The newly constituted Finance Secretariat of the Congregation had its first meeting in Rome from 23rd to 26th May 2023. The members are: Joseph Ivel Mendanha (General Consultor), Vincent Soria Fleitas (Economo General), Vincent Vaz (Vice Economo General), Johannes Römmelt (Conference Co-ordinator Europe), Jeffery Rolle (Province of Baltimore), Kevin Zeubel (Province of Denver), Kingsley Ifeyani Anogh (Vice Province of Nigeria), Ignacio Vásquez Guedan (Province of Madrid), Gerry O’Connor (Province of Dublin) and David Hoare (Province of Oceania).
Fr. Rogério Gomes, the Superior General, welcomed the group to Rome and wished the group well in its important task of offering suggestions which would go towards good stewardship of the financial resources of the Congregation. He stressed the importance of Gospel stewardship and living the vow of poverty, and in creating an awareness that we are One Missionary Body, so are resources must be shared by all in the Spirit of missionary solidarity.
Fr. Ivel, who moderated the meetings, welcomed the group and opened the meeting. He called the group to remember with gratitude and appreciation the contribution of the late Fr Steve Wilson of the Denver Province, who was the former Vice Economo General and member of the Secretariat. The Agenda included the following: Presentation of the Minutes of the previous meeting for approval, Reports of Income and Expenses, of the Contribution of Units, Rental Property Income, Solidarity Fund, Decisions and Directives of the XXVI General Chapter which have a bearing on Finance, the Reconfiguration of Units in the Congregation and its impact on Finance Management, the Financial and lifestyle audit of Units, the workshops on the Administration and Economic Management Manuel, the Report of the Repairs and Refurbishment of San Alfonso House in Rome, as well as Reports of the Investments of the General Government.
A special memorial Eucharist was celebrated for the late Fr. Steve Wilson, which was presided by Fr. Francois Stanula, the Vicar General, and the homily preached by Fr. Kevin Zubel, the provincial of Denver. The confreres shared with much affection their memories of Steve.
The Secretariat, having studied all the reports, has put together a few suggestions which will be presented to the General Government for decisions, especially in the area of investments, security and safeguarding of our resources and the workshops on the Administration and Economic Management document together with a few more suggestions.
The next meeting of the Secretariat will be in November in Rome
Joseph Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R.
General Consultor
