This year’s gathering of treasurers and assistant treasurers from the 12 Jesuit governance units across Asia Pacific began with a day of prayer on the Society’s Universal Apostolic Preferences.  Fr Tony Moreno SJ, JCAP President, led the recollection on August 26, at Manresa Retreat Center in Changhua, Taiwan. All the participants were grateful for the opportunity to assimilate the UAPs into their life-mission to “administer the goods of the Society” for promoting the mission of reconciliation and justice.  The Spirit’s invitation to renewal was palpably felt as participants shared the fruits of their prayer.  

Solidarity

A heightened sense of solidarity was a fruit of the treasurers’ shared prayer.  Sessions on personal and professional sharing were marked by openness and transparency, as each participant candidly disclosed both professional struggles and best practices. Four new treasurers from Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam were particularly grateful for the sharing sessions.  This appreciation was expressed through comments such as: “I feel welcome here”, “Professional sharing is very helpful and inspiring“, “Inter-connected; Union of minds and hearts” and “We have become friends so we can move together in mission”.  The treasurers unquestionably prized their emerging identity as companions-in-mission.

Sustainability

Another fruit of the gathering was a renewed concern for the sustainability of young missions like Myanmar, East Timor, Thailand, and Cambodia. Commitment to contribute to the JCAP Solidarity in Formation Fund was reaffirmed–even treasurers from financially struggling units committed to share, according to capacity, for solidarity’s sake.

By year 2020, the Asia Pacific Treasurers agreed to come up with guidelines and suggested practices that formation delegates can use in promoting an appreciation of both the Society’s Statutes on Religious Poverty as well as financial literacy skills.  These guidelines and practices will comply with both the Code of Canon Law and Instruction on the Animation of Goods (IAG) standards. Hopefully, this common project can help in the promotion of a culture of stewardship and prepare our young men to become treasurers someday.

Fr Eric G Velandria SJ is the JCAP Treasurer and Socius.