CCBI Trains Women Religious in Financial Administration in Goa

Goa, Feb. 10, 2026: Thirty-five women religious from 11 congregations have gathered in Goa for a five-day Financial Management Training Programme organised by the CCBI Extension Secretariat, Shanti Sadan, from February 10 to 14. The course is aimed at provincials and provincial financial administrators, with a focus on responsible stewardship, transparency, and accountability in Church institutions.

The programme opened with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificacão Fernandes of Goa. In his homily, the bishop encouraged the participants to remain “PURE” in their service—an acronym he explained as Purity of intention, Understanding the purpose of resources, Responsibility with compassion, and Evangelical witness through integrity.

Fr. Arulraj Gali, CSC, executive secretary of the CCBI Commission for Family, and Fr. Duming Gonsalves, administrator, concelebrated the Mass. Fr. Aleixo Menezes, addressing the gathering, stressed that transparency and compassion in financial administration are essential for building trust and credibility within religious congregations and their institutions.

Chartered accountants Sunil Gonsalves and Gaver S. Lobo are serving as resource persons for the training sessions. They were introduced to the participants by Fr. Duming Gonsalves at the inaugural session.

Alongside the academic component, the programme also includes a pilgrimage to prominent sacred sites in Goa, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Sé Cathedral, among other historic churches and shrines.

Shanti Sadan offers specialised courses for Church administrators, including financial management programmes for diocesan and provincial administrators, as well as diocesan administration courses for vicar generals and chancellors, aimed at strengthening governance and accountability within Church structures.

Fr. Duming Gonsalves

Shanthi Sadan

Administrator