Extension of Mission in Nagpur Region

In 1888, the Nagpur region was created by bifurcating the Visakhapatnam region. Both were raised to the status of Provinces in 1965. Until 1964 the Archdiocese of Nagpur and until 2012 Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam have been governed by prelates belonging to the Congregation.

MSFS Mission in India

In 1845, the first group of Missionaries of St Francis de Sales set out for India and landed in Pondicherry (Puducherry) on September 8, 1845. They travelled further to Visakhapatnam, reaching there on February 19, 1846.

Founding of the Congregation

Fr. Mermier's firm missionary zeal was amply clear from his slogan "I want missions." Realizing the need to give a formal shape to the team Fr. Mermier went ahead with the plan of forming it into a religious society.

Our Foundation

Founding of the MSFS Congregation

The context of the founding of the Congregation was the French Revolution, the emergence of Jansenism and the emigration of Christians from Savoy. The political disturbances in the context of the French Revolution left the people in a deep spiritual crisis and indifferent towards their religious duties. Sensing the signs of the time, Fr Peter Mermier took upon himself the task of a spiritual renewal of his people by preaching parish missions. Thus, the MSFS Congregation was founded at a (historical) critical moment in human history to address the three-fold issues of de-Christianization and the anti-clerical attitudes developed as a result of the French Revolution, negative influence of Jansenism, and the emigration of the poverty-stricken population to France and Switzerland. Fr Mermier was fully convinced of and advocated ‘preaching of parish missions’ as the best solution to bring people back to faith. Parish missions consisted of week-long retreat preaching and visits of families for the purpose of spiritual renewal of the parish. The preachers proceeded from parish to parish, motivating the people to receive sacraments regularly and encouraging them to live genuine Christian lives. The initial focus of the parish missions was to reform the educational institutions, the clergy and the parishes. Once Monsieur Favre wrote to the missionaries at Annecy, ‘religion can only pick up again in Savoy by means of the missions.

About

MISSIONARIES OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

The Congregation of the “Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales” (MSFS) also known as Fransalians) was founded under the patronage of St. Francis de Sales by the Servant of God Fr. Peter Mary Mermier at Annecy, France in 1838. Barely seven years later, the Missionaries set out to preach the Word of God to the people of India.

The Congregation has ten Provinces and four autonomous missions in 28 countries. There are about 1.300 members in the Congregation. There are 140 MSFS priests engaged in various pastoral activities in 11 countries of African Continent (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Tchad, Camerron, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia and Swaziland). MSFS came to Tanzania in 1988. The Province of East Africa was established in 1996 comprising Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. MSFS Missionaries in East Africa are currently involved in pastoral works in the Archdiocese of Tabora, Diocese of Kahama, Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Archdiocese of Arusha, Archdiocese of Dodoma and in the Diocese of Morogoro in Tanzania. In Kenya, the MSFS began their missionary apostolate in 1997. We are presently working in the Diocese of Meru, Machakos and Ngong. We also began our missionary apostolate in Uganda in April of 2001 and serve in three parishes in the Archdiocese of Tororo and in one parish in the diocese of Jinja. The Province also has many educational institutions and social and developmental programmes in East Africa. At present there are 65 MSFS priests from India, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda working in East Africa.

Our Vision

Religious missionary with salesian spirituality explorer of the unknown builder of communities sower of god’s word enlightened guide and formator

Our Mission

Love of god gentleness to the world preaching parish missions evangelizing people educating the youth

Charism

Living the spirit and Spirituality of St Francis de Sales in the missions. Our charism unfolds itself in the following: study St Francis de Sales, imitate his virtues, make his method of helping people our own.

MSFS Across the Globe: A Network of Service and Community

As of 2024, the MSFS is spread out in five continents, 31 countries, 11 Provinces, 1 Vice Province with a total number of 1233 of priests, 368 professed members . Presently the MSFS are working in the following countries: Austria, Australia, Brazil, Cameroun, Canada, Chad, Cameroon, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Africa, Swaziland, Switzerland, St Lucia (West Indies), Tanzania, Trinidad – Tobago (West Indies), Uganda, the United States and Zambia. MSFS headquarters is in Rome, Italy.