A Joyous Day for the Church: 59 MSFS Novices Profess First Vows in India

Varanasi, 1 June, 2025 – On the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 59 novices of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) made their First Religious Profession across the four novitiates in India. This significant occasion marks a joyous milestone for the MSFS Congregation and the wider Church, as these young and energetic men dedicate their lives to the Lord’s mission.

The MSFS, also known as the Fransalians, is an international Latin Rite religious congregation founded on 24 October 1838 in Annecy, France by Servant of God Peter Marie Mermier. The congregation draws its spiritual inspiration from St. Francis de Sales, its patron, while the Mother of Sorrows is honoured as its patroness. Rooted in “Salesian” spirituality, the MSFS forms part of the broader Salesian family with a distinct Fransalian identity.

Globally, the MSFS has a vibrant presence, with 1,283 priests and 346 professed members serving in 11 Provinces, one Vice-Province, one Region, and four Delegations. The congregation is active in 31 countries and collaborates with 212 dioceses in its missionary and pastoral endeavours.

The charism of the MSFS is to continue the mission of Christ and His Church by living the spirit and spirituality of St. Francis de Sales within a missionary religious community, as envisioned by its founder (MSFS Const. Art. 7).

Their mission is to pass on gentleness to the world and foster the renewal of Christian life through parish missions, evangelisation, and the education of youth. The Fransalian vision is to be missionaries with insight, explorers of the unknown, builders of communities, sowers of God’s word, enlightened educators, and formators in the spirit of their patron saint.

Fransalians serve in diverse apostolates including parish and foreign missions, formal and technical education, youth ministry, social outreach, media evangelisation, and spiritual renewal programmes—always attentive to the signs of the times and the needs of the Church.

By Fr. Ajit Daimary MSFS

Secretary to the Superior General

MSFS Generalate, Rome