Our Founder
Stephen Ferrando was born on 28th September 1895 in Rossiglione, a small town in the province of Genoa, Italy. He enjoyed a simple and joyful childhood. Deeply inspired in his later years by Don Bosco’s motto, “Da mihi animas, caetera tolle” (“Give me souls, take away the rest”), he became one of Don Bosco’s most devoted spiritual sons. He was ordained a priest on 18th March 1923 and soon after led the third group of Salesian missionaries to Northeast India, arriving in Shillong on 23rd December 1923. As a dedicated missionary, he devoted 46 years of his life to serving the people of Northeast India and shepherding them for 34 years as the Bishop of Shillong, until his retirement in 1969.
Guided by the motto “Apostle of Christ,” his pastoral vision was to bring the entire region to Christ. In recognition of his heroic virtues and tireless service, Pope Francis declared him Venerable on 03rd March 2016.
Six Maxims of Bishop Ferrando to the MSMHC:
# Have always a strong desire to become a saint, a great saint.
# Avoid deliberate sin or fault and after a fault, do not lose courage but make an act of contrition for it.
# Cut of all attachments to creatures, to self-will and self-esteem.
# Receive all crosses and contradictions with joy and gladness from the hands of God.
# Everyday make a special offering of yourself to God that He may dispose of you and all you possess in whatever way He pleases.
# Pray continually and recommend yourself with the greatest confidence to the Virgin Mother Mary, having for her a childlike devotion.
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