by Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsR, SThD What are BECs? There is a need to clarify and deepen our understanding of BECs especially from an ecclesiological perspective. Our vision affects the shape of the BECs we are building. An inadequate vision or understanding can lead to the stagnation of BECs and confusion among those who are trying to form these. Terminology  In the recent past, there was a controversy about what terminology to use: BEC or BCC? Since the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II), the generally accepted term has been BEC – Basic Ecclesial Community. BEC is a generic term that refers to the communities of faith that have emerged at the grassroots. As PCP II decrees:  "Basic Ecclesial Communities under various names and forms – BCCs, small Christian Communities, covenant communities – must be vigorously promoted for the full living of the Christian life in both urban and rural areas" (PCP II decrees, Art 109, sec 3).  There i...

On Monday and Saturday, meditate on the “ Joyful Mysteries ” The Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38) The Visitation (Lk 1:39-56)3 The Birth of Our Lord (Lk 2:1-21) The Presentation of Our Lord (Lk 2:22-38) The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52) On Thursday, meditate on the “ Luminous Mysteries ” The Baptism of Our Lord (Mt 3:13-16) The Wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1-11) The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God (Mk 1:14-15) The Transfiguration of Our Lord (Mt 17:1-8) The Institution of the Holy Eucharist (Mt 26) On Tuesday and Friday, meditate on the “ Sorrowful Mysteries ” The Agony in the Garden (Mt 26:36-56) The Scourging at the Pillar (Mt 27:26) The Crowning with Thorns (Mt 27:27-31) The Carrying of the Cross (Mt 27:32) The Crucifixion of Our Lord (Mt 27:33-56) On Wednesday and Sunday, meditate on the “ Glorious Mysteries ” The Resurrection of Our Lord (Jn 20:1-29) The Ascension of Our Lord (Lk 24:36-53) The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1...

  Photo Credit: http://www.bluemaize.net/ The Apostles' Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. The Our Father Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptatio...