Fr. Peter Mary Mermier, in Annecy (France), founded the Congregation of Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales, MSFS better known as Fransalians, in 1836.

The Congregation has a triple mission. Fransalians are called to preach God’s word in new areas, as part of the Missionary Church. They have an educational ministry. And finally, the social apostolate completes their mission. Keeping

in mind the founder’s vision, the MSFS have involved themselves in various projects for children and youth through the medium of schools, colleges, welfare centres, orphanages and rehabilitation centres.

They have been present in India since 1845 and have now spread out to all the Indian states. June 1995 saw Fransalians in Pune venturing into the ministry to street children and rag pickers of Bombay and New Bombay. Fr. Francis Mulackal an MSFS member founded Jan Vikas Society to extend service to the street children in 1995.