.
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