# MSFS

> Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales


## Posts

- [Rev.Fr. Superior General with Holy Father Pope Leo XIV](https://msfs.org/?p=5314): Fr. Superior General with Holy Father Pope Leo XIV on November 25, 2025, in Rome
- [The Leaders of Three Major Salesian Families](https://msfs.org/?p=5304): Rev Fr Strong Larry OSFS (left), Rev Fr. Johnson Kallidukil MSFS (centre), Rev Fr Attard Fabio SDB (right). At USG Session in Rome November 28, 2025.
- [Superior General Meets His Lordship Most Rev. Nirmal Vincent Gomes SDB](https://msfs.org/?p=5282): Kolkata, October 19, 2025: Rev. Fr. Johnson Kallidukil MSFS, Superior General of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), met with His Lordship Most Rev. Nirmal Vincent Gomes SDB, Bishop of Krishnagar, West Bengal, during his visit to Kolkata on October 19.
- [Convocation Day at DeSIFMA](https://msfs.org/?p=5280): Chennai, October 18: Rev. Fr. Johnson Kallidukil MSFS, Superior General of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), was the Chief Guest at the Convocation Day of DeSIFMA held in Chennai. In his address, Fr. Johnson encouraged the graduating students to integrate faith, creativity, and professionalism in their journey ahead, highlighting the institute’s role in nurturing talent in media and fine arts.
- [The Closing Session of the Diocesan Phase of the Cause of the Founder](https://msfs.org/?p=5203): Servant of God Father Peter Marie Mermier May 6, 2025
- [New General Curia-2025](https://msfs.org/?p=4819)
- [Suvidya College became the overall Champion](https://msfs.org/?p=4752)

## Pages

- [SG-Page](https://msfs.org/?page_id=4990)
- [MDO](https://msfs.org/?page_id=4017): Mission Development Office-MDO MISSION DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE MISSIONARIES OF ST FRANCIS DE SALES (MDO-MSFS) DEFINITION OF MISSION DEVELOPMENT OFFICE   Mission Development Office is a body that is appointed by the Superior General of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales with the consent of his Council to mobilise resources human, material and financial to assist the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales all over the world especially in mission territories in their mission work which consists of faith formation, leadership formation, humanitarian and developmental and educational works for the poor and marginalised people. OBJECTIVES: The following are its&hellip;
- [E-STATUS](https://msfs.org/?page_id=3999)
- [Fransalian International](https://msfs.org/?page_id=3400)
- [Circulars of Provincials](https://msfs.org/?page_id=3341): Circulars of Provincials France-Swiss Visakhapatnam Nagpur Pune English Brazil East Africa South-West India South-East India USA Guwahati Dibrugarh Edit MT-01 MT-09 MT-02 MT-10 MT-06 MT-11 MT-07 MT-12 MT-08 MT-13 MT-14 Edit TK-04 TK-15 TK-05 TK-16 TK-06 TK-17 TK-07 TK-18 TK-08 TK-19 TK-09 TK-20 TK-10 TK-21 TK-11 TK-22 TK-12 TK-13 TK-14 Edit APJ-07 APJ-08 APJ-09 APJ-10 APJ-11 Edit TA-01 TA-05 TA-02 TA-06 TA-02 TA-08 TA-03 TA-09 TA-04 TA-10 TA-11
- [Mission](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2530)
- [Fransalian Youth](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2455): Fransalian Youth GROWING IN FAITH -UNITING IN LOVE Who We Are FRANSAIAN YOUTH MISSION (FYM) Fransalian Youth Ministry is an endeavour of the Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales (MSFS). The congregation has launched many programmes which build up the youth. The aim of the Fransalian youth ministry is to provide opportunities tobuild up the youngsters. FYM aims at bringing about a change in the life of the youngsters and thereby in the society. The Fransalian Youth Movement has already done a lot of work among the youth through Youth camps,Leadership training programmes, animation programmes, Self-employmentopportunities, Career Guidance, Teacher training&hellip;
