About Us

The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) in the Ferrando Delegation Africa is an international religious congregation of women dedicated to the service of God and humanity through evangelization and social transformation. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the maternal care of Mary Help of Christians, the sisters commit themselves to the holistic development of individuals and communities, especially the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable. In Africa, the sisters serve in diverse socio-cultural and religious contexts marked by poverty, displacement, war, limited access to education and healthcare, and fragile faith formation. Responding to these realities, the MSMHC Sisters integrate pastoral care with education, healthcare, and social apostolates, becoming a living presence of Christ’s compassion, hope, and healing. The congregation was founded by Fr. Ferrando, a visionary missionary priest whose heart burned with zeal for the salvation of souls and the upliftment of the poor. Inspired by St. John Bosco and deeply devoted to Mary Help of Christians, he envisioned a congregation of women missionaries who would dedicate their lives to evangelization through education, pastoral care, and social service. The founder emphasized simplicity of life, deep faith, love for the Church, and availability for mission, values that continue to guide the MSMHC Sisters in Africa today.

History

The mission of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) in Africa began in Eswatini in the year 2001, marking the first foundation of the congregation on the African continent. This pioneering presence laid a strong spiritual and missionary foundation for the future growth of the African Delegation. Through pastoral involvement, faith formation, and service to the poor, the sisters gradually integrated themselves into the life of the local Church and society. Building on this initial foundation, the congregation expanded its mission to other parts of Africa in response to the growing pastoral and social needs of the people. Following this initial foundation, the congregation gradually expanded its presence in different parts of the continent in response to the pastoral and social needs of the local Churches. After Eswatini, the following houses were opened in sequence:
• Lesotho
• Johannesburg (South Africa)
• Mozambique
• Western cape (South Africa)
• South Sudan
• Meki (Ethiopia)
• Negelle Arsi (Ethiopia)
• Gambella (Ethiopia)
Through these foundations, the African Delegation has steadily grown, strengthening its missionary presence in evangelization, education, healthcare, and social apostolates. Guided by the spirit of the founder and under the protection of Mary Help of Christians, the MSMHC Sisters continue their mission of service to the Church and society across Africa.

Patrons

The African Delegation entrusts its mission to the guidance and protection of Venerable Stephen Ferrando

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Venerable Stephen Ferrando

Please feel free to contact or talk to us for any assistance or support related to our programmes, seminars, services that we provide. 

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