By I P Sarto
Raiganj: A group of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) animators has decided to observe compassionately situation in the neighborhood, reflect objectively, analyze the causes and to act according to the gospel values.
As many as 44 BEC animators reflected on the theme, “The will of God is the need of the time,” December 3-5 at Diocesan Pastoral Centre of Raiganj, about 400 km north of Kolkata.
The group comprising laity, including youth, priests, Religious and four bishops reflected on the situation of the country and analyzed in the light of the Gospel values. They unanimously decided to instill hope and courage to the people who are frightened. All opted to spend time with the suffering and extend listening ears to those who are isolated or quarantined.
BEC, earlier known as Small Christian Communities (SCC) animators from seven dioceses of Bengal and Sikkim Region shared how they deepened their faith in God during the pandemic time.
“I felt that I have responsibility towards my parishioners. Thus I phoned to all of them individually every day at the initial stage of full Lock down, Later I went to meet them personally to talk to them,” said Pinky Lepcha, a youth leader from Sikkim. This gave comfort to my parishioners, she added.
“My faith in Christ urged me to give awareness to my villagers on health. Thus I went to government office and collected leaflets and posters on Covid 19 in April and distributed to the people and explained to them importance of health care,” said Suniram Hembrum, a catechist from Raiganj.
Sharing by the laity was inspiring on how they witnessed their love for one another and their faith in Jesus, said Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling.
Sharing the lives of various prophets and Judges from the Old Testament, Holy Cross Sister Christin Joseph of Kolkata invited the participants to be prophets in their own parishes. While moderating the sessions, Sister Christin, a national trainer on BEC, shared various examples of simple people of witnessing life from the Basic Ecclesial communities. Laity took a leading role during the pandemic to live authentic Christian life, she added.
Charitable life of laity during this Covid situation is the opt proclamation, added Bishop Lepcha. The participants also decided to celebrate Christmas at their village communities sharing the good news with people of all faiths keeping the social distance.
Some youth actively promoted environmental protection by planting trees and cleaning the villages and ensuring plastic free surrounding during this pandemic, said Oblate Father Rajesh Paul Kujur of Asansol diocese.