Mysuru: In a renewed effort to invigorate parish life and deepen faith at the grassroots level, the Diocese of Mysore organized an Orientation Programme on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) at the Catholic Centre in Mysuru. The initiative formed part of the diocesan pastoral vision that places BECs at the core of parish life and the functioning of all diocesan commissions.
The programme brought together a wide cross-section of Church leadership and pastoral workers, including religious superiors, priests, sisters, and parish ministry members. The gathering reflected the diocese’s commitment to fostering a participatory Church where faith is lived and shared within small, vibrant community settings.
Addressing the participants, Bishop Francis Serrao of Mysore highlighted the indispensable role of Basic Ecclesial Communities in shaping a mission-oriented and people-centred Church. He explained that when BECs are active and well-nurtured, parish commissions naturally become more dynamic and effective. According to the Bishop, BECs enable the Church to connect more meaningfully with families, neighbourhoods, and everyday realities. He emphasized that BECs are not optional structures but a foundational framework for pastoral outreach and evangelization.
The orientation sessions opened with reflections on the need for BECs and their distinctive spirituality, focusing on faith-sharing, community bonding, and missionary engagement. Participants were encouraged to view BECs as living spaces where the Word of God is reflected upon collectively and translated into concrete acts of service. Special attention was also given to the role of priests in nurturing BECs, underlining the importance of pastoral leadership, collaboration with the laity, and ongoing accompaniment.
Fr. Joachim Fernandes, who served as the resource person for the programme, drew from his extensive pastoral experience to guide participants in rediscovering the vision and spirituality that sustain active BECs. His inputs offered practical insights into organizing, animating, and strengthening community-based faith initiatives within parishes.
The programme concluded with a planning and reflection session, during which participants discussed practical steps and strategies to revitalize BECs in their respective parishes. The collaborative discussions aimed at translating the orientation into concrete pastoral action.
Summing up the significance of the initiative, Fr. Arul Selva Kumar, Coordinator of Diocesan Commissions, described the programme as a meaningful step toward realising the Bishop’s vision of a Church deeply rooted in the Word of God, committed to service, and enlivened by dynamic, faith-filled communities.