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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about MSF


Q: Why is “MSF” used to refer to the Missionaries of the Holy Family? 

MSF is the abbreviation for the Missionaries of the Holy Family based on its Latin translation of “Missionarii a Sacra Familia.” Roman Catholic religious orders or congregations have a Latin abbreviation to identify their group – this is a standard established by the Vatican. Often these initials can be found after a member's name such as Fr. John Smith, MSF.

Q: What about the MSF logos –why are there several?

The universal identifier for the Missionaries of the Holy Family is the “MSF” text abbreviation as mentioned above. A symbol or logo can be adopted by each Province -- there is no universal logo required for all to use. Below is a description of some of the logos you will find in use by the Missionaries of the Holy Family:

This is the logo at the Rome Headquarters for the Missionaries of the Holy Family.

The Generalate – Rome Headquarters
Star – points to the coming of the Savior, to His incarnation.
Cross – is the sign, which evokes the salvation, completed in the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Circle – reminds us of the global missionary task given to us by Christ to "Go to all nations."

This is the logo for the North American Province of the Missionaries of the Holy Family.

North American Province – Current Symbol
The North American Province has adopted artwork painted by Fr. Henry Van Den Boogaard, MSF. This artwork has Jesus as a youth which points to the many years of family life lived by the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. These prime years of family life are critical for today’s family and the formation of a domestic church. This also speaks to the current dominate charism of the Missionaries of the Holy Family which is to “pastorally care for families.”

This is the old, historical logo for the North American Province of the Missionaries of the Holy Family.

North American Province – Historical Symbol
For decades, the North American Province used this symbol in various forms. This symbol is the ‘Nativity Scene’ of the Holy Family. The Feast Day of the Holy Family is usually the Sunday after Christmas. This symbol aligned well with the Feast Day celebrations and identified the Holy Family at the Nativity.

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