Nacho Moreno, the General Econome, visited the brothers of the Breda community on 24 February. He was accompanied by Iker Barron, financial advisor. Alex Aarts, bursar of the community, who has administered the goods of the Dutch brothers for more than 15 years, was also present. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the necessary steps and timelines for handing over the management of the financial assets to the General Government.
The community in the Netherlands has managed the assets very well, through an independent investment manager formed by a group of 12 religious congregations, of which we are one and of which Alex is one of the founders. This investment manager establishes the investment and risk profiles that each one wants to assume, informs and facilitates everything related to the investments of the congregations. The Delegation, at the time, decided that these funds would be managed by the General Government, while the community continues to manage its annual budget and ensure that the commitments previously made in the terms agreed after the successive visits of the Superior General are maintained. This fund includes a part belonging to the Province of Indonesia, which will continue to be managed in the same way as the rest.
At this meeting, we reviewed what is presently happening regarding investments and fixed income funds, and the specific deadlines for the transfer of assets that had yet to be determined. The idea is to try to do what is best for everyone without causing damage to the management of the congregations' funds, always within what is possible and reasonable.
The atmosphere of the meeting was very fraternal, a meeting between brothers who are collaborating with the laypeople who bring to them professionalism and friendship. In the afternoon, Jan and Frans, Alex and Peter, a neighbour of the community in Teteringen, had an appointment to play their weekly card game. They have already determined the outcome of the winnings: a trip to a museum in Utrecht, a walk and lunch in the city. A great plan indeed!
02/25/2025