Mangalore Diocese Hosts Diocesan-Level BEC Convention

Mangalore, August 11, 2025: The Diocese of Mangalore witnessed a historic and grace-filled gathering as 1,100 participants from 124 parishes came together on August 10 at Cordel Hall, Kulshekar, for the Diocesan-Level Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) Convention on the theme “BECs: Pilgrim People, Living the Synodal Church.”

The event was inaugurated by Msgr. Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese, who, in his address, emphasised the importance of building a participatory Church where every member walks together in faith and mission. Fr. Maxim Dias, representing KRCBC and the Regional BEC Secretariat, commended the Diocese of Mangalore for its dynamic BEC movement, calling it a model diocese in the region for grassroots evangelisation and community living.

Fr. Naveen Pinto, Diocesan Coordinator for Pastoral Commissions, reflected on the call to synodality and the Church’s mission as a pilgrim people, united in prayer, fellowship, and service. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, spoke on The Spirituality of Communion, inspiring participants to deepen their relationship with God and one another through Gospel living and shared responsibility.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, who, in his homily, stressed the need for leadership formation at the grassroots level and encouraged the faithful to develop leaders rooted in faith, humility, and service to the community.

A lively and thought-provoking panel discussion, moderated by Fr. Frederick Monteiro, Parish Priest of Anjelore, brought together Rev. Dr. Alphonsus D’Lima, Fr. Naveen Pinto, Prof. Santhosh Saldanha, Mrs. Ida Sequeira, and Mrs. Asha Monteiro. They shared rich insights on the pastoral, spiritual, and social dimensions of BECs, speaking on how small Christian communities can foster unity, promote Gospel values in daily life, and empower lay leaders to take active roles in parish and neighbourhood ministry. The discussion, enriched by participant interaction, was described as both fruitful and inspiring, offering practical takeaways for strengthening BEC life across the diocese.

Rev. Dr. Fr. Sunil George, Diocesan Director of BECs, delivered the concluding remarks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who worked tirelessly for the success of the convention. Rev. Fr. Santhosh Rodrigues, Director of the Pastoral Institute, led the Closing Bible Ceremony and imparted his blessing, commissioning the faithful to continue their mission as Pilgrim People.

The convention was a celebration of faith, fellowship, and shared mission, renewing the commitment of the Diocese of Mangalore to walk together as a Synodal Church, rooted in Gospel values and dedicated to community building at every level.

Mangalore Diocese Hosts Diocesan-Level BEC Convention

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