BEC Animators Strengthen Grassroots Community Mission at Training in Kotnoor

Kotnoor, Karnataka, March 9, 2026: In an effort to strengthen the life and mission of Small Christian Communities at the grassroots, the Diocese of Gulbarga organised a two-day training programme for Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) animators at Sugyan Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kotnoor, Karnataka, on March 7–8.

The formation programme brought together priests, religious sisters and lay leaders from different parishes of the diocese to deepen their understanding of the leadership, spirituality and pastoral mission of Basic Ecclesial Communities within parish life.

The training began with the enthronement of the Gospel, followed by a moment of silent prayer, invoking God’s guidance for the sessions ahead. Maxim Dias, Regional Secretary for BEC, served as the principal resource person and led the formation sessions.

During his presentations, Fr. Dias explained the role and responsibility of BEC animators while highlighting the theological and pastoral significance of Basic Ecclesial Communities in the life of the Church. He noted that BECs play a crucial role in nurturing faith among families and fostering closer bonds within parish communities.

“BECs are not merely small groups but living cells of the Church, where faith is nurtured through prayer, reflection on the Word of God, and mutual support among families,” he said, encouraging participants to animate vibrant faith-sharing groups in their respective parishes.

Around forty participants attended the programme and were divided into five groups comprising priests, religious sisters and lay animators. As part of the practical formation, the groups visited various wards of the Cathedral Parish where they conducted prayer services and facilitated Gospel-sharing sessions with local faithful.

The ward gatherings saw active participation from parishioners and provided the animators with valuable pastoral exposure to the spirit and practice of the BEC movement.

Several diocesan priests, including Clary Dsouza, Antony Selvam, Roshan D’Souza and Francis Antony, were present during the programme. The training concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to strengthen community-based faith life and foster vibrant Basic Ecclesial Communities across the parishes of the Gulbarga diocese.