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The DSFS Congregation

The Daughters of St. Francis De Sales (DSFS) is a missionary congregation of Religious Sisters dedicated to the service of humanity through education, social work, healthcare, and compassionate care for the sick, elderly, and underprivileged. Founded in 1872 by the Servant of God Father Charles Cavina, who served as the Parish Priest of Lugo, Italy, the congregation was established with a noble vision of educating and empowering young girls through religious, moral, and technical education. Deeply inspired by Christian values and the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales, Fr. Charles Cavina considered faith formation, catechetical instruction, and the moral upbringing of young people as the primary mission of the congregation.

What began as a small seed planted in Lugo gradually grew into a flourishing international congregation, extending its mission and service beyond Italy to several countries across the world, including India, Brazil, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, the Philippines, and England. The Mother House of the congregation is situated in Italy, and the congregation continues to carry forward its mission under the guidance of its leadership and dedicated members.

The DSFS Congregation established its first mission house in India at Vizhinjam in the Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala. Since then, the sisters have expanded their apostolic mission to various parts of the country, serving society in diverse capacities. They dedicate themselves as educators, social workers, nurses, catechetical instructors, and compassionate caregivers for the elderly, orphans, and children in need. Through their selfless service and commitment, they continue to spread the values of love, compassion, faith, and human dignity.

The Headquarters of the Indian Province is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, from where the congregation coordinates its various educational, social, and pastoral activities across India. Guided by a spirit of prayer, dedication, and service, the Daughters of St. Francis De Sales remain committed to building a society rooted in knowledge, faith, peace, and compassion while continuing the visionary mission entrusted to them by Father Charles Cavina