Basic Ecclesial Community Sunday

What a fitting day to celebrate, as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declares, the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) Sunday on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. As the Holy Trinity is a celebration of the One God in Three Persons, the BEC day reflects that communion in difference of talents, status and capacities.

“These communities are united to their pastors but are ministered to regularly by lay leaders. The members know each other by name, and share not only the Word of God and the Eucharist but also their concerns both material and spiritual. They have a strong sense of belongingness and of responsibility for one another” (PCP II, 137).

We recognize today our Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban Servant-Leaders (GSL’s) who in their little but noble ways have made the Church alive by their witness of selfless service. Our gratitude to the Lord for these leaders and members who realized they have received without cost and they give without cost (Mt. 10:8) as stewards of God’s gifts as we all journey together in synodality towards the kingdom to come. Regardless of the distance from the parish church, BEC’s have made the life of the church visible in the peripheries.

May Mary, our Mother unite us as her children. A blessed BEC Sunday to all!