The world of philanthropy is going through very rapid change. The global economic situation is radically different from what it was just a few years ago. The values, priorities and attitudes of people are evolving. The number of organizations looking for the donated dollar has increased and multiplied. In many societies people have become more reluctant to donate to religious organizations, even if their money is used for charitable purposes. Technology and the means of communication enable the donor to ensure that his money goes precisely on the issue of his greatest concern. He wants to see measurable impact. The same technology makes it possible for him to follow up on the way his money is used. The European Union’s recent law on privacy has serious consequences on the relations between donors and recipients, not only within Europe but globally.
“If Salesians are to continue its mission of serving needy youth, we need to update ourselves – on legal matters and in the use of the latest technology. We also need to ensure that the hunt for the dollar does not lead us away from our identity as Salesians and as religious. We need to deepen our own spirituality in the exercise of this pastoral service. We want to strengthen our commitment to our ethical values and principles. We would like that our relationship with the donors as well as with the beneficiaries do not begin and end with a transfer of some money – we wish to have a partnership, in the mission as well as in our spiritual pilgrimage through life,” said Fr George Menamparampil, the meeting organizer.
In fact, the logo specially designed for the meeting recalls just that: the Mission Office is a window to the world, and the global logo of the SDB’s is integrated into it, as the Mission Office is set up by the Congregation and belongs to it. So, the Mission Office is an instrument of the Congregation that facilitates a free flow between the Pious Society of St. Francis de Sales and the world outside it – a flow of information, knowledge, ideas, opinions, skills, expertise, solidarity and spirituality. It is very rich, varied and colourful exchange.
The World Conference of Mission Office (WCMO) will be a platform for us to exchange best practices in all these areas. We shall learn from each other as well as from our external experts – but everything with a single goal sharply in focus: Don Bosco’s Mission to the young at risk.
