Welcome to the Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore

Ravipadu Parish – Diocese of Guntur

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With great joy and heartfelt gratitude, we welcome Sr. Amala Adusupalli, Sr. Lilly Kurian, and Sr. Aqueen Ekka, Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore, at Sacred Heart Province, Guntupalli, Vijayawada; as they begin their new mission in Ravipadu Parish, Diocese of Guntur.

