The Commission for the Evangelical Use of Goods was created by Brother Superior General and his Council in response to the recommendation of the 20th General Chapter:

The General Chapter asks the General Council to establish a plan of discernment covering the evangelical use of material goods in the Institute, and to accompany its implementation in each Province. (Choose Life, 48.5)

The Commission has four members, from left to right: Brothers Maurice Berquet (General Councilor and President of the Commission), Guy Palandre (Assistant Econome General and Secretary of the Commission), Dominick Pujia (Director of BIS), and Antonio Martínez (Econome General).

In September 2002, the Commission sent out a first survey addressed to a Brother in each Province chosen by the Provincial. Basically this survey consisted of two questions: In your view, what are Marist characteristics related to the way we use material goods, and what are your hopes with respect to the Plan of discernment?

This led to the presentation of a first plan to the General Council in July 2003. The document was then reworked and sent to all Provincials as well as religious outside the Congregation, in order to receive their feedback. Modifications were introduced and a final version was presented to the General Council in January 2004, which devoted two work sessions to it.

There is a second aspect to the mandate entrusted by the General Chapter: helping implement this Plan throughout the entire Institute. The Commission stands ready to respond to other questions and requests for the presentation and implementation of the Plan.