Though money seemingly is mammon, it is not altogether denounced as we all need if for our sustenance. We need to make friends for ourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive us into the eternal habitations. (Lk 16:9). Also, if we have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to us the true riches? (16:11).
Money was always a weakness to the church along with power and position, rather than service in love. In handling it they were unruly and irresponsible. I have enough experiences in this regard. There used to be no proper accounting and there is no realization of loans and other liabilities due to the diocese, the poor. Land and other immovable properties were mismanaged to the extent when others make money, the diocese spends money through this! Only accountability and transparency will ensure propriety. This is done through a 'finance council' who were picked and chosen and they never ever honestly question anything but only try to please the ignorant masters!
A recent case in record is my own:
A request of mine for a loan of `25000/- was promptly sanctioned the next day itself, of course after consulting the 'procurator'. However, while conveying that over the phone, he shocked me telling that I have an arrear thereby making my claim in my letter of 31st Dec ’12 a lie!
When I availed a loan from him on 4th Feb ’12, I remember to have been told of a similar arrear to which also I responded with the same shock. In spite of my tight fiscal situation, before availing the already sanctioned loan, I wanted to verify it personally, as no demand or reminder for repayment was ever made to this day, even after the above incident!
The computer printout given to me shows that I owed an amount of `72000/- from 17-08-2001 to 02-09-2004. And on 10-01-2005 a repayment of `23500/- was seen entered, leaving an arrear of `48500/-!
During my ministry in the States I was in contact with the procurator and was regularly sending him cheques to the archdiocesan and clergy funds. Those were the days I could have paid it back, if only the arrear was reminded or repayment demanded. Now, am back to square one, struggling to make both ends meet with the allowance and stipends for the days I offer Mass.
In this situation I don’t dare to avail the sanctioned loan leaving me all the more indebted.
The authority is seemingly self-righteous, never ever give heed to any genuine concerns for the diocese! Keeping aloof and silent should not be taken to mean consent to whatever is taking place in the diocese. Showing traits of totalitarianism, it seemingly is ill at ease with dissent! Its team too doesn't seem to be realistic either. They dance to its tunes, whether melodious or not! However, my wish and prayer is that if only the diocesan finance and other temporal matters along with other ministries were managed responsibly! ‘After me deluge’ should not be the attitude of genuine leadership.
Lack of accountability and transparency makes it convenient for anyone to be easy going and inefficient, let alone swindling money, leaving the people more and more pauper and gropple in the dark. Transparency is a natural consequence of being truthful. Jesus prayed to sanctify his disciples with truth which sets one free also.
Finally let me make it known of of a settled legal position. Money transaction/loan repayment has a limitation and that is just for three years only! Being a church man is not to disregard the law of the land!
