Lessons Learned From Roman Catholic “Father Acong” About Successfully Building Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) With Enduring Love

I have been reading & rereading the book “Father Ciriaco Alberto Sevilla, Jr – MSK Trailblazer” (242 pages, published 2010 in Lucena City, edited by Milwida S Reyes). A 12-year-old book – is the content still relevant to come up with a new version? My answer is, “Yes!”

Personally, I want the book to highlight the love for the poor parishioners that Father Acong showed, as he had single-mindedly created 400+ Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in the far-flung villages of Quezon Province before he died Oct 2007. If that is not love for the poor, I don’t know what love is!

About the BECs, Msgr Lope C Robredillo, VG, says [“An Overview Of The Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), From The Other Side Of History, msgrlope.blogspot.com]:

The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines devotes two paragraphs to describe the BECs… “They are small communities of Christians, usually of families who gather together around the Word of God and the Eucharist.”

As Roman Catholic, an editor and with training in selling goods as well as ideas, I want to repackage the book so that the chapter titles reflect the lessons learned in building those 400+ BECs – so that other missionaries can emulate the outstanding example of Father Acong. (With a new book title, to wit.)

You notice that I use the title “Father Acong” instead of the preferred “Father Sevilla” by the editor of the book, who is his blood relative (sister). “Father Sevilla” is too formal, and you do not want to be stiff; you cannot be formal with the village people if you want them to feel closer to you and listen to your words coming from High Above.

Some lessons from that Father Acong book (with my translation):

“Magtungo kayo sa mga tao. Makipamuhay sa kanilang piling. Matuto sa kanilang karanasan. Ang mayroon sila ay gamitin.” (“Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from their experiences. Use what they have.”)

“Si Father Acong ay isang pari na ang buong kaisipan ay buhos sa pagmimisyon.” (“Father Acong was a priest whose thoughts were fully on his mission.”)

“Ang malimit na bilin at turo niya ay magsinop, magrosaryo, magtipid, at laging umasa sa Diyos.” (“His frequent advice was to take care, say the Rosary, save money, and always hope on God.”)

“Una, ang kanyang kabanalan bilang isang pari ni Kristo. Ikalawa, ang kasipagan ni Monsignor.” (“First, his piety as a priest of Christ. Second, the industriousness of Monsignor.”)

“Ang mga prayer leaders ay may pagsasanay buwan-buwan.” (With him, prayer leaders had trainings every month.”)

The following is praise from Bishop Teodoro C Bacani Jr: “Hindi makasarili at walang kapaguran.” (“Not selfish and was tireless.”)

Word On The Streets says, “Today’s challenge is to be a church of the poor – for if we are not, how can genuinely call ourselves a church for the poor?” (wordonthestreets.net)

“Church” is “people,” not “building.” Now therefore, we have to learn from one of the best church teachers in our world: Father Acong – faithful to the end!@517