Managing Material Resources – Reflecting on Simple Life Style
On September 18, 2025, two speakers got the participants going.
The Treasurer General, Fr. John Itaru, started his presentation by talking about the purpose of the Plenary Council according to our Constitutions and Laws (C&L 240, § 3).
Based on the 2022 General Chapter’s recommendations, he presented the Society’s financial situation clearly and transparently, indicating that it is sound and not in crisis. However, the Society faces several challenges, which explains the General Council’s decisions regarding certain financial issues. The Treasurer General’s presentation included figures and reflections.
Some of the points he highlighted are as follows: fundraising initiatives have been undertaken; our parishes should do more to support us; efforts are being made to hand all salary and extra stipends received from pastoral engagement over to the Local Bursar; means of transport remain problematic; and despite the commendable efforts, the dependency at the Society level to finance our mission remains very high, hence the gap between income and expenditure.
The Treasurer General concluded his remarks by stating that three words should guide every Missionary of Africa in the management of our material resources: gratitude, providence, and prudence.
The second speaker was Superior General, Fr. Stanley Lubungo. He addressed the question of simple lifestyle in light of the Capitular Acts. He enriched his remarks with a reflection that he had previously presented in other forums on this topic so dear to us. Below is a link to that reflection, which can be used for meditation on simple lifestyle.
Father Prosper Harelimana, the JPIC-RD Coordinator, was the main celebrant at the Eucharist celebration for all participants.
In the afternoon, the participants met for a plenary session. Father Barthélémy Bazemo, the AMS Provincial, gave a brief presentation on applying for development funds in Washington and Canada. During the sharing session, participants expressed their gratitude to Fr. John Itaru and Fr. Stanley Lubungo for their captivating presentations. They acknowledged that financial challenges must be faced and that simple lifestyle does not mean misery. The fundamental question remains: How can we imitate Christ?
You will find the Superior General’s text on simple lifestyle here.
By: Serge Zihalirwa Boroto, M.Afr.,
