(ANS - Rome) - "The union of the different Mission Offices is a very efficient and effective way to spread the Word and to promote human development in countries in difficulty. In fact, as Don Bosco said, 'alone we can do very little, together we are much stronger.'" This was part of the report of Dr Jean Paul Muller, SDB, Economer General of the Salesians, at the meeting of the Salesian Mission Offices, held in Rome on 10 December.

by Andrés Felipe Loaiza, SDB

At the meeting of those in charge of the various Mission Offices, two questions were raised: "Where are we and where are we going? How do we want to work in the future?" Also on the agenda were a report on the distribution of funds in the last three years and, finally, the Operational Plan regarding the objectives and responsibilities for supporting and implementing the recommendations of the Rector Major in preparation for the next chapter General (GC28).

One of the elements addressed by Dr Muller involves a change of system: previously the Mission Office sent the funds it raised to the Rector Major. These were then allocated to the various projects at the winter and summer sessions of the General Council. The change is that from now on there will be "a shared responsibility, whereby the criteria of transparency on how money is spent will be strengthened, on how to make statements, and on the effectiveness of investments." Dr Muller said in this regard that "the Mission Offices are not only self-referential institutions responsible for the collection of funds, but are a way of Divine Providence to reach the poor. Economic aid is only the last part of a larger development." He added: "The goal is to generate a continuous improvement of our work through not only transparency, but also a method of comparative evaluation between different Mission Offices so that all may reach a high standard."

Efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, impact, sustainability ... these are concepts to which the people in charge of the Mission Offices have given deep thought, in order to respond to the complex tasks that young people now take on, and to which the Salesian Congregation must contribute through a common resolve that leads to "implementing measures geared to solving the problems," the Economer General noted.  

Published 14/12/2015