A sharing on the 3rd National BEC Assembly

11-14 November 2015
Manila, Philippines

“We are all expected to spend time with one another to celebrate together our sense of Communion of Communities from the local Churches throughout the country..” These were the words conveyed to the delegates by His Excellency, Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D. in his Opening Remarks, as the outgoing Chair of the CBCP-BEC Committee. Furthermore, the delegates were asked then to listen attentively to the different BEC stories, talks, homilies, and our encounter with the host families/parishes and to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

It is my great joy to share my encounter with God through the different people, events and circumstances.

The Host and Foster Families
Upon our arrival, two dynamic BEC leaders of the Archdiocese of Manila welcomed us with great smile.  They provided us food, oriented us on what will happen on the next day, and introduced us to our foster families.

Our Host, the Parish of the Our Lady of the Abandoned (POLA) in Mandaluyong City, organized a welcome dinner and program, the day after we arrived. The BEC leaders looked so elated of our presence. Their dances, songs, and creative presentations made us feel dearly welcomed and at home. Collaboration of Laity and Clergy was noticeable as they hosted the event.

At home, the foster parents made sure that we are comfortable. My own foster family offered their own room for me to have a place to rest. I had very memorable experience with my host ONIE. On the last day of my stay, my host prepared hot water to keep me warm as I took a bath. That was so touching. It was still dawn. She woke up so early just to make stay so easy.
 
The BEC in POLA
We had a Bible Sharing. They call it SamBahaginan. Someone from the parish-center facilitated the activity. As I listened to the sharing, I heard their sufferings in life. I saw tears in their eyes. But their hearts were filled with hope. Parang sinasabi nila na kahit naghihirap ang kalooban at nahihirapan sa buhay, may Diyos na gumagabay at umaalalay.

The Bible Sharing became an opportunity for the BEC members to share their faith, witness their faith, and consequently invited others to have stronger faith.

Reflecting on my experience, I noticed that we may have different names or terms used in the BECs but we have common experiences that is, we find joy and peace in sharing and witnessing God’s Word.

The Assembly
Considering the wide scope of representation, the Assembly gave ample time for each region to present their BEC life in their respective Dioceses. Some were able to prepare their reports in an organized way, while others had creatively articulated their piece. The reports showed us the joys and pains, sorrows and struggles, opportunities and challenges of each diocese. There was no standard on how to organize, form, mobilize and sustain the BEC. Each of the Diocese was guided by the Holy Spirit.

The facilitators and the whole organizing team were effective in different fields. They were able to blend their ideas and expertise to come up with creative processes in prayer, reflection, sharing and interaction.

The talks and homilies were all spirit-filled. The shepherds did not fail to remind us of the values of the Kingdom of God. I noticed, all of them shared, not just their knowledge, but more importantly their own personal experience with God through events and people.

One thing I have noted most, the humility of Fr. Picardal to accept in public his limitations, especially on the data gathered about the BEC in the Philippines. His action was supported by Bp. George B. Rimando, taking the responsibility, being the Chair. The action was very moving. It shows an example of what a true servant leader is-humble.
 
Closing Note
The whole event can be summarized using the lines from the DADITAMA Report presented on the first day of the Assembly:

“On earth as it is in heaven.
God’s children in communion with one another.
This is the story of our lives – on our part of this earth, every moment is a chance for joy. Every minute, a step in the journey for salvation. Every day, the privilege of sharing the light of Christ through our Basic Ecclesial Communities. Our BEC life is a world filled with opportunities to help our communities grow.”

It is my hope that our participation in the Basic Ecclesial Communities National Assembly will make our BECs a way of life in the Philippines. Let us be constantly be assured of the words of our Lord, “I am with you until the end of time.” (Mt. 28:20)
 
God bless!
 
Vicky L. Estoque-Anghag
Archdiocesan BEC Lay Coordinator
Archdiocese of Davao