BEC Leaders Convened

GKK leaders of the Archdiocese of Davao convened to celebrate the 5th Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) Sunday on June 3, 2023, at the San Pedro Cathedral. Hundreds of GKK Servant Leaders (GSL) came to the Cathedral in their finest Filipiniana attire to celebrate this yearly occasion as they gathered to renew their commitment in serving the Church. The celebration began with a Holy Mass with the Auxiliary Bishop of Davao, Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D. as the presider. In his homily, he emphasized that the celebration has a more important focus, the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity.

The celebration then continued with a night of appreciation and gratitude for all GSLs at the Grand Menseng Hotel. This year’s theme is “Santisima Trinidad: tuburan sa kahiusahan sa pagpanag-uban sa panaw sa misyon sa GKK sa diwa sa pagkapiniyalan”. Stewardship and synodality are at the center of this year’s celebration, with the Holy Spirit serving as both a source of unity and a partner in mission.

These leaders of the church were filled with happy faces as they entered the function room of the hotel. Everyone in the pastoral office have been busy preparing for this event and all efforts and sacrifices have paid off having seen the beautiful smiles. Present were a few of the priests: Fr. Jovilo Bongay, Fr. Pedro Lamata, Fr. Rey Sabuero, fr. Rolando Mandreza, Fr. Reynaldo Capili, SSS, Fr. Arnold Balaquinto, Fr. Anthony Silvosa, Fr. Leif Simbajon, Fr. Ranebe Magallanes, Fr. Henry Campeon, Fr. Fernando Ingente, SM, and Fr. Dioscoro Saniel.

All GKK leaders expressed their wonderful experience as GKK coordinators through an audio-visual presentation. This is to inspire old and new members in the ministry on how being a GSL can change one’s life. Some of the sharing include the following inspirations and realizations: being responsible stewards, being blessings from God for the community, continuous expression of God’s love through understanding and happiness to serve. The highlight of the event were the concrete and memorable experiences shared by the GSLs on how their lives were touched by this small communities. How in time of difficulties they have felt the close relationship from the GKK.

As the program was about to end, all the GSLs were presented with lei or hand-made garlands in appreciation of their service to the church. Present priests, Fr. Rey Sabuero, Fr. Anthony Silvosa, Fr. Arnold Balaquinto, Fr. Jovil Bongay, Fr. Henry Campeon, Fr. Dioscoro Saniel, Fr. Ranebe Magallanes, Fr. Marlon Reyes, Fr. Fernando Ingente, Fr. Reynaldo Capili and Bishop George Rimando lined and presented the garlands simultaneously as GSLs approached the stage.

The celebration of the BEC Sunday and the service of all the GSLs do not end with this one day affair. The challenge being God’s missionaries in the community will always continue; a challenge to invite living souls up to the peripheries to pray and serve the Lord. One can use his talent, time, and treasure to help those in the GKK to form, worship, and serve the Lord. Taking part in this kind of journey is joining Christ in his sufferings.

“Kita makasalig nga pinaagi sa presensya sa Santisima Trinidad hilabi na pinaagi sa Espiritu Santo makapadayon ta diha sa misyon sa paghulagway sa gugma sa Dios to make Him known…” Most Rev. George B. Rimando Auxiliary Bishop of in his homily during the Davao BEC/GKK Ministry Coordinators Renewal of Commitment. (Gresiel Ferrando | Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish SoCCom)