Fr. Peter Marie Mermier (1790–1862) was a visionary priest and missionary who founded the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) in Annecy, France, in 1838. Born during the turbulent times of the French Revolution, he grew up witnessing spiritual decline and the challenges facing the Church. Deeply inspired by St. Francis de Sales, the gentle bishop of Geneva, Fr. Mermier committed himself to the spiritual renewal of society through missions, education, and service.

With a heart burning with zeal and compassion, he founded the MSFS Congregation to evangelize, educate, and uplift people—especially the poor and marginalized. His motto, "I want Missions," became the guiding force behind his work. The MSFS Fathers arrived in India in 1845, establishing their first mission in Visakhapatnam, and later expanding to several parts of the country, including Delhi under the Nagpur Province.

Fr. Mermier’s life was marked by simplicity, courage, and unwavering faith. He believed in forming “missionaries of the heart” who would serve with humility and gentleness. Today, his legacy lives on through hundreds of MSFS institutions worldwide—schools, colleges, missions, and centers of compassion—carrying forward his vision of transformative education and selfless service.

At St. Francis De Sales School, Janakpuri, we are proud to be part of this enduring legacy. Fr. Mermier’s life continues to inspire our mission to nurture minds, shape character, and serve humanity with love and truth.

Education of the Heart is the Heart of Education - Fr. Peter Marie Mermier

His missionary zeal, coupled with remarkable farsightedness and an extraordinary ability to read the signs of a changing world, laid the very foundation of St. Francis de Sales School, Janakpuri. Under his visionary leadership, this institution — the first co-educational missionary school offering both Formal and Non-Formal education in the capital — rose to glorious heights within a remarkably short span of time.

Born on 8 July 1941 in Kerala, Fr. Thomas completed his early education in his home state. Drawn by a deep desire to serve God and humanity, he joined the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS – Fransalians). He made his first religious profession on 8 May 1963, and after years of formation and dedication, was ordained a priest on 15 March 1970. From the very beginning, he was known among his companions for his simplicity, discipline, pastoral warmth and a rare blend of spiritual depth and administrative skill.

The year 1975 brought a decisive turning point in his life and in the history of West Delhi. Fr. Thomas was sent to the capital city of India with a challenging mission: to establish a new missionary school. The task before him was uphill, the resources limited, and the hurdles many. Yet, he never wavered. With unwavering faith, tireless hard work and a spirit that refused to be discouraged, he slowly transformed a daring dream into a living reality.

His efforts bore fruit when the glorious journey of this temple of “Knowledge, Service, Charity” began on 9 July 1977. As the Founder and First Director of St. Francis de Sales School, Fr. Thomas Thoomkuzhy (affectionately known as Fr. T. T. Thomas) not only started the institution but shaped its identity in its most delicate and formative years. He arrived in Delhi on 15 May 1975, carefully laid the groundwork, and then spearheaded the founding of the school from 1978, serving as Director until 1980. During this period, he built more than a school building — he built a culture: a culture of discipline rooted in love, excellence anchored in humility, and education centered on the human heart.

Fr. Thomas was a dynamic, resourceful and pioneering leader. He had the courage to think ahead of his time and the patience to work step by step. Under his guidance, SFS School did not grow merely in numbers, but in spirit and stature. Teachers found in him a guiding hand, students saw in him a fatherly figure, and parents trusted his integrity and vision. His style of leadership was firm yet compassionate, missionary yet deeply human.

Though his earthly journey came to an end when Fr. Thomas Thoomkuzhy was called to his eternal reward on 6 March 2012, his legacy continues to live in every corridor, classroom and celebration of St. Francis de Sales School. Each time the school upholds its motto “Knowledge, Service, Charity,” it pays silent tribute to the Founder who first dared to plant this seed of faith and learning in the soil of West Delhi.

Today, as we look at SFS Janakpuri standing tall as a reputed and much-loved institution, we gratefully remember Rev. Fr. Thomas Thoomkuzhy — the Founder whose vision, sacrifices and missionary spirit made all this possible.