The Minister General, Brother Giacomo Bini, convoked this first post-general chapter 1997 meeting of the CIRE. The brothers appointed to the International Commission on Economic Affairs (known by the acronym CIRE) is made up of Friars Herbe Rempe (Sacred Heart, USA), Pedro Ruano (St. Gregory, Spain),Alvaro Rosatelli (St. James of the Marshes, Italy), Diego Tiphaine (Assumption BVM, Argentina) and Georg Scholles (Three Kings, Germany)

After a reflection on the Parable of the Talents, taken from the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, the Minister General called the meeting to order.

In his opening address, Brother Giacomo asked for the blessing of Peace and Unity on this assembly. He thanked the friars for answering this call to service in a spirit of collaboration. This call was a sign of affirmation and trust in the brothers present.

As this team was beginning a journey, the Minister reminded the friars that they were to act in accord with their governing statutes and that they were also to take to heart the recommendations of the General Chapter of 1997. This Chapter was clear in its call for a reformation of the Economato itself and both the CAE and the CIRE.

Our brother then went on to talk about the desire for transparency and accountability. He shared his conviction that in seeing clearly the brotherhood would be even more open to working in collaboration. Dwelling on the past was not seen as being particularly helpful to the task at hand.

The members were reminded that since this was their first encounter as a group, their tasks would include coming to know one another, to understand the task at hand and to remember that they were laboring for the good of the fraternity.

Friar Peter Schorr (Definitor General for Central Europe and member of the Definitorial Commission on Economic Matters —CED) was delegated to preside over the election of the President and Secretary of the CIRE in accord with the statutes.

In the second section of the morning, Friar Pino Noto, vice-Economo, presented an overview of the Order’s legislation regarding the CIRE.

The Economo General, Friar Jimmy Zammit, presented a historical background to this first year in the Economato.

After a break, elections were held. Brother Diego Tiphaine was elected President and Brother Alvaro Rosatelli was elected as Secretary.

The Committee members were then left on their own to continue examining the 1999 Budget, calling on the economato, as needed, for more information. During the days ahead, they will also meet with the Guardians and Economos of the Houses Dependent upon the Minister General, as well as the Rector Magnifico and Economo of the Pontifico Ateneo Antonianum. This meetings will be held at the various sites in order to help the members visualize the various situations.