It was planned two and a half years ago, but only now it was possible to gather the JCEP Treasurers in Madrid for their annual meeting. And that allowed for a wonderful 2-hour guided tour of the Prado Museum, contemplating the most emblematic works of Bosch, El Greco, Velázquez and Goya, followed by a nice dinner out. This was the social part of the meeting, which we had missed during the unavoidable Zoom meetings of the last months. Getting to know each other and enjoying being together, talking about our lives and sharing experiences, discussing technical practices and asking for advice on this or that are among the most valued opportunities of these annual gatherings.

Most of the time was hard work, however. After a first morning dedicated to prayer and spiritual conversation on the topic of the apostolic mission of the Jesuit Treasurer, there was sharing and conversation on the financial figures of the different provinces/region and time to present some of projects being implemented. For a full morning we listened to in depth reflections on the process of merging of the ESP and EOF provinces, analysing the work demanded from the Treasurers’ Offices, but also exploring the spiritual and apostolic revitalisation promoted by the administrative restructuring. A practical exercise of decisions on investments, both financial and in real estate, was guided by two expert consultors who work habitually with the ESP province. The General Treasurer of the Society, online, offered an update on the working being done in Rome, particularly on the revision of the Statutes on Poverty and the new Instruction for the Administration of Goods.

A particular mention to the Arca Praevisionis Tool explained and graciously shared with all by its creator, Rik Vanwijnsberghe, Executive Treasurer of the ELC Region. This tool helps determining in anticipation the long-term year by year needs of the Fund to support elder and infirm Jesuits, helping to plan well in advance for its sustainability.

A grateful thank you to Jaime Badiola for the reception in Madrid. Until next year, in Paris, at the end of November, centred on the topic of ecological transition.

Herminio Rico SJ
JCEP Treasurer