By I P Sarto
Burdwan, April 14, 2024: A group of youth of Asansol diocese has decided to become Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) animators in their parishes.
The decision came during an orientation held at Chetana Pastoral Center, Burdwan, about 110 km northwest of Kolkata.
Around 40 youth from 12 parishes long with a few pastoral sisters and village leaders of the diocese attended the April 12-14 orientation on BEC (earlier known as Small Christian Communities- SCC).
Youth reflected on the importance of the Bible in one’s life, Seven Steps Gospel Sharing and the present socio-economic, cultural and national situation of the country.
The youth said they realized that their study has not opened their minds on awareness of various issues affecting the country, said Michael Saha, one of the facilitators. These sessions empowered them to become aware of their role as Christian youth, added Saha, a social worker.
Unemployment has increased in the country and the cosmetic advertisements have influenced our youth, said Jesuit Priest Irudaya Jothi quoting various statistics. Often our health is affected due to unplanned purchase and use of chemicals in our food, said Fr. Jothi, a social activist in Kolkata. He elaborated how the poor people are exploited in various fields.
Through games, group discussion, role play and video presentations the sessions were conducted to make it attractive for youth.
These sessions enabled us to understand our role in society, said Urmila Mardi, a college student.
Johan Murmu, another college student, said their many elders are unaware of the situation in the country. “I shall help them to know the sociocultural situation of our country and how it affects our villages,” added Murmu, a third year student of Bachelor of Arts in History.
While Ankita Das, from Durgapur industrial town, plans to empower her villagers to guide their children well physically, intellectually and spiritually, Rekha Hembrum, from a village parish, says she will conduct Gospel sharing in her village and help people reflect on the Word of God.
Bambina Sister Roshita Murmu, who has worked with youth for nearly two decades, said many participants have understood the importance of the Word of God and learnt to conduct the Bible veneration. Village youth have much energy, but they are not guided well, she added.
The youth unanimously decided to become animators in their parishes and assured to help one another in facilitating sessions on the Basic Ecclesial community in villages. They plan to have regular animation sessions to learn more about BEC.
Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) is basically old wine in new bottle. Earlier it was called Small Christian Community (SCC) and prior to that Basic Christian Community (BCC). The names/acronyms are used interchangeably according to suitability of the proponents of the movement which is also a Diocesan Commission. BEC or SCC or BCC propagates a desire for (a) communal liturgy, (b) co-operation and fellowship, (c) reinterpreting the gospel in an existing situation, and (d) a desire to come together around a common issue.
The moot question is what exactly is BEC? Is it an Advocacy Group? Can it secure admission for poor students in institutions of higher or professional education, employment, livelihood, housing and infrastructure wherever they are operating or just the opium of spirituality? Conversely, what is the success rate of BEC in these core sectors?