By Deacon Christopher Joseph for BIS Mumbai

Mumbai, July 10: The Annual Administrators’ Meet of the Salesian Province of Mumbai was held on July 9 and July 10, 2025 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga, Mumbai bringing together administrators from all Salesian houses across the province. This yearly gathering aims to equip those responsible for financial and institutional management with the latest developments in finance, law, and governance, ensuring that our Salesian mission continues with integrity, professionalism, and spiritual grounding.

 The meet began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Ashley Miranda, Provincial Designate, who reminded all present of the importance of being trustworthy stewards in their administrative responsibilities. He was warmly felicitated for his recent appointment. Fr Gregory D’Almeida, the Provincial Economer, officially welcomed the gathering and outlined the significance of the administrator’s role in sustaining the day-to-day operations and mission of our varied entities—ranging from trusts and societies to FCRA-compliant institutions and non-profit companies.

 The sessions on Day One featured domain experts who provided focused inputs. Mrs Manali, Chartered Accountant, guided the group through current government requirements regarding trust management, audit readiness, and financial transparency. Advocate Mrs Anshu addressed legal aspects of trust operations, helping confreres navigate complex regulations with clarity. Mr Rohan Saple’s session on Human Resource Management offered valuable insights into labour law updates, employee documentation, and compliance practices—vital in today’s rapidly changing legal landscape.

 Day Two began with the Eucharist led by Fr D’Almeida, who acknowledged that the role of administrators, though often behind the scenes, is crucial and calls for joyful dedication in the spirit of Don Bosco. The highlight of the day was the session by Standard Chartered Bank, which offered a detailed and practical approach to FCRA compliance. Mr Patra from the bank emphasized the growing likelihood of forensic audits, urging confreres to be prepared at any moment. He highlighted the importance of aligning income and expenditure with the expectations of donor agencies, ensuring that every financial activity reflects the intended purpose and is accurately documented. The session also covered donor mapping, audit preparedness, record-keeping, and the need for alignment between financial and activity reports. Real-life challenges raised by the participants were addressed with clarity and expertise.

 In the final session, Fr Miranda led a reflective group discussion on themes from General Chapter 29, specifically administration as a service and responsibility. The confreres brought forward practical, mission-driven suggestions rooted in Salesian spirituality and the realities of the field—focusing on how to serve the marginalized more efficiently through effective administration.

 The meet concluded with heartfelt words of thanks and a renewed commitment among administrators to continue their work with zeal, responsibility, and fidelity. The two days proved to be not just a training, but a meaningful moment of communion, professional upskilling, and Salesian renewal.