Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate

MANILA, Sept. 17, 2009─A congress on BasicEcclesial Communities (BEC) aimed to promote unity and intensify theprinciples of BEC was held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center of theDiocese of Malolos in Guiguinto, Bulacan last Sept 5.

Titled “Taunang Toldang Tipanan,” the congress was spearheaded bythe Commission on Formation of the Diocese of Malolos. The conferencecentered on

“BEC: Puso ng Sambayanang Banal at Mapagmahal.”

Msgr. Elmer Abacahin, SSJV, PC, CBCP-BEC Director, and Bro. Andres“Tatang” Legaspi Mendoza, BEC Desk Officer of the Archdiocese ofManila, were the guest speakers for the congress.

Abacahin spoke on the national situation of the BEC anddistinguished the programs of other BEC in some arch/dioceses whileMendoza further discussed the inception of the BEC nationwide.

BEC representatives who attended shared their experiences in their own communities.

Among the matters that were shared were the current situations oftheir respective communities, the youth, and their scheme in organizingother BECs.

On the lighter side, an interpretative dance competition on the BEC theme song was organized.

The BEC congress started with a Eucharistic celebration which presided by Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros, D.D.

After the mass, a video presentation on the history of BEC in the diocese was presented.

The event culminated with a message of thanksgiving from Fr. Rogelio Cruz, Diocesan Pastoral Center and BEC Director.

BEC members deepen and strengthen their spiritual life throughbiblical and liturgical formation. Organized on a “parish-by-parishbasis,” they participate in some of the livelihood programs of thearch/dioceses such as organic farming, microfinance projects, marketingcooperatives and handicraft projects.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ BEC nationaloffice is tasked to fortify the BEC programs in various dioceses,organize national BEC activities and “to coordinate with other CBCPCommissions relative to BEC matters.” (Kate Laceda)