FORMATION

Formation in the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) is a sacred and transformative journey. It is a gradual process of breaking and reconstructing—not in the sense of destroying a person’s identity, but in lovingly reshaping her heart, mind, and spirit so she may grow into the woman God desires her to be.

Every young woman who enters the Bangalore Province brings with her a unique story: her dreams, her expectations, her ways of thinking, reacting, relating, and understanding life. Formation gently invites her to let go of patterns that do not lead to Christ and to embrace a new lifestyle that reflects the Gospel, the charism of the congregation, and the missionary spirit of our Founder, Ven. Stephen Ferrando.

Inculcating Love for Christ and the Founder

Central to the formation program is nurturing a deep and personal love for Jesus.
Daily Eucharist, meditation, Scripture reflection, personal prayer, and community liturgy immerse the candidates into a rhythm of life where Christ becomes the center of every decision and desire.

The story, spirituality, and vision of our Founder also form an essential part of formation. Candidates learn:

• his missionary zeal,
• his compassion for the poor and the abandoned,
• his trust in Divine Providence, and
• his devotion to Mary Help of Christians.

Slowly, they absorb the spirit of the Founder and begin to love the congregation not just as a place of belonging, but as a mission entrusted by God.

Stages of Formation in the Bangalore Province

1. Aspirants – The First Steps of Discernment

The journey begins with the Aspirantate, where young girls are welcomed with openness and care. They are introduced to the basics of Christian life, prayer, discipline, and community living. This stage helps them grow as:

• emotionally mature individuals,
• responsible and hardworking students,
• persons capable of prayer and self-reflection.

A strong foundation is laid here, helping them understand whether God is truly calling them to religious life.

2. Post-PU Candidates – Growth Through Education and Formation

The Bangalore Province also nurtures Post-PU candidates—young women who have completed their Pre-University studies and wish to explore their vocation more deeply. This stage blends academic education, spiritual growth, and character formation.

During this period, candidates are encouraged to:

• grow in personal discipline,
• deepen community relationships,
• develop leadership and communication skills,
• cultivate emotional balance,
• understand the charism and mission of the MSMHC congregation.

They are guided to integrate their studies with their vocational discernment, helping them become well-formed individuals prepared for the next steps of religious life.

A Formation Rooted in Care and Accompaniment

The MSMHC Bangalore Province places strong emphasis on nurturing the whole person. Formation houses become places of warmth, safety, and growth, where candidates experience the love of a family. The sisters take great care to:

• listen to the candidates with empathy,
• accompany them through struggles and growth,
• help them discover their strengths,
• correct them with kindness,
• affirm their goodness, and
• encourage them to live joyfully for Christ.

This atmosphere allows each candidate to blossom into a woman capable of giving herself generously to God and to His people.

Growing into Missionary Disciples

The ultimate goal of formation is to shape candidates into missionary disciples—women ready to serve with compassion, courage, and faith. Through exposure to mission centers, involvement in ministries, and interaction with people in need, candidates learn that the heart of MSMHC life is service with love, especially among the poor and the vulnerable.