A journey of faith: Davao hosts 4th BEC National Assembly

Bishops, priests, lay leaders from different parts of the Philippines have converged in Davao City for the 4th BEC National Assembly.

Reflecting on the theme: “Discerning the Challenges of the BEC Journey in the Light of the New Evangelization,” the conference began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City, November 11.

In his homily, the archbishop welcomed the participants and told them a brief account of the history of the Basic Ecclesial Communities in the Philippines particularly in the Diocese of Tagum.

The archbishop has likened the 50 years of BEC as a journey of faith.

After the Holy Mass, the participants proceeded to the Grand Menseng Hotel where they were entertained by different dance performances highlighting the Filipino culture.

Fr. Leonardo Dublan, Jr., in his message said that despite the fears felt due to the earthquakes in Mindanao last month, the participants still pushed through with their participation in the assembly.

“The tremors that you felt are the tremors and joy of welcome from the people,” Archbishop Valles said before the participants went back to their respective hotels.

On the second day, participants were introduced to the history of the BEC and also the result of the study conducted regarding basic ecclesial communities were presented.

Among the results presented are the positive experiences of the respondents in their involvement in the BECs like members striving to integrate faith in daily life, active promotion of the three-fold mission of Christ, cooperation and openness between BEC leaders and barangay, and inherent social action programs and catechesis in some BECs.

Bishop of Digos Guillermo V. Afable also delivered an input wherein he has called the BEC leaders as the heart of the BECs.

“You are the heart of the BEC,” Bishop of Afable who is also the Bishop of Digos said to the participants.

“Each one of you promised to yourself and to one another, that you are going to be the joy of the gospel these days,” he added.

He said that in the recent years, BECs has become a new way of being church in the Philippines and the clergy, laity and the religious form part of this new evangelization.

Other activities and talks were also prepared for the participants like the exposure to the BECs of the Archdiocese of Davao and tour around the landmarks in Davao City.

Meanwhile, the 4TH BEC National Assembly ended last November 14.