On September 28, the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians held a grand finale of a yearlong celebration of the125th birth anniversary of Founder Venerable Stephen Ferrando. The MSMHC communities across the globe had various creative programs in their respective places in his honour.

Different provinces released books and music videos on Founder, organized prayers, created short video clips on his maxims, composed poems and articles, shared his life story through local media channel.

Sr. Philomena Mathew, the Superior General sent out greetings to the MSMHC family and exhorted the members to follow the path Founder had trod - serving the poor and living a joyful life. 

Since the launching of the year on September 28, 2019, by Sr. Philomena Mathew, the Superior General, at Founder’s tomb, Peachlands, the MSMHCs had chosen the spiritual path to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Founder. They spent the year in intense spiritual journey through prayers, daily chain adoration, in depth study and personalization of the Founder’s letters and daily walk with him. The Superior General sent out daily inspirational thought from Founder’s letters. The MSMHCs across the globe also spent the year in works of charity in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Throughout the year, the congregation created short video clips about Bishop Ferrando in various languages of northeastern India, conducted quiz programs, and organized short articles and poems on Founder.

Bishop Ferrando was born on September 28, 1895, in the small town of Rossiglione, Italy. His parents were Augustine Ferrando and Josephine Salvi, Stephen Ferrando grew up in a pious family, religious and natural settings of Rossiglione. He had close contact with the Salesians at Valdocco and inspired by Don Bosco’s motto “Give me souls, take away the rest,” he became one of the greatest sons of Don Bosco.

By walking the path of sacrifice, love and selfless service, his life became an immortal story to be told and retold.