Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Reflects on Strengthening Basic Ecclesial Communities

Bengaluru, July 11, 2026: The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) of the Archdiocese of Bangalore met at Paalanaa Bhavana, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, for a day of prayer, reflection, and pastoral planning focused on the theme of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs).

The meeting began with the Invocation of the Holy Spirit, followed by a welcome by Rev. Fr. Maria Anthony, Director of Paalanaa Bhavana. Rt. Rev. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore, delivered the introductory address, inviting everyone to listen prayerfully and work together for the growth of the Church. He said, "A synodal Church grows not by speaking louder, but by listening deeper—to God, to one another, and to the people entrusted to our care." The minutes of the previous meeting were then presented by Mr. Anthony Cruz, Secretary of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council.

In his address, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, reviewed the pastoral initiatives of the Archdiocese and highlighted the importance of the Year of Married Couples. Encouraging parishes to strengthen family life and Basic Ecclesial Communities, he said, "The family is the first school of faith, and the Basic Ecclesial Community is its natural extension, where faith becomes fellowship, service, and mission."

The first input session was led by Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan, who explained the Biblical Foundation of Basic Ecclesial Communities, drawing from the four pillars of the early Church—teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. He remarked, "A Basic Ecclesial Community is the living expression of the Church where Scripture, communion, Eucharist, and prayer shape everyday Christian life."

The second session was presented by Rev. Fr. Susairaj, who spoke on the theme Basic Ecclesial Communities, highlighting their role in building vibrant neighbourhood communities rooted in faith and mission. He noted, "When every family becomes a small Church and every neighbourhood becomes a community of faith, the Gospel naturally reaches every home."

The participants then engaged in group discussions through Spiritual Conversation, sharing ideas and practical suggestions for strengthening BECs across the Archdiocese. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Rt. Rev. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, who expressed gratitude to all those present and reminded them, "A meeting bears fruit only when its reflections become our mission and its resolutions become our way of life."

The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to building vibrant Basic Ecclesial Communities that foster prayer, communion, participation, and missionary discipleship throughout the Archdiocese.