-          Economy and mission

34.        Certainly, religious today must manage their financial situation so that it serves the mission. Therefore their “economy” must be based on sharing and solidarity, must be sound, and must serve the institute’s mission. On this basis, they must be able to reply to the question: How can we put our assets at the service of the mission and of the people in the Religious Institutes?

35.      It is necessary to pay attention to the relationship between an effective apostolate and financial resources. This relationship may differ in various cultures and the particular circumstances may have important consequences.

36.      We must analyse the relationship between our “economy” and the development of a charism. We must study history to see how we set off from our beginnings in poverty to create and consolidate an authentic CL. At the same time we should demonstrate how misuse of assets has brought about a certain decline in religious life. This  has always needed reform each time the practice of poverty has been neglected.

37.      We must set out the main elements for an evangelical economy. What are the criteria we must follow in the light of the Kingdom of God in order to set the present financial management of a religious congregation on the right lines? The needs of the mission, trust in Providence, generosity of giving, judicious caution…? Some congregations, extremely faithful to their own charism, have succeeded in drawing inspiration for the administration and use of their assets from the Gospels. There is a lot to be learned from these congregations.