- [Salesian Spirituality](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2297): Salesian Spirituality Salesian Spirituality Salesian spirituality is characterized by the gospel-based ”little virtues” of gentleness, patience, humility and liberty of spirit, to name a few. It is named “Salesian” in reference to St. Francis de Sales. Click here Mermier Resource Mermier Resource is a comprehensive and dynamic resource dedicated to providing high-quality resources about Fr. Peter Mary Mermier (Founder of MSFS Congregation). Click here
- [GC XXI](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2295): The New General Curia-2025 [Left to Right] Fr Jose Karickal MSFS (General Bursar) Fr Benedict De Souza MSFS (General Councillor) Fr Anthony Swamy A. MSFS (General Councillor) Fr Johnson Michael Kallidukil MSFS (Superior General) Fr Saji George Puthiyakulangara MSFS (Assistant General) Fr Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS (General Councillor) Fr Christu Raj A. MSFS (General Councillor) Playlist 3 Videos RECEPTION OF THE DELEGATES-GC XXI CHAPTER 01:29:15 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE XXI MSFS GENERAL CHAPTER MSFS OGC 2025 | SOLEMN HOLY MASS | MOST. REV. BISHOP. JAYA RAO POLIMERA Study Paper of GC XXI Recollection Talks Edit General Introduction Chapter One Chapter&hellip;
- [Gallery](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2255): Gallery All All Moments that Inspire
- [Circulars](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2239): Circulars &amp; Newsletters Circulars of SG Read More Mission Read More Fransalian International Read More Circulars of Provincials Read More AMISALES Read More
- [SG-Circulars](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2171): Circulars of Superior General
- [MSFS Bishops](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2129): MSFS BISHOPS MSFS Bishops of Visakhapatnam-Nagpur-Amravati
- [Former Superior Generals](https://msfs.org/?page_id=2128): Former Superiors General Superiors General P. Gaidon 1864-1864 P. Clavel 1865-1888 P. Joseph Tissot 1888-1894 P. Eugene Gojon 1894-1904 P. Constant Bouvard 1894-1904 P. Alphonse Favrat 1920-1932 P. Jules Comerson 1932-1947 P. Alphonse Grorod 1947-1953 P. Edmond Deage 1953-1965 P. Adrien Duval 1965-1977 P. Emile Mayoraz 1977-2001 Fr. Agnelo Fernandes 2001-2013 Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil 2013- 2025
- [Superior General](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1961): Rev. Fr. Johnson Michael Kallidukil MSFS SUPERIOR GENERAL Rev. Fr. Johnson Michael Kallidukil MSFS was born on April 18, 1966, in Venappara, Calicut, Kerala, India, where he was also raised. He made his First Profession on December 15, 1985, in Visakhapatnam, and later took his Perpetual Profession on December 8, 1991, in Bangalore. He was ordained a priest on April 21, 1994, in Venappara, India. He belongs to the East Africa Province. He earned a Doctorate in Theology (Canon Law) from the University of Wuerzburg, Germany, in 2002. Fr. Johnson has held several important appointments and responsibilities within the Congregation,&hellip;
- [English](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1652): English Province Provincial Superior Fr Benny Valiyaveettil Nationality: Indian Date of Birth: 10:12:1969 Date of First Religious Profession and Place: 10:06:1990 Salesianum, Visakhapatnam    Date of Perpetual Profession and Place: 30: 05:1997 in Bangalore     Date of Priestly Ordination and Place: 03:01:2000, at Makkiyad, Kerala         Qualifications:               B.A: Social Science               MA: Psychology and MSW                 Appointments and Responsibilities held in the Congregation and the Years: Charis Bhavan, Athirumpuzha 2000 to 2005 Director of formation 2000 – 2003 Cathedral, Northampton, UK, 2005 to 2013 St Patrick Church, Northampton 2013 &#8211; Provincial of the English Province 2019 &#8211;   Provincial Curia Fr.&hellip;
- [Brazil](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1612): Brazil Province Provincial Superior Fr. Jose Devasahayam Father Jose Devasahayam was born on 27th of December 1985 and baptized on 2nd of February 1986, at Kodimunai, Tamil Nadu, India, in a fervent catholic family. His parents are Saviour pitchai and Antonyammal, very devoted and faithful to the catholic tradition and spiritual and pastoral activities in the parish.  They sawed the seed of vocation in his heart. He had his education in Carmel higher secondary school run by Jesuit priests who served as an example for sanctity and charity. He excelled in the education. He graduated from high school in the&hellip;
- [Dibrugarh](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1391): Dibrugarh Province Provincial Superior FR. TOMSON AERATHEDATHU Rev. Fr. Tomson Aerathedathu, was born on 08-04-1961, son of Mr. Michael and Mrs. Clara, at Anakkallu, from the diocese of Kanjintrappally.  He made his first Religious Profession on 10-06-1980, Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, AP. He completed his philosophical studies in Morning Star, Calcutta in 1983. After the completion of his philosophical studies he did his practical training at SFS Church, Jonai.  He completed his theology at St. Peter&#8217;s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore 1989. He was ordained deacon by Rt. Rev. Mathew Cheriankunnel, Bishop of Kurnool, Vinayalaya, Bangalore on 04-06-1988.  Later on 08-04-1989 he was ordained priest&hellip;
- [SAIM](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1259): Fransalian Social Apostolate &amp; Innovative Ministry (SAIM) SOCIAL APOSTOLATE AND INNOVATIVE MINISTRY Vision Statement To embody the compassionate love of Christ and the missionary zeal of our founder, Father Peter Mermier by transforming lives through holistic social empowerment and innovative solutions, creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales. Mission Statement To uplift marginalized communities through impactful social programs that address education, health, empowerment, and environmental conservation. To foster innovation in ministry by leveraging media, technology, and creative enterprises for meaningful engagement and sustainable development. To integrate Salesian spirituality into all endeavors,&hellip;
- [Mission](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1258): Fransalian Mission Fransalin Mission Mission:  Apostolate of Evangelization and Pastoral ministry The ministry of renewal of faith is at the core of the MFS’s foundational apostolates. The cry of Fr Mermier&#8217;s heart, &#8220;I want Missions,&#8221; became the first and primary foundational apostolate of the MSFS during the post-French revolutionary period of indifference to and neglect of faith. The preaching of parish missions became the first and primary foundational apostolate of the MSFS. Today, we have several confres engaged in the ministry of preaching. The Mission of evangelisation and pastoral works are carried out at three levels. Frontier Missions and Evangelisation&hellip;
- [Education](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1257): Fransalian Education Fransalin Education Education is a sacred mission visualized by our founder Fr. Peter Mary Mermier for Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS). Fransalian Education underlines holistic formation with greater emphasis on the growth of spiritual, intellectual and professional dimensions of life always based on values as lived and taught by Jesus and followed by Saint Francis de Sales. The apostolate of education is taken up by Catholic Church as part of its evangelisation to transform society into greater liberation by way of imparting right knowledge, enhancing human awareness of peace and justice as envisioned by our lord&hellip;
- [Formation](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1255): Fransalian Formation Fransalin Formation FRANSALIAN  FORMATION is a process of fostering progressive growth into a mature and integrated human and Christian, consecrated to God, intimate with the Person of Christ revealed in Scripture, nourished through prayer and the Sacraments, with a sense of belonging to the Church, and in tune with our Fransalian Charism thorough assimilation of Salesian spirituality    FRANSALIAN  FORMATION is for the mission (Acquisition of Knowledge of peoples, cultures and religions, and the evolution of values in social life) and our mission gives our formation orientation and relevance (Response to God’s call and development of talents with&hellip;
- [Our Patroness](https://msfs.org/?page_id=1136): Our Patroness OUR PATRONESS Mother of Compassion Fr. Mermier had a personal devotion to Mary, Mother of (Compassion) Sorrows and had an altar dedicated to her in the chapel of La Feuillette. Every day he would visit the altar and pray to the Mother of Compassion. Fr Mermier considered the devotion to Mother of Compassion as one of the integral expressions of salesian spirituality . Fr Mermier recalls the fervor with which St Francis de Sales gives insights into the compassionate Mother in his Treatise on the Love of God as she stood at the foot of the Cross on&hellip;
- [USA](https://msfs.org/?page_id=642): USA Vice-Province Provincial Superior Fr. Anthony Bonela Province History Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales have been present in USA for more than 50 years.Confreres from Europe, England, India and USA have been in ministry in parishes in USA during this period of time. There has always been a desire to implant the Congregation in USA. Attempts had been made as early as 1935 to start some sort of mission in the country, but without success. In 1968, then Superior General, Fr. Adrien Duval, commissioned the provincial of the English province, to make renewed efforts to establish MSFS presence in&hellip;
- [Visakhapatnam](https://msfs.org/?page_id=641): Visakhapatnam Province Provincial Superior FR. BAVIRI SURESH BABU Very Rev. Fr. Baviri Suresh Babu MSFS, was born on 22nd March 1972 to pious catholic parents of Mr. Martin and Mrs. Sujanamma at Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. After completing his secondary education, he joined the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales at MSFS Minor Seminary, Nidadavole. He did his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam and made his first profession on 10th June 1992. He completed his Philosophical studies in Suvidya College, Bangalore and completed his Regency in Fransalian Vidya Jyothi, Nidadavole. He did his theological studies at Vinayalaya, Bangalore. He was ordained as&hellip;
- [South-West India](https://msfs.org/?page_id=640): South-West India Province Provincial Superior Fr Thomas Kalariparambil Fr Thomas Kalariparambil, MSFS Rev Fr Thomas Kalariparambil s/o Scaria Chacko and Kathri Scaria was born on December 12, 1958 at Kanjiramthanam, Kerala. He completed his schooling in Kanjirathanam, in the year 1974. He joined SFS Seminary, Ettumanoor in the year 1975. He made his first profession on June 30, 1979. He did Philosophical studies at JDV, Pune from 1979 to 1981. After his Philosophical studies, he was appointed to Vinayalaya for his regency from 1981 to 1982. From 1982-1984 he completed the Master’s in Philosophy at JDV, Pune. He completed his&hellip;
- [South-East India](https://msfs.org/?page_id=639): South-East India Province Provincial Superior Fr. A. Patrick Jayaraj Name : Fr. A. Patrick Jayaraj, MSFSParents : Antony &amp;amp; Pushpa LilyDate of Birth : 28.09.1974Place of Birth : Kadiapattanam, Kanyakumari Dt. TamilnaduReligious FormationMinor Seminary : 1992 &#8211; 1994, MSFS Minor Seminary, PudukkottaiNovitiate : 1994 &#8211; 1995, Salesianum, VisakhapatnamPhilosophy : 1995 &#8211; 1998, Suvidya College, BangaloreRegency : 1998 &#8211; 1999, MSFS Minor Seminary, PudukkottaiTheology : 1999 &#8211; 2003, St. Peter´s Pontifical Seminary (Vinayalaya), BangaloreDiaconate Ministry : MSFS Minor Seminary, PudukkottaiPerpetual Profession : 30.05.2001Diaconate Ordination : 24.01.2022Priestly Ordination : 07.05.2003Academic QualificationBachelor of Philosophy : 1995 &#8211; 1998, Suvidya College, BangaloreBachelor of Theology&hellip;
- [Pune](https://msfs.org/?page_id=638): Pune Province Provincial Superior Fr. Johnson Gonsalves Fr. Johnson Gonsalves, MSFS, was born on 22 January 1968 at Merces, Vasai West, Maharashtra, to Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas and Martina. He is the youngest child among the 8 children (5 brothers and 3 sisters). His parish of Baptism is “Our Lady of Mercy, Merces”, Vasai, West, on 4 February, 1968. His diocese of origin; the Archdiocese of Bombay, from 1998 in the diocese of Vasai as it was bifurcated. His mother tongue is Marathi. Schooling: He studied his primary education in De Lima Primary School, Merces, Vasai, West. He completed his&hellip;
- [Nagpur](https://msfs.org/?page_id=637): Nagpur Province Provincial Superior Fr. Manoj Tirkey Fr. Manoj Tirkey was born on 17-01-1977 to Mr. Stanilas Pratap Tirkey and Mrs. Paulina Tirkey at Budabahal, Odisha. He was Baptized on 14-03-1977 and Confirmed on 21.11.1991 at Catholic Church, Gaibira, Odisha. He did his Elementary Schooling in Government Upper Primary School, Budabahal, and Secondary Education in New Orissa High School, Gaibira, Odisha. He did his Novitiate at Fransalian Ashram, Belgaum and made his First Profession on 31-05-1998. 1998-2001: Philosophical Studies at St. Charles’ Seminary, Nagpur. 2001-2002: Regency at Divya Jyoti Ashram, Latapara, Odisha. 2002-2003: B.Ed. at Pushpanjali College of Education, Vasai.&hellip;
- [Guwahati](https://msfs.org/?page_id=636): Guwahati Province Provincial Superior Fr. Sabukuttan Francis Fr. Dr. Sabu Francis MSFS Place of Birth: Manjoor, Kerala, India Diocese of birth: Pala, Kerala, India Nationality: Indian First Language: Malayalam Other Languages: English, German, Khasi. Date of Birth: 08.04.1965 Baptism: 24.07.1965 Confirmation: 11.05.1974 Congregation Congregation: Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) Minor Seminary: 1981-1984, S.F.S Seminary, Ettumanoor, Kerala, India Novitiate: 14.12.1984-15.12.1985, Salesianum, Visakhapatnam, Andra Predesh, India First Profession: 15.12.1985, Vishakhapatnam Final Profession: 08.12.1991, Bangalore Diaconate: 31.05.1993, Bangalore Ordination: 13.04.1994, Kerala Place of Ordination: St. Xavier’s Church, Mannarappara, Kuruppanthara, Kerala, India Studies Philosophy: 1986-1989, Suvidya College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India B.A: 1986-1989,&hellip;
- [East Africa](https://msfs.org/?page_id=634): East-Africa Province Provincial Superior Fr. James Panthalanickel Fr. James Panthalanickel was born in May 1970 at Meenachil, Kerala, India. After his formation and ordination to priesthood in India on 01.01.2000, he worked in Tanzania holding various designations as a Fransalian priest. He holds a Masters in Philosophy from St. Peter&#8217;s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore and a PhD in Bible Studies from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. Provincial Curia Fr. Innocent Ngowi, Provincial Councillor for SAIM Fr. Sunny Vettickal Provincial Councillor for Education Fr. Thomas Kochalumchuvattil Provincial Councilor for Formation Fr. Sebastian Antonysamy Provincial Councilor for Mission Fr. Reji Pendanath Provincial&hellip;
- [France-Swiss](https://msfs.org/?page_id=633): France-Swiss Province Provincial Superior Fr. Samuel Province History The Franco-Swiss Province, as the Mother Province has nurtured and supported the entire congregation. Committed to the Apostolate of Faith Formation and Renewal in Savoy, it is from the &#8220;Motherhouse&#8221; [La Feuillette] that the band of missionaries prepared for and set out on their Parish Missions. Inspired by the Founder&#8217;s clarion call &#8220;I want Missions&#8221;, It is from here that the first Batch of Fransalians left for India (1845) and Brazil (1926) to sow the seed. In 1860, Savoy was integrated into the French republic. In 1903, the French government expelled all&hellip;
- [Provincial Curia](https://msfs.org/?page_id=622)
- [Provincials](https://msfs.org/?page_id=620): Provincials PROVINCIALS Provincial of Brazil Fr. Jose Devasagayam Provincial of Dibrugarh Fr. Tomson Aerathedathu Provincial of English Fr. Benny Joseph Valiaveetil Provincial of East Africa Fr. James Panthalanickel Provincial of France-Swiss Fr. Samuvel Provincial of Guwahati Fr. Sabu Francis Provincial of Nagpur Fr. Manoj Tirkey Provincial of Pune Fr. Johnson Gonsalves Provincial of South-East India Fr. Patric Jayaraj Provincial of South-West India Fr. Thomas Kalariparambil Provincial of Visakhapatnam Fr. Bavaria Suresh Babu Provincial of USA Fr. Anthony Bonela
- [General Curia](https://msfs.org/?page_id=619): GENERAL CURIA All All Fr. Saji George Puthiyakulangara Fr. Thumma Mariadas Fr. Anthony Swamy A. Fr. Benedict De Souza Fr. A. Christu Raj Fr. Jose Karickal Fr. Saji George Puthiyakulangara Assistant General Fr. Thumma Mariadas General Councillor &amp; General secretary for Mission Fr. Anthony Swamy A. General Councillor &amp; General secretary for Education Fr. Benedict De Souza General councillor &amp; General secretary for Formation Fr. A. Christu Raj General Councillor &amp; General secretary for SAIM Fr. Jose Karickal General Bursar Original
- [Our Founder](https://msfs.org/?page_id=604): Our Founder Servant of God Fr. Peter Marie Mermier Fr Peter Marie Mermier, our Founder, was born on August 28, 1790 in Savoy, France. At the time of his birth the population of Savoy was almost rural. Fr Mermier’s father, Francois Mermier, who belonged to a race of landowners and a family of good standing, was a peasant and the son had inherited all the qualities of a peasant: good sense, practical mind, prudent audacity, tenacious and calm perseverance. His mother, Antionette Bastian, was a pious and devout woman to whom Fr Mermier owed his fine and alert mind, his&hellip;
- [Our Patrons](https://msfs.org/?page_id=603): Our Patron heavenly patron St. Francis de Sales 1567–1622 rancis was born on August 21, 1567 in the family castle of Sales, Thorens, in the duchy of upper Savoy. He was the firstborn child of Françoise de Sionnaz and Françoise de Boisy. His father was forty-four, and his mother fifteen. There were twelve children born to the family, five of whom died soon after their birth.  Francis&#8217; studies were lengthy and were accomplished in three stages: college studies at la Roche and Annecy (where his priestly vocation was born); then at the Jesuit college in Paris; and finally at Padua,&hellip;
- [Who are we](https://msfs.org/?page_id=602): Who are MSFS? MISSIONARIES OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES The Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales known as “MSFS” (FRANSALIANS), is an international Congregation of Latin Rite, founded on October 24, 1838 in Annecy, France by Servant of God, Peter Marie Mermier. The primary patron of the Congregation is St. Francis de Sales and the secondary patroness is Mother of Compassion (Mother of Sorrows). The spirituality of our Congregation is “Salesian” and we belong to the Salesian family though our particular identity is as “Fransalians”. Congregation Timeline October 24, 1838Foundation of MSFS Founding of the Congregation Fr.&hellip;
- [Provinces](https://msfs.org/?page_id=559): Provinces Tab #1 Tab #2 Tab #3
- [Fransalians](https://msfs.org/?page_id=12)
- [My account](https://msfs.org/?page_id=60)
- [Contact](https://msfs.org/?page_id=23)
- [Home](https://msfs.org/)


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