MSFS Guwahati Province
January 11, 2026 2026-01-14 16:14MSFS Guwahati Province
MSFS Guwahati Province
Guwahati Province
North East India, located in the easternmost part of the country, comprises eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. The region is home to over 200 Scheduled Tribes, reflecting a rich mosaic of cultures, traditions, and languages. Predominantly mountainous and hilly, with fertile valleys and plateaus in states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Manipur, the region is known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. Christianity is a major religion in states like Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and parts of Manipur.
To this land of diversity and unique heritage, the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) were invited to further the work of evangelisation. Responding to the invitation of Bishop Joseph Mittathany of Tezpur, the Provincial Administration of the Visakhapatnam Province sent a group of six newly ordained priests to North East India on 15 September 1975. Frs. Joseph Kizhakkeveed and Abraham Kuttiankal were assigned to Tezpur; Frs. George Parampukattil and Joseph Kuttiany to Tura; and Frs. Kurian Pattimackel and Jose Mundoly to Kohima–Imphal.
Within a year, three more confreres—Frs. Jose Thenganakunnel, George Kunnel, and Sebastian Paredom—joined the mission from Visakhapatnam. The missionary presence was further strengthened in 1977 with the arrival of additional members, including Fr. Paul Sankoorickal (S.L. Paul) from the USA, who took leadership of the North East MSFS Mission while serving as Parish Priest of Silapathar in the Tezpur Diocese. Through perseverance and dedication, the Congregation gradually took firm roots and continued to grow across the North East.
On 15 September 1979, the MSFS mission in North East India was constituted as a Region within the Province of Visakhapatnam, with Fr. Devasia Kuzhupil as its first Regional Superior. The Region was elevated to a Vice Province on 24 January 1984, with Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy appointed as the first Vice Provincial. On 24 January 1990, it became a full-fledged Province, and Fr. Jose Thenganakunnel was appointed the first Provincial.
The Province witnessed steady growth under successive leaderships, expanding its mission to several Indian states and countries in Africa. It entered the fields of higher education, social work, communication, and professional ministry through institutions such as SFS College, FAsCE India, and various outreach initiatives.
By 2016, the MSFS North East India Province had extended its presence across multiple states in North East India, parts of eastern India, and Africa. From its beginnings with six missionaries, the Congregation has grown into one of the largest men’s religious congregations in the region, serving in evangelization, education, and social development.
Southern African Region in North East India Province
As decided by the Provincial Council meeting held in Guwahati on 21 April 1997, the North East India Province opened its first African mission at Bethania, in the Diocese of Keetmanshoop, Namibia. Frs. Philip Mangatt, Joseph Kunjaparambil, and Baby Arackathara were appointed as the pioneering team and arrived in Namibia in July 1998. The parish of Bethania was officially entrusted to the MSFS on 8 December 1998.
In 1999, the mission expanded to South Africa, beginning in the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington, and later extending to the Archdioceses of Cape Town and Windhoek. With steady growth and the arrival of more confreres, the African mission was elevated to the status of the Southern African Region in 2003.
MSFS North East India Delegation of Germany-Austria
The Germany–Austria (GA) Delegation was established in 2014. Fr. Sabu Francis Manasrayil was appointed as the first Delegation Superior of the newly constituted Delegation of the North East India Province. He was formally installed as Delegation Superior on 24 January 2014 at the MSFS Provincialate, Guwahati.
Dibrugarh Region in North East India Province Since 2015
In response to sustained prayerful discernment and the directives of the joint meeting of the General Curia and Provincial Curia held at the MSFS Provincialate, Guwahati on 13–14 October 2014, the Provincial Administration initiated the process of creating a new administrative unit within the North East India Province. After wide consultation with all members of the Province through Consultation Papers and Apostolic Community Meetings, and with the consent of the Provincial Council, Fr. George Panthanmackel, the Provincial, formally requested Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, the Superior General, to erect a new Region on 28 June 2015.
The Region was envisioned to strengthen religious commitment, ensure effective administration, foster closer community life, nurture talents, and consolidate missionary outreach. The new Region of the North East India Province was formally established on 20 January 2016, with Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil appointed as its first Regional Superior. The Region comprises the areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Upper Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur.
The Division of North East India Province into Guwahati Province and Dibrugarh Province:
To ensure more effective animation of religious life, ministries, and missionary activities, the North East India Province was reorganized into two Provinces—Guwahati Province and Dibrugarh Province. The establishment of the two new Provinces was announced by Rev. Fr. Abraham Vettuvelil, Superior General of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, on 24 October 2019, the Foundation Day of the Congregation.
Guwahati Province comprises Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Lower Assam (Diphu, Bongaigaon, and Guwahati Dioceses), and West Bengal (Asansol Diocese). Dibrugarh Province includes Upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland.
THE DECREE:
As per the decree of the Superior General, the Province of Guwahati and the Province of Dibrugarh of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales were erected from the former North East India Province and formally came into effect on 24 January 2020. Fr. Sabu Francis Manasrayil was appointed the first Provincial of the newly established Province of Guwahati.
SCHOOL CENTERS:
- Assam
- St. Francis de Sales Higher Secondary School, Narengi
- St. Paul School, Panishali
- St. Francis de Sales School, Panbari
- St. Francis de Sales Secondary School, Bahalpur
- Don Bosco Secondary School, Hamren
- Meghalaya
- St. Francis de Sales Secondary School, Mawryngkneng
- Green Hill Secondary School, Sohryngkham
- Ka Syiem Jingsuk Higher Secondary School, Amlarem
- St. Francis de Sales Secondary School, Bakur-Dawki
- Don Bosco School, Mawkhlam
- St. Francis de Sales Secondary School, Umwahlang
- Christ King Up School, Umwahlang
- St. Francis de Sales Secondary School, Nongalbibra
- St. Francis de Sales Secondary School, Somonpara
- Tripura
- St. Francis de Sales Secondary School, Sindukpathar
- St. Francis de Sales School, East Harina
- St. Francis de Sales School, Amarpur
- Mizoram
- St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Manikbond
- St. Francis de Sales School,Sateek
- St. Francis de Sales School, Lengpui
- West Bengal
- St. Francis de Sales Secondary School, Galsi.
