Meeting of treasurers in Bolivia: “Always at the service of the mission”

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The Meeting of Treasurers took place at the seminary house in Cochabamba on May 6 and 7, 2025. All the treasurers of the houses in Bolivia participated, as well as Fr. Boris Calzadilla, Provincial Superior, Fr. Grimaldo Garay Zapata, Provincial Treasurer, and Fr. Carlos Urquizu of the Secretariat of Economy.

We were joined by Dr. Katherine Arancibia Padil, a lawyer, and Margarita Alcoba, an accountant who work in Bolivia. Fr. Vicente Soria, the Congregation’s General Treasurer, also participated via Zoom.

  1. Over the past few days, we have shared the status of household finances, including income, expenses, provincial contributions, workers’ insurance payments, and more. Our accountant, Margarita, also enlightened us on the payment of social benefits to members and workers. We must plan ahead for our finances, given the country’s turbulent social, political, and economic situation.
  2. Dr. Katherine presented to us through labor laws, contracts, and property sanitation in the province’s homes.
  3. Father Vicente Soria, Treasurer General, explained the General Government Administration Manual and details some aspects to consider in the communities’ financial management: maintaining house title deeds, maintaining an anti-fraud policy, and submitting monthly and annual accounts. The economy must be at the service of the mission. On the second day, he invited us to work toward a sustainable economy for the sustainability of our mission. He invited us to live economically in transparency, responsibility, and solidarity.
  4. From May 8 to 24, the Provincial Treasurer, along with Father Boris Calzadilla, Provincial Superior, and Father Carlos Urquizu of the Secretariat of Economy, visited the nine Redemptorist communities in Bolivia to encourage and accompany the entire community and provide guidance in the economic sphere.
  5. We have also held meetings with some bishops, vicars, and others from the jurisdictions where we are working.

We thank all the community treasurers in Bolivia for participating the meeting at the Perpetual Help Seminary in Cochabamba, and all those who made this meeting possible.

Fr. Grimaldo Garay Zapata, CSsR.
Provincial Treasurer

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