It was the first meeting of a JCEP network to be cancelled due to the pandemic. It ended up being the last one to take place in Zoom, in this peculiar year 2020. The JCEP Treasurers could not assemble in Madrid in mid-March, but they held an online gathering for two days, the 11^th and 12^th November.

Inevitably, Covid 19 was one of the main topics. Each Treasurer was invited to share the difficulties faced by his province because of the pandemic, but also to refer consolations experienced during this time and to identify new ways that bring hope in the midst of all these challenges. Times are really changing, and it seems that things can no longer be the way they have been, first of all apostolically and, consequently, also in matters financial and economic. This indissociable connection between the apostolic mission and the specific mission entrusted to the Treasurers was permanently highlighted. The reality is challenging, the responses demand creativity in all areas.

Anticipation and planning, always looking ahead, are essential traits of the responsibilities of administrators. The second day was dedicated to identifying and discuss the biggest challenges from a long-term perspective in the economic dimension of the provinces. Five main topics emerged: management of investments; fundraising; raising awareness about the economic dimension of our religious life, promoting responsibility and transparency; professionalization of financial offices; strategies for the care of the elderly.

The General Treasurer of the Society, with one of his assistants, participated in the meeting and offered a view from the whole Society, and updates on what is going on in Rome, particularly the work of revision of the Statutes on Poverty and the Instruction on the Administration of Goods.

Next year, God willing, with the pandemic under control, we’ll see each other in Madrid, in the week of 15-19 November.

Herminio Rico
JCEP Socius/Treasurer