This Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 we concluded our Meeting of Visitors and Provincial Economes which was held in Panama City. It was organized by the Latino American Conference of Vincentian Provinces (Clapvi). At this event were all the provinces of Latin America, except for Cuba and Fortaleza (Brazil) and the Delegation from Panama, which belongs to the Eastern Province of the United States.
The talks given included:
- “The Social and Economic Situation of Latin America and the Caribbean: Analysis, Perspectives and Problems” given by the Brother Alfonso Murad;
- “The Spirituality of the Use of Temporary and Economic Goods in Religious Life” also given by Br. Murad;
- “Precedents and Lessons from the Recent Economic Crisis” given by Fr. John Gouldrick, Econome General;
Presentation of Annual Financial Report” also by Fr. Gouldrick; - “Our Poverty Vow in relation to our finances, in light of our Constitutions and Statutes”, given by Fr. John Patrick Prager, from the Panama Delegation;
- Our Mission before the United Nations, representing the Congregation” given by Fr. Joseph Foley, representative before the UN;
- A Colombian Lawyer, German Gomez, adviser to the Colombian Province in financial matters directed a workshop on “How to take better care of our Finances”.
The discussions led to the sharing of ideas and all those participating were able to share joyfully and fraternally these few days. One of the things that stand out was the invitation to see the Panama Canal and the Historic Section of the city, led by the hosts on Sunday the 18th and later the great dinner at a local restaurant, Fr. John Carney, Pastor of Saint Mary, invited the confreres for a joyful vigil.
The organization of the event was in the hands of Clapvi’s Executive Council, specially Fr. Daniel Vasquez (president) and Fr José Jair Velez (Executive Secretary) and also the Panamanian Delegation, specially the superior P. Alcibiades Guerra and Fr. José Pío Jiménez.
