The Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), popularly known as the Fransalians, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their presence in Northeast India with a solemn ceremony held at St. Francis De Sales School, Narengi.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Excellency Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad. Rev. Fr. Johnson Kallidukkil, Superior General of the MSFS Congregation, attended the event as the Chief Guest. The ceremony also witnessed the presence of ten bishops, Major Superiors, distinguished dignitaries, educators and social workers from across the region, along with Fr. Sabu Francis and Fr. Thomason Aerathedath, Provincials of the Guwahati and Dibrugarh Provinces respectively. More than 700 guests, including priests, nuns, alumni, educationists and students, were in attendance.
The Fransalians arrived in Northeast India in 1975 and have since played a transformative role in expanding access to quality education, particularly in remote and rural areas. What began in modest bamboo structures has grown into a network of more than 50 schools, 10 higher secondary institutions and a college across the Northeastern states.
Guided by the values of gentleness, discipline, inclusivity and compassion, Fransalian institutions have emphasized both academic excellence and character formation. Many first-generation learners from tribal and economically disadvantaged backgrounds have benefitted from their efforts.
The congregation has also been instrumental in promoting girls’ education by ensuring safe, inclusive educational spaces and providing hostel facilities, scholarships and community outreach initiatives aimed at supporting students from remote and underprivileged families.
Addressing the gathering, Fr. Johnson Kallidukkil expressed gratitude to the pioneering missionaries who “brought light to places untouched by formal education,” and reaffirmed the commitment to build “future-ready, value-based institutions.” Cardinal Poola, in his homily, acknowledged the congregation’s contribution in “educating hearts and minds with compassion and service.”
As part of the celebration, the spiritual classic Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales was released in Assamese, Mizo and Garo, making the text more accessible to local communities.
The Golden Jubilee marks a significant milestone in the Fransalians’ journey of empowerment and service in the Northeast — a legacy that continues to shape lives and expand educational opportunities across the region.
