MSFS Novitiate, Chabua

In 1989, a Minor Seminary for the Province was established at Thamarassery, Kerala. When the first batch of seminarians completed their initial formation in 1992, they were brought to SFS Seminary, Medziphema, to begin their novitiate formation. At that time, Fr. Jose Mundoly (1992–1995) served as the Novice Master.

However, the facilities at Medziphema were not adequate to sustain a full novitiate programme. Recognizing this need, the Provincial Administration decided to establish a separate Novitiate House at Chabua, a small township located along the national highway between Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, within the Diocese of Dibrugarh.

A new building for the novitiate was constructed under the supervision of Fr. Joseph Kizhakkeveedu (1992–1993). The building was completed and blessed on May 23, 1993, by Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, SDB, the Bishop of Guwahati. Bishop Menamparampil played a significant role in facilitating the acquisition of the land for the novitiate and remained a constant source of encouragement for the project.

Following the completion of the building, the next batch of novices moved to Chabua. Fr. Jose Mundoly continued as the Novice Master, with Fr. Thomas Kollathuvayalil (1993–1996) serving as the Socius.

In the years that followed, several priests were appointed as Novice Masters and Assistants, continuing the important mission of forming young candidates in the spirit and charism of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales.

Between 2009 and 2011, the novitiate witnessed further infrastructural development and improvements, initiated by the then Novice Master and Socius, strengthening the facilities and formation environment of the house.