Biblical inspiration of BECs expounded in new book

The Philippine Association of Catholic Religious Educators, Inc. (PACRE), in collaboration with the Center for Biblical Literacy and Education (CBLE), published a new book titled “Shemot: A People Remembered”.

The author, Fr. Deogracias Aurelio V. Camon, Ph.D., described the book as “a socio-historical analysis of the Book of Exodus correlating it with the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) as an experiment of social liberation.”

In demonstrating the book’s significance in relation to the Church and the country in the present time Camon said, “There is an emerging need for us to engage in forming a narrative of how we understand ourselves as Filipinos.”

“The book of Exodus (“Shemot”) teaches that there is a need to share in a story that would direct how a people remember the past, influence how it acts in the present and provides guidance to its future,” he pointed out.

Danger of “fake narratives” to national, Church identity

Camon explained that nations are truly liberated if its historical identities are made relevant to the present and transmitted effectively to the succeeding generation through stories and rituals that embody their aspiration as nations.

“Nations are narratives. The stories we tell and circulate about ourselves form us into who we are. If we are not able to do so, our national narratives will be held captive by those who are in power, socially or politically,” the Bible scholar warned.

To illustrate this affirmation with an historical fact the book showed that in the 1980’s the diocese of Bacolod, during the episcopacy of Bishop Antonio Fortich, established the Basic Ecclesial Communities (Kristianong Katilingban) as a response to the socials ills of the time.

“These grassroots movements are commonly called “church in the neighborhood” because they are commonly composed of families that belong to the same locality.

“These communities proved to be an effective response to the needs of that era,” the priest disclosed.

First of a five-part series

“This is the first volume of a projected five-part series that will cover the entire Five Books of Moses (Pentateuch) in the Old Testament,” Camon revealed.

The book launching of “Shemot: A People Remembered” was held in Felicia’s Café in Bacolod City attended by members of the academe, students and other representatives of the lay faithful on April 8, 2018.

For those who are interested in obtaining a copy of the book, may email the author at rev.deocamon@yahoo.com.