By Julma M. Narvadez
“It’s about time.” This was the resounding sentiment of the participants during the SKK Day on February 8, at the Alberto Hall, Basilica Complex in Naga City. SKK or Saradit na Kristyanong Komunidad is the local term for Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). Attended by vicars forane, vicarial clergy, seminary rectors, and lay coordinators, the gathering paved the way for a communal discernment on SKKs/BECs. With forty-seven participants, the 15 Vicariates of the Archdiocese were all represented.
Responding to the Call for Synodality
In a circular, Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., decreed that SKK Day would be held in honor of St. Peter Baptist, Archdiocesan Titular Patron, whose feast was celebrated on February 9. “St. Peter Baptist was a builder of Christian communities here in Bikol. It is then fitting that as we gather for the annual SKK Day, we look at the example of St. Peter Baptist who reached out to our Bikolano forefathers and listened to them, as he proclaimed the Gospel,” the Archbishop explained.
The Archbishop, in a video message, expressed his hope that the vicarial representatives would better appreciate “the beauty of the Church as the people of God” and “to encounter Christ through one another.” This year’s SKK Day was designed to be an opportunity for a spiritual conversation on the significance of BECs in Caceres, as the local Church responds to the call for synodality.
Rooted in Liberation Theology
Fr. Eugune A. Lubigan, newly installed rector of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia, welcomed the participants while Fr. Wilfred V. Almoneda, Vicar General, delivered the opening remarks.
Fr. Wimer S. Tria, head of Caceres’ Education Ministry Cluster, presented the history of BEC. He said BECs find its roots in the liberation theology that originated in Latin America. Fr. Tria, Parish Priest of St. Raphael, the Archangel Parish in Pili, also shared his experiences with SKK. “The Gospel of Jesus is about the liberation of humanity from past sins, from economic woes, towards God’s Kingdom. BEC is a vehicle so we can attain that liberation,” he added.
Challenges in building SKKs
During the spiritual conversation, the participants shared the fruits of their reflection on whether or not forming SKKs was urgent. Among the concerns raised was the lack of material and human resources. The large number of barangays was another factor that hindered parishes from organizing SKKs. Some parishes have jurisdiction over as many as 14 barangays. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, the participants saw the urgency of forming SKKs.
Fr. Mario Arnulfo Gaite, Vicar Forane of St. Anthony of Padua Vicariate, assured his fellow priests that forming SKKs was not a complete departure from their usual duties. He encouraged them to collaborate with parishioners who could lead SKKs. St. Anthony of Padua Vicariate is composed of 5 parishes in Iriga City and one parish in San Miguel, Bato.
Lay participants also expressed their commitment to form SKKs in their barangays. They noted, however, that many parishioners preferred the company of their priests while the community was in the initial stages of organizing SKKs.
In his homily during the Mass that capped the activity, Fr. Almoneda reminded the participants that Jesus began his ministry with the help of only 12 men. He said there was no reason to be fazed about the seemingly enormous task of establishing SKKs because the Universal Church started through the dedication of a handful of disciples.
In Caceres, the Office of BECs is headed by Fr. Emmanuel G. Mojica, Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua in Camaligan.
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