History

About our Founder - Thatipathri Gnanamma

The origins of our Congregation can be traced back to the 19th century in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The Society of the Sisters of St. Anne was founded by a remarkable laywoman named Thatipathri Gnanamma. Hailing from Phirangipuram, a modest yet significant village in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, South India, Gnanamma exemplified courage and unwavering commitment.

Married to Innaiah, the catechist of Phirangipuram, Gnanamma was blessed with five sons. Tragically, she became a widow at the tender age of 37. Left alone to raise her children, she placed her complete trust in Divine Providence, nurturing her sons in the Christian faith. All five sons pursued training for the priesthood, and after Gnanamma’s passing, one chose family life while the other four became priests.

Freed from familial obligations, Gnanamma settled in Kilacheri, a village 40 km from Chennai, despite having no acquaintances there. It was in this unfamiliar place that God’s wisdom guided her to establish the cradle of the new Congregation.

During her time, educating young girls seemed an unimaginable dream. However, Gnanamma remained closely connected to illiterate girls in the locality, recognizing education as a vital tool for empowering them. With support from Fr. Arokianadar, the Parish Priest of Kilacheri, she sold her properties and invested the proceeds to establish a girls’ primary school on May 3, 1863. Thus, she became a pioneer in women’s education during the 18th century.

Inspired by Gnanamma’s dedicated service, two young girls expressed their desire to assist her and become nuns. Gnanamma, committed to ensuring her work continued, sent them for formation at St. Anne’s Novitiate of the Good Shepherd Congregation in Bellary. On October 4, 1874, these two women officially became Sisters of St. Anne-Madras, marking the birth of our religious Congregation. Our mission remains rooted in empowering women through education.

Mother Gnanamma’s selflessness and devotion to others continue to inspire us. Recognized as a “Servant of God” by the Catholic Church, her legacy lives on, encouraging us to uplift the lives of the less privileged in society.