BASIC ECCLESIAL COMMUNITIES (BECs) IN THE DIOCESE OF MANGALORE
A Journey of Faith and Fellowship
The Diocese of Mangalore, with its deep roots in Catholic tradition and missionary fervor, has long been at the forefront of pastoral renewal and evangelization. Among its most impactful contributions to the Church in India is the establishment and nurturing of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs)—small, vibrant faith communities that bring the Church into the homes and hearts of the faithful.
BECs are not merely prayer groups or gatherings; they are the living cells of the Church, where families come together to listen to the Word of God, reflect on life experiences, support one another, and reach out to those in need. These communities embody a synodal Church that listens, walks together, and lives the Gospel in daily life.
Historical Background and Episcopal Leadership
The vision of Basic Ecclesial Communities began to take shape in Mangalore during the late 1980s, as a response to the Church’s call for greater lay participation and grassroots evangelization following Vatican II. This vision was pastorally realized under the leadership of Late Bishop Basil Salvadore D’Souza, whose insight into community-based Church life provided the initial foundation for BECs.
Bishop Basil recognized the strength of the traditional ward system and the leadership of gurkars (lay ward leaders). Through the Pastoral Institute, he promoted training and experimentation with the Lumko method of Bible sharing, fostering family-centered faith formation. His vision created the groundwork for a participatory Church at the neighborhood level.
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza gave further momentum to the movement. Under his leadership, the BECs were structurally integrated into every parish. He supported the creation of BEC commissions, the publication of multilingual handbooks, training materials, and the composition of SCC hymns that have become part of the diocese’s spiritual fabric. His efforts made BECs a central aspect of parish life and mission.
Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, the present Bishop of Mangalore, brings renewed theological insight and pastoral energy to the movement. His focus on communion, participation, and mission echoes the heart of the BEC vision. He emphasizes family catechesis, digital evangelization, and youth engagement. His personal involvement in BEC meetings and conventions underscores his deep pastoral care and commitment to synodality in action.
Pioneers and Past Directors
The growth of BECs in the Diocese of Mangalore is the result of the vision, dedication, and missionary zeal of a number of pioneering priests who served as directors:
- Rev. Dr Alphonsus D’Lima – As the first Director of SCCs and then Director of the Pastoral Institute in the late 1980s, he introduced the concept of Basic Ecclesial Communities to the diocese. He was instrumental in bringing the Lumko method to Mangalore and laid the theological and pastoral foundation for BECs, deeply grounded in Vatican II.
- Fr Arthur Pereira – Following the 1989 Diocesan Pastoral Consultation, he expanded BEC training and formed initial ward communities. He popularized SCC through Konkani songs, pastoral writings, and contributions to Raknno and other local publications. His creative approach made BECs spiritually meaningful and culturally resonant.
- Fr Gilbert D’Souza (7 June 2004 – 9 June 2011) – Focused on structural coordination, strengthening BECs at the parish and deanery levels. He emphasized the formation of lay animators and sustainable BEC teams.
- Fr Walter D’Souza (10 June 2011 – 8 June 2018) – Deepened the liturgical and spiritual life of BECs through ward-level celebrations, enhanced youth involvement, and supported the creation of SCC devotional materials.
- Fr Joachim Fernandes (9 June 2018 – 30 May 2024) – Brought efficiency and communication to the forefront, introducing digital tools, promoting documentation, and expanding children’s BECs in select parishes.
- Rev. Dr Sunil George D’Souza (31 May 2024 onwards) – The current director, he combines theological depth with pastoral clarity. He promotes a synodal model of leadership, aiming to make every ward a mission-oriented, Gospel-centered community through ongoing formation and animation.
Structure and Functioning in the Diocese of Mangalore
The Diocese of Mangalore currently has over 1,700 active BECs across 124 parishes, making it one of the most vibrant BEC movements in India. Each BEC typically includes 10–30 families, who meet monthly to share the Gospel, pray, build fellowship, and engage in service.
Key Structural Features:
- Ward-Level Organization: Each BEC is led by an animator or coordinator, usually a trained lay leader, who facilitates Gospel-sharing, outreach, and pastoral activities.
- Parish BEC Commission: Comprising the parish priest, assistant priests, parish coordinator, and ward representatives, this commission ensures planning, execution, and collaboration with other commissions such as Youth, Family Life, Catechetics, and Social Concern.
- Deanery Coordination: Every deanery has a core BEC team that facilitates inter-parish learning and training. Regular deanery meetings enhance regional coordination.
Diocesan BEC Office: The diocesan team, led by the Director and Secretary, provides oversight, organizes workshops, conventions, review meetings, and prepares training materials. It ensures that the BEC movement remains spiritually vibrant and pastorally aligned with diocesan priorities.
