Mozambique – «Basic Ecclesial Communities»: a missionary force for evangelisation

17 August 2022

(ANS – Moatize) - On August 12 – 14 2022, Fr. Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for the missions, was on animation visit to two Salesian parishes at Moatize, in the western part of Mozambique. During his visit he met the parish  groups, particularly the leaders of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) and visited some chapels.

St. John Bosco Parish has 14 chapels, the farthest of which is 70 kilometres from the parish church, while St. John the Baptist parish has 24 chapels, the farthest of which is 150 kilometres from the parish Church. Every chapel has an average of 4 to 5 BECs animated by their own leaders and pastoral teams.

The BECs bring people together for the Eucharist, prayer, catechesis, and to regularly reflect on the Word of God and discern its meaning. In the BEC, the individual Catholic experiences community and therefore senses that he or she is playing an active role in the life and activities of the parish.

 “When they are given regular formation and accompaniment, the BECs are a leaven of Christian life, of care for the poor and marginalised. Imbued with Christ's love, in communion with the Bishop and the Parish priest, they are a true expression of synodality and a means for fostering a deeper communion and for overcoming tribalism. Thus, these communities are a means of evangelization, of the initial proclamation and of parish missionary outreach,” Fr. Maravilla pointed out to the Salesian community. “Indeed, the work of the Salesians in Moatize clearly confirm that the BECs are a missionary force for evangelisation in the Church,” he underlined.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".