Evangelical use of goods
The question of the evangelical use of goods recently awakened the consciences of all Superior Generals in a profound way: ?It became very clear to us that our refounding projects will be mere chimera if we do not consider the implications that exist concerning the manner in which we acquire our goods, the way we manage our finances, the amount of goods we accumulate, the use of our patrimony and money, and the manner in which we share?.? (The Economy and the Mission of the consecrated life today, #1, USG, May 2002)
From December 26-31, the Angola sector held its annual retreat. It took place in Kuito, in the branch offices of IMNE Marista San Jose. Twelve Brothers from three communities of the sector participated: Luanda, Ndalatando and Kuito. The sector, facing up to the challenge given by the last two General Chapters, had as its theme the ?Evangelical Use of Goods?.
To animate the Administrative Units to foresee strategies to sensitize and form the brothers in the evangelical use of goods and in solidarity (i.e. commissions, assemblies, retreats, etc.) XIX General Chapter, 15
The General Chapter asked the General Council:
To design a plan of discernment on the evangelical use of goods of the Institute and to accompany each administrative Unit as it is put in action. XX General Chapter, 48.5
The retreat was lead by Brother Pedro Ost, who is in charge of the secretariat on ?The Evangelical Use of Goods?. At the final celebration, presided over by the Bishop of Kuito, Monsignor Jose Nambi, six temporarily professed renewed their vows.
In his reflection, Brother Pedro Ost presented a wide vision of ?The evangelical use of goods?, presenting ten themes, some of which are cited here: evangelical use of goods and the universe (world), evangelical use of goods and talents, evangelical use of goods and time, evangelical use of good and financial resources, evangelical use of goods and human resources etc. This vision, when more clearly presented, awakened the interest of the brothers and was stimulating, especially because we needed to give answers daily to the challenges presented to us. Hopefully we will be able to take on, together, the challenge given to us, the ?The evangelical use of goods?.