By I P Sarto

Dumka, Oct 17, 2023: More than 25,000 people, including Hindus, walked on the streets of Dumka, the second capital of Jharkhand state in eastern India, to conclude the four-day convention of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) Synod.

People from seven deaneries of the Dumka diocese, dressed in Santhali costumes, sang, danced and played musical instruments as they carried posters depicting the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in the October 15 mega Bible convention.

Bishop Julius Marandi of Dumka enthroned the Bible on a decorated vehicle carrying the globe. At the end of the procession, Bishop Marandi presided over the Eucharist along with Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta and Emeritus Bishop Salvadore Lobo of Baruipur and about 100 priests on St. Paul’s Cathedral grounds, Dumka.

“The Word of God strengthens all. We not merely respect, but need to read, reflect and share in the BECs,” said Bishop Marandi during the homily.

Niraj Kumar Dikshit, a Hindu lawyer who participated in the procession, found it different from any held in Dumka. “It was beautiful, peaceful and prayerful. I heard about it from some of my friends, and was curious. So, I attended some of the convention sessions and the procession,” he told Matters India.

Sister Dorothy Sarcar, a member of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Krishnagar, said the people were disciplined even though the procession was long and on a hot day. “They sang and prayed the Rosary as they walked in an orderly manner,” she added.

Father Charles Hansda, the main organizer of the Bible procession, said the Catholic youth of the diocese had done “a marvelous job of directing the traffic and guiding the people in the Bible procession which lasted more than two hours.

Suboth Khan Soren, a youth of Dumka, said they need more conventions to bring unity among the Christians and to deepen their faith.

Father Dominc Gomes, vicar general of Calcutta archdiocese who participated in the convention, found the tribal Catholics’ faith, perseverance and patience amazing.

Father Laban Lepcha, BEC coordinator of Darjeeling diocese, said it was the first time he had such a large number of Christians participating in a Bible procession.

The participants promised to work for strengthening the BECs and to enlarge the tents to welcome the people of other faiths to experience the mercy of God. The convention participants felt more unity, belongingness and communion among themselves, said Akash John Ekka, a youth from kolkata.

Sister Christin Joseph, a member of the National BEC Service Team of the Conference of Catholic Bishops in India, said they plan similar conventions in each diocese welcoming BEC animators from all the parishes to participate and to learn from one another to enlarge the tents for people of good will in the neighborhood.