Seminar on Basic Ecclesial Communities Held in the Diocese of Aurangabad in Maharashtra

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, July 14, 2025 – The Diocese of Aurangabad held a one-day seminar on “Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) as the Leaven of Christian Unity” on Sunday, July 13, at the Bishop’s House campus in Aurangabad. Clergy, religious, and lay faithful from parishes across the diocese participated in the seminar. The diocese organised the event to strengthen Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) within its territory and make them powerful instruments of Christian unity and Gospel witness.

Bishop Bernard Lancy Pinto, the Bishop of the Aurangabad Diocese, inaugurated the seminar by reverently enthroning the Holy Bible to highlight the central role of the Word of God in the life of Basic Ecclesial Communities.

In his opening address, Bishop Pinto highlighted the importance of both Basic Ecclesial and Basic Human Communities in spreading the goodness of the Gospel and fostering unity, not only among Christians but also among people of other faiths. He urged participants to collaborate actively and work together to build inclusive communities rooted in love, justice, and peace.

Fr. Sanjay Parkhe, regional coordinator for the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) Commission, served as the key resource person for the seminar. Drawing from the Scriptures, Fr. Parkhe described BECs as a true “leaven of Christian unity”, where faith is lived out in everyday life. He urged the participants to become instruments of God's Kingdom, committed to peace, justice, and community transformation.

Fr. Michael Anthony and Fr. Jivan Yeole efficiently planned and organised the seminar, ensuring smooth proceedings and meaningful engagement throughout the event.

A significant number of parishioners from various parishes participated in the seminar, reflecting a strong collective interest in renewing and strengthening the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) movement within the diocese. The presence of priests such as Fr. Ashish Maske, Fr. Walter Gonsalves, Fr. Vinod Shelke, and Fr. Rockey lent added significance to the occasion. Several religious sisters from the diocese were also in attendance, expressing their solidarity and support for the BEC initiative.

The seminar concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among all participants to nurture BECs as vibrant expressions of Church life, rooted in Gospel values, communal sharing, and a spirit of mission.

By Fr. Sanjay Parkhe

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