CCBI Extension Secretariat Conducts Financial Administration Course for Women Religious in Goa

Benaulim, May 26, 2026: CCBI Extension Secretariat organised the XIII Batch of the Financial Administrators’ Course for provincials and provincial financial administrators at Shanti Sadan in Benaulim, aiming to strengthen financial accountability and administrative leadership within women’s religious congregations.

Held from February 26 to 30, the programme brought together 35 sisters from eight congregations for intensive training in financial governance and administration related to Church institutions and religious communities.

The course began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificacão Fernandes of Goa. In his homily, the Bishop encouraged participants to place their trust in the Lord and foster a spirit of sharing and stewardship in their ministries. Fr. Duming Gonsalves was among the concelebrants at the inaugural Mass.

The programme focused on promoting transparency, accountability and compassion in financial administration within religious congregations. During the orientation session, Rev. Dr. Aleixo Menezes emphasised the importance of responsible and credible financial practices in Church institutions and apostolic works.

Technical sessions were conducted by chartered accountants Sunil Gonsalves and Gaver S. Lobo, who guided participants through various aspects of financial management and administrative procedures. Fr. Duming Gonsalves welcomed the participants and introduced the resource persons at the opening session.

In addition to the academic component, the participants also undertook a pilgrimage to prominent Catholic sites in Goa. The visits included the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Sé Cathedral, the Church of the Cross of Miracles in Old Goa, the St. Joseph Vaz Centre, the Tomb of Agnel in Pilar, St. Joseph Vaz Church in Sancoale and St. John Baptist Church in Benaulim.

Shanti Sadan continues to conduct specialised formation programmes for Church administrators, including courses in financial management for diocesan and provincial administrators as well as diocesan administration programmes for vicar generals and chancellors, responding to the evolving administrative and financial needs of the Church in India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter