Archbishop Stephen Ferrando, who founded MSMHC, was born in Rossiglione, Italy, on 28th September 1895, to Augustine Ferrando and Josephine Salvi. From a young age, he felt a divine calling to dedicate his life to serving God’s people. Ordained as a priest on 18th March 1923, he became known for his passionate love for both God and his neighbors, committing his life entirely to God’s service. As the Bishop of Shillong, he pursued his mission to share God’s immense love with the poor and needy with unwavering determination. His visionary approach led him to establish the Congregation of MSMHC to continue charitable works, empower women and children, and uplift the marginalized. Bishop Ferrando passed away on June 20th, 1978.

Archbishop Ferrando believed that MSMHC Schools should impart values to students, nurturing them to become good Christians and upright citizens. These values were conveyed through personal witness, setting examples through lives filled with prayer, holiness, deep faith in God, and being agents of peace.

Archbishop Ferrando’s vision was to create individuals who are morally upright, emotionally balanced, spiritually motivated, intellectually competent, and socially effective, so they could become future leaders and transformers of their destinies. Following his example, St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Dibrugarh, strives to “Educate persons with character and competence to build a civilization of love.”