Matters India Reporter
Siliguri, Oct 24, 2025: The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, one of the 34 officially recognized groups of the Salesian Family worldwide, celebrated their founder’s day with a solemn Mass in Siliguri, West Bengal.
The congregation was founded by Salesian Bishop Stephen Ferrando, on October 24, 1942, in Shillong, to serve the pastoral and educational needs of northeastern India. Bishop Ferrando envisioned a missionary community of indigenous women religious who would carry the Gospel to the margins with simplicity and courage.
The day’s highlight was Mass at 6:30 p.m. in the convent chapel, presided over by rector and principal of Don Bosco School Siliguri Father V. C. Jose, whose homily explained Venerable Bishop Ferrando’s life and legacy.
The liturgy was animated by the sisters and pre-novices, with lively singing.
After the Eucharist, the community gathered for a family circle and creative presentation by the pre-novices, showcasing the congregation’s history and its outreach in education, healthcare, and social empowerment across India and abroad.
The nuns continue to serve in schools, hostels, dispensaries, and mission centers, embodying the Salesian spirit of accompaniment and kindness.
Sister Jacinta Jyrwa, formation coordinator at Siliguri, said: “Founder’s Day is not just a date—it’s a call to live with courage and compassion. Our young sisters are learning to serve with joy, just as Bishop Ferrando envisioned.”
The Siliguri hub has a formation house for pre-novices, a nursery school as well as Higher Secondary school and care of Don Bosco Shrine parish and substations.