Youth from Jharkhand-Andaman Region Lead the Way in Building a Synodal Church through BECs

Hazaribag, Jharkhand, May 17, 2025 — Seventy-six young men and women from the Jharkhand-Andaman Region came together for a four-day workshop held from May 12 to 16, 2025, at the Bishop’s House in Hazaribag. The event, organised to equip youth with skills to build Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and promote a Synodal Church, drew participants from the dioceses of Gumla, Simdega, Ranchi, Hazaribag, and Dumka.

Themed “Building Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) as Homes for Synodality and a Synodal Church”, the workshop focused on the three core pillars of Synodality — Communion, Participation, and Mission. The sessions during the four-day event emphasised the essential role of young people in fostering a more inclusive, participatory Church and offered a platform for them to reflect on their identity, vocation, and mission within the Church. “This is the time for us youth to step up and take responsibility,” expressed Mr. Vishal, one of the participants. “I dream of a Church where there is no division, no lines between clergy, religious, laity, youth, poor or rich.” His vision was echoed by Roshalya Tirkey, who said, “My dream is of a Church that cares for everyone in the neighbourhood, rising above narrow boundaries of religion, caste, and gender.” The workshop also included sessions for self-discovery, helping the youth identify their talents and the opportunities available to them to bring their dreams to life.

The event was part of a broader movement to empower young people to become leaders and animators of Basic Ecclesial Communities in their local areas. Organisers confirmed that the young attendees will undergo continued formation and receive further training in animation and leadership to support the growth of BECs in their respective dioceses.

The workshop empowered the youth of the Jharkhand-Andaman Region to become agents of transformation and promote Synodality within the Church in their respective dioceses.

By Catholic Connect Reporter