Gathered in the "Giuseppe Quadrio" hall of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome, the Economers were introduced to the specific functions, concerns, and challenges that their role entails.

They then delved into the legal aspects of their work, contained in the so-called "red book," more appropriately defined as the book "Legal Elements and Administrative Practice in the Governance of the Province." "This manual allows us to grasp the fundamental aspects to be able to formulate in the best possible way the requests addressed to the Rector Major and his Council," said Fr. Luis Botasso, Secretary of the General Economer, in illustrating it.

As Economers, but certainly also as religious and consecrated men and women, a session related to ethical criteria for financial action, so necessary both for the daily activities of the economer and for the Christian witness that must derive from them, could not but be presented. Offering insights on the subject was the executive of "Pax Bank International," Dr. Andreas Machnik.

For their part, Br. Alberto Rodriguez, SDB, President of the Foundation "DON BOSCO NEL MONDO," and Dr. Fabio Buconi, member of the General Economer's Office, illustrated an ordinary, yet central aspect of the work of the Provincial Economer: accountability. "The presentation of the annual statement of accounts is a fundamental element in the functions of the Provincial Economer and must always be presented," affirmed the Salesian. While Dr. Buconi pointed out, "At the time when the annual statement is prepared, it is essential that local accountants give their input to facilitate the transmission of information."

Furthermore, the extensive and well-structured program of the training week included a session on the criteria and decision-making processes regarding the financial choices of the Provinces. It was in this circumstance that Dr. Pietro Tardini, of the consulting firm "Compagnia Privata" - a company that accompanies the work of the General Economer in advising and monitoring the economic activities of the various Salesian circumscriptions - highlighted the need to carefully evaluate the individual aspects of one's assets; and then assured, "In case of need, you can contact our experts to ask for information."

Also of note were the sessions on Planning and Development Offices and personnel management, as well as the moments of fraternity and community experienced in the excursions to discover Don Bosco's Camerette and the catacombs of St. Callistus.

On the last day, Friday, May 19, the importance of archiving all documentation, both digitally and in secure servers, was highlighted, so that there is continuity in the transmission of information. Mr. Rodriguez spoke about the process of distribution of Mission Office funds, while Ms. Emanuela Ornato explained the functions of the Portal of the Economer General's Office, and Dr. Marcella Orsini, presented the DON BOSCO NEL MONDO Foundation.

A final recommendation offered by Br. Muller concerned the centrality of the handing over between Economers to guarantee the correct transfer of information between the predecessor and the neo-elected.

The noon Mass in the UPS "Gesù Maestro" chapel, presided over by Fr. Renzo Barduca, Economer of the UPS Vice-Province, provided a fitting closure to the course for the new Economers of 2023.

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