- 21 April, 2026
Kohima, Nagaland, April 21 2026: In Kohima Town, a vibrant urban centre in Nagaland known for its diverse tribal communities and strong cultural bonds, a small faith gathering became the beginning of a life-changing journey for one individual.
At St. Francis de Sales (SFS) Parish, families from different backgrounds come together, sharing faith, life, and daily concerns. Within this setting, the St. Joseph Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) unit regularly gathered for Gospel sharing and prayer, nurturing faith at the grassroots level.
On March 8, 2015, around 27 members assembled at the residence of Ms. Konuo Agatha for their regular Gospel sharing. While elders and families were present, the absence of many young people was strongly felt. This raised concern among the members, as youth are seen as the strength and future of both the Church and society.
The BEC recognised that behind this absence were deeper struggles, including loneliness, lack of belonging, and in some cases, harmful habits.
Moved by the Word of God and a spirit of compassion, the members chose not to remain silent. They began reaching out personally to families and young people through visits, prayer, and accompaniment, carrying out these efforts with patience, love, and persistence.
During one such outreach, they encountered a 34-year-old graduate and teacher, who was suffering from alcohol dependence and related health issues. Instead of distancing themselves, the BEC members welcomed him warmly and encouraged him to reconnect with the Church.
With the support of the Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Peter Pithungo, he began attending regular catechism classes. The BEC stood by him as a faith family—praying for him, motivating him, and helping him rediscover his dignity and purpose.
Through consistent accompaniment, prayer, and the healing power of the Word of God, a transformation gradually took place. In 2019, he received his First Holy Communion, marking a new beginning in his spiritual journey.
Today, he has emerged as a committed BEC leader, actively involved at both the parish and diocesan levels, guiding and inspiring others.
This experience highlights that BEC is not merely about gathering for prayer, but about walking with people in their struggles. The St. Joseph BEC unit became a space of healing—where brokenness was met with compassion, absence with outreach, and weakness with hope.
The journey reflects how faith, when lived through accompaniment, can renew lives, strengthen communities, and build a hopeful future.
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By Catholic Connect Reporter
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