MSFS Study House, Mawroh Shillong

Mawroh is a locality in Shillong, located in the East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya. Although the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) arrived in the Northeast region in 1975, no ministry was immediately undertaken in the Diocese of Shillong, as the congregation was responding to greater pastoral needs in other dioceses of the region.

Later, with the plan to establish a Study House for theology students, a plot of land was acquired at Mawroh, Shillong, during the tenure of Fr. Devasia Kuzhupil, who was then the Regional Superior.

By the end of 1992, a building for the scholastics was constructed on this land and was named “MSFS Study House.” The house is situated close to two major theological institutes in Northeast India:

• Oriens Theological College

• Sacred Heart Theological College

Both institutions provide contextualized theological formation for seminarians and religious in the region.

Before the completion of the Study House, MSFS scholastics stayed at Oriens Theological Seminary and attended their theological classes there.

Inauguration and Formation Ministry

The MSFS Study House was inaugurated and blessed on March 29, 1993, by Most Rev. Hubert D’Rosario, the Archbishop of Shillong–Guwahati.

• Fr. Joseph Thazhathukunnel served as the first Rector of the Study House.

• Fr. Mathew Puthumana served as the Administrator.

Since its establishment, the Study House has been an important centre for the theological formation of MSFS scholastics. Up to the 2017 batch, a total of 138 scholastics in 23 batches have completed their formation while residing in the Study House.

The house also welcomes students from other MSFS Provinces, including:

• South West Province

• South East Province

• Nagpur Province

These students pursue their theological studies at Oriens College, Shillong, while residing at the MSFS Study House.