WB-Sikkim BEC Animators Resolve to Establish Neighbourhood Human Communities Across Region

Krishnanagar, July 20, 2026: Animators and coordinators of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) from West Bengal and Sikkim have unanimously resolved to establish Neighbourhood Human Communities in parishes across the region following a three-day formation programme aimed at strengthening interreligious harmony and grassroots pastoral outreach.

The Regional Diocesan Resource Team (DRT) training, held from July 13 to 15 at Sanjivani Pastoral Centre in Krishnanagar, brought together around 60 participants, including 12 priests representing the dioceses of Asansol, Baruipur, Calcutta, Krishnanagar and Raiganj. Most of the sessions were conducted in Bengali.

The programme was inaugurated with the celebration of the Eucharist by Bishop Fulgence Tigga of Raiganj, who called on participants to become prophets in today's society by witnessing to the Gospel through their lives and ministry.

Sr. Christin, HC, a member of the National Service Team and the principal facilitator, introduced the concept of Neighbourhood Human Communities as an extension of Basic Ecclesial Communities that reaches out to people of other faiths through love, joy and hope, in keeping with the vision proposed by Pope Francis. She described the initiative as a timely pastoral response to contemporary social realities and illustrated its significance through practical examples.

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The training explored the present social context of West Bengal, participants' responses to emerging challenges, reflections on the future, the Book of the Prophet Daniel, interreligious understanding among India's three major religions and the foundations of the Christian faith.

As part of the programme, participants were divided into eight groups for exposure visits to Basic Ecclesial Community units of Krishnanagar Cathedral Parish, where they observed community life and pastoral initiatives at the grassroots.

Fr. I.P. Sarto, Regional BEC Coordinator, led a practical session demonstrating how issue-based meetings could be organised with people of different faiths in villages and neighbourhoods while fostering mutual trust and cordial relationships. Participants agreed that similar initiatives could be introduced in their own parishes and communities.

The Krishnanagar Cathedral Parish BEC team, led by Sr. Dorothy, SMI, organised the Bible procession and veneration on the opening day. Fr. Pradip Mondal, Vicar General of the Diocese of Krishnanagar, and Fr. Arul Rozario, BEC Coordinator, welcomed the participants and coordinated the training programme.

The concluding Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Gyana Pepin, Deputy Secretary of the Bengal Regional Bishops' Council, who also led the final action-plan session. He encouraged participants to strengthen family unity and foster holiness through the ministry of Basic Ecclesial Communities.

At the conclusion of the programme, participants reaffirmed their commitment to establishing Neighbourhood Human Communities throughout the region by extending BEC outreach in a spirit of welcome and inclusivity while building cordial relationships with neighbours of all faiths. They also recommended that a follow-up training programme be organised after three months to review progress and strengthen implementation.

By Catholic Connect Reporter