Goa: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has formally begun the eighth edition of its Financial Administrators Course at Shanti Sadan, Benaulim, aiming to enhance financial governance and strengthen compliance mechanisms across Church institutions in India.
Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman inaugurated the programme, setting the tone for a week dedicated to professional development and responsible stewardship. The opening address was delivered by Fr. Aleixo Menezes of Our Lady of Good Health Church, Cuncolim, who highlighted the growing need for trained financial leaders in the Church’s administrative structures.
A total of 18 participants, representing multiple dioceses and religious congregations, joined the programme alongside Fr. Duming Gonsalves of Shanti Sadan. The course, scheduled from December 2–6, focuses on modern financial practices, updated legal norms, and the ethical responsibilities of managing ecclesiastical assets.
Sessions were led by chartered accountants CA Sunil Gonsalves and CA Gaver S. Lobo, who guided participants through accounting standards, regulatory obligations and best practices in institutional financial administration. The curriculum places particular emphasis on transparency, accountability and adherence to evolving governance frameworks in India.
As part of the formation experience, the group also visited key heritage and mission sites in Old Goa and nearby areas. These visits offered participants historical context and deeper insight into the Church’s legacy, enriching their understanding of the social and pastoral dimensions of financial leadership.
The initiative is a continuing effort of the CCBI to build capacity, promote professionalism and maintain integrity in the administration of temporal goods across Catholic institutions nationwide.