Page 141 - March On! God will Provide by Brother Aubert

120 FINANCES
Alphonse. Brother Ignatius had been named Superior.
Brother Stanislaus was still struggling with English;
Brother Alexius who for a year had been responsible
for the housekeeping and who had helped out as prefect
in the schoolyard, was ready for a full day in the class-
rooln.
The distressing task that faced Mr. Ryken on his
return to Bruges was his having to present to Bishop
Malou a copy of the financial report for the fiscal year
ending July 31, 1849. His Excellency had already been
informed about the amount due to the Dujardin Bank,
42,080 francs, but he did not know as yet the complete
details of Mr. Ryken's financial plight. The annual
report would tell the whole story. Mr. Ryken examined
the statement which the community treasurer had drawn
up, wrote a {ew explanatory marginal notes, and then
hopefully sent it oft to the Bishop.
For the fiscal year just closed, the expenditures had
been 9,059 francs. The income amounted to 7,141.50
francs. That meant a deficit of 1,917.50 francs. For
the over-all picture, the outstanding debts added up to
49,942.66 francs. Mr. Ryken was sinking deeper and
deeper into the quicksands.
Inexperienced as he was in his new position, Bishop
Malou did not get excited. He had many problems,
and there wa$ no crisis at "Het Walletje" that demanded
immediate action. Eventually he sent for the Brother
Superior, and the two men discussed the whole situation.
At the end of the conference His Excellency directed his
visitor to submit a detailed report on the personnel of
his Congregation and on the individual activities of
the members. In addition he asked for a statement in
which Mr. Ryken would set forth his plans for "saving
and perpetuating" the Xaverian Brotherhood.
On September 18, 1849, Felix Dujardin, the banker,