Agra Region BEC Convention Calls for Stronger Grassroots Participation in Synodal Church

Varanasi, August 2, 2026: Around 150 bishops, priests, religious and lay leaders from 11 dioceses of the Agra Region gathered at Nav Sadhana, Varanasi, on August 1–2 for the Agra Regional Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) Convention, calling for renewed efforts to strengthen grassroots faith communities as instruments of communion, participation and mission.

Held under the theme “Renewing Basic Ecclesial Communities for a Synodal Church,” the two-day convention examined ways to revitalise BECs and deepen their role in building participatory and mission-oriented parish communities.

The convention opened with Morning Prayer and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi. The inaugural ceremony featured the enthronement of the Bible, the lighting of the lamp and a welcome dance presented by students of Nav Sadhana Kala Kendra.

In his inaugural address, Bishop Wilfred Moras of Jhansi, Chairman of the Agra Regional BECs, stressed the need to renew BECs in response to the Church’s call to synodality. He emphasised the importance of building vibrant parish communities rooted in the Word of God and sustained by active participation at the grassroots.

The first day included keynote sessions by Fr George Jacob SAC, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for BECs, and Emmanuel Johnson of the BEC National Council. They reflected on the convention theme and encouraged greater participation in small Christian communities and neighbourhood-based faith groups.

Sr Margarita addressed the gathering on Communio India, highlighting its mission and the need for continued support for its work across the country.

Afternoon sessions focused on the role of BECs in promoting peace and harmony within neighbourhoods. Group discussions, moderated by Bishop Gerald John Mathias of Lucknow, enabled participants to reflect on local experiences and identify practical ways to strengthen community-based pastoral initiatives. The day concluded with Gospel sharing in small groups.

The second day began with the celebration of the Eucharist led by Bishop Moras. Participants then reviewed the progress of BEC ministry across the Agra Region, with representatives from the 11 dioceses presenting reports on pastoral initiatives, achievements and challenges encountered in strengthening local faith communities.

Further sessions led by Fr George Jacob and Emmanuel Johnson focused on neighbourhood peace-building, the centrality of the Word of God and the role of Gospel sharing in nurturing vibrant BECs.

Open forums provided participants an opportunity to exchange experiences and propose practical strategies for strengthening BECs across the region. Discussions emphasised greater lay participation, shared responsibility and sustained grassroots engagement as key elements of a synodal Church.

The convention concluded with a valedictory session led by Bishop Moras and a vote of thanks by Fr Alwyn Madtha, Regional Secretary. The gathering ended with a closing Bible ceremony and blessings.

Participants renewed their commitment to making Basic Ecclesial Communities a strong foundation for a synodal Church and effective instruments of peace-building, evangelisation and pastoral renewal across the Agra Region.

By Catholic Connect Reporter