By Fr Banzelao & Fr Maxim D’Souza SDB

Mumbai, Sep 24: Fr Ashley Miranda SDB, who has deep connections to the coastal districts of Mangaluru and Udupi was installed as the 12th provincial of the Salesian province of Mumbai at the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga–Mumbai recently. He succeeds Fr Savio Silveira SDB, who completed his six-year term of service as provincial. The installation ceremony took place during the solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr Biju Michael SDB, regional councillor for South Asia, who carried out this task on behalf of the rector major of the Salesians, Fr Fabio Attard. Among those present were Fr Clive Telles SDB, the provincial of the Panjim-Konkan Province, besides other provincials from the region, and about 70 priests.

Fr Ashley Miranda was born on May 1, 1965 in Udupi, and baptised on May 12, 1965 at Katpadi parish, where he was given the name Joseph Lawrence Prakash Miranda, with Ashley being added later. His mother, Nelly Miranda, hails from Bolje (near Udyavar), where she grew up with her family. His father’s family traced its roots to Bolar, Mangaluru, though his father himself grew up in Mumbai. Ashley spent the first two years of his life in Bolje before moving with his family to Mumbai, where he grew up and pursued his education. Despite being based in the city, he returned to Bolje every year during the summer holidays. His first spoken language was Konkani, reflecting his deep connection to his roots.

Since his ordination in 1993, and particularly after obtaining a doctorate in philosophy from the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), Rome in 1999, Fr Ashley has dedicated himself generously to the ministry of formation and education. For two decades (1999–2019), he served in Nashik as professor and formator, and was deeply appreciated for both his teaching and his rapport with young Salesians. He held various portfolios in the formation communities, including rector and principal of Divyadaan, Salesian Institute of Philosophy. During this period, he also served as provincial councillor and formation delegate (2008–2014). In 2019, he was appointed as vice provincial of the Mumbai province, a responsibility he faithfully carried out for six years until his appointment as provincial.

Fr Ashley has always been admired for his deep spiritual life, which has made him a much sought-after retreat preacher and spiritual director. He also nurtures a strong commitment to the service of the poor, especially in rural areas, often involving himself personally in mission work alongside his responsibilities in formation. Known for his kind-hearted demeanour, positive outlook, and immense patience, he has been a caring and supportive guide to many confreres. His approachable and friendly personality has endeared him not only to his Salesian confreres but also to countless others with whom he has worked.

The appointment of Fr Ashley Miranda SDB as the provincial of the Salesian province of Mumbai is a moment of great joy and celebration, particularly for the Salesians hailing from the Konkan belt, who take pride in one of their own assuming this important responsibility of leadership and service.