Our story
The Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales was founded by Fr. Peter Mary Mermier at Annecy, France, in 1838.
The society expanded its activities to Africa in 1988. Since arriving in Tanzania, the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales have established their presence in Kenya, Uganda, Chad, Cameroon, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique.
This growth brought an ever-increasing number of young people seeking guidance and support to serve the Church and society in Africa. MSFS confreres are actively involved in pastoral apostolate, religious formation and social services—sheltering street children and orphans, empowering women through skills training, providing medical services, and administering formal and non-formal educational institutions.
The LCI concept
Self-observation is the first step to self-transformation. Self-transformation leads to organisational and social transformation with lasting effects.
All programmes at LCI help individuals become effective agents of social transformation. Africa’s wealth of vocations and human resources needs timely and appropriate guidance. This inspired the Fransalians to establish infrastructure and programmes for religious and social formation, embedded in African culture.
The concept of a Fransalian University for Africa was accepted in principle by the 2003 Extra-Ordinary General Chapter of the Congregation. It envisioned a holistic contribution toward empowering local communities to own the process of self-development.
Our vision
We aim at a world where everyone—irrespective of class, colour, creed and ethnicity—realises the goodness and beauty of this universe as the gift of the Almighty and makes concerted and collaborative efforts to make this world a better place.
Our mission
To help everyone contribute further to the goodness and beauty of Africa through holistic education, developmental and training programmes. Ours is a commitment in selfless love through justice, peace and reconciliation by means of quality education and formation aimed at renewal, progress and transformation.
Resident staff & officials
LCI’s academic and formation community is led by Rev. Dr. Thomas Kochalumchuvattil, MSFS, Director. For the current staff directory, contact the institute or view the official listing.
View official directory →