The educational journey of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) in the Southwest India Province traces its origins to the founding of the MSFS Congregation in 1838 by Fr. Peter Marie Mermier in Annecy, France. Inspired by the profound spirituality and humanism of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Mermier envisioned a congregation dedicated to education, evangelization, and the formation of faithful leaders. From its very inception, the MSFS Congregation adopted a unique pedagogical approach — one that blends intellectual growth with spiritual formation. The first MSFS missionaries arrived in India in 1845, establishing their base in Visakhapatnam. Education quickly became a cornerstone of their mission, with the aim of fostering not only knowledge but also moral character, faithful service, and leadership. The ethos of education was shaped by the Salesian values of gentleness, humility, and compassion, which remain at the core of our teaching philosophy today.

In response to the growing educational and pastoral needs of the southern Indian states, the Southwest India Province was officially established on January 24, 1991, with the mission to serve Karnataka and Kerala. This new province sought to unify the various educational initiatives under a common mission — a mission to provide holistic education that fosters intellectual excellence and social responsibility. Over the years, the MSFS Southwest Province has expanded its network to include a variety of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, vocational training centres, and boarding facilities.