Zonal Level Jubilee Celebration of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) Held in Bidar

Bidar, July 7, 2025: The Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) of Bidar and Aurad zones gathered joyfully for a Zonal Jubilee Celebration held at St. Joseph’s School Auditorium, Bidar. The event marked a significant milestone in the life of the diocese and offered an opportunity for renewal, sharing, and action planning among grassroots Christian communities. A total of 176 participants took part in this vibrant celebration.

Centred around the inspiring theme: “ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಬಳ್ಳಿಗಳೂ ಒಗ್ಗೂಡಿದರೆ ಒಮ್ಮಿಶದಂತೆ ಬಾಳಬಹುದು” (“Even small twigs, when joined together, can burn like one flame”), the gathering emphasised the power of unity and collective faith. The theme echoed throughout the celebration, serving as a reminder that small faith communities, when united in purpose and prayer, can create a transformative impact.

Praise and worship filled the auditorium, creating a spirit of devotion that led into the inaugural ceremony, marked by prayer and the symbolic lighting of the lamp. Bishop Robert Miranda addressed the assembly, highlighting the foundational role that BECs play in nurturing faith at the family and neighbourhood levels. He called on every member to be a flame of love, communion, and mission in their respective communities.

Fr. Maxim Dias, the Regional Secretary for the BEC Commission, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address, reflecting on the mission of BECs in building a synodal Church. He emphasised the importance of lay participation, community decision-making, and Gospel-centred action. His talk energised the participants and clarified the pastoral vision for BECs.

Throughout the programme, selected BEC groups gave presentations, sharing their lived experiences, best practices, and challenges. Their stories illustrated how even the smallest communities, when united, can powerfully witness to the Gospel. Cultural performances and a creative skit based on the BEC theme added colour and life to the celebration, reinforcing the message of unity and shared mission.

A dedicated session on “Planning the Way Forward” enabled participants to identify practical steps to strengthen BECs across the zones. Key suggestions included:

• Revitalising regular Gospel sharing,
• Fostering youth and children’s participation,
• Enhancing family visits,
• Ensuring collaborative leadership at the grassroots.
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The Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Robert Miranda, brought the celebration to a prayerful close. During the Mass, the faithful were commissioned to carry forward the mission of the BEC with renewed faith and commitment. The Bishop encouraged everyone to be “sparks of the Spirit,” who, together, will keep the fire of Christ’s love burning brightly in every home and neighbourhood.

Premavani Communications – Diocese of Gulbarga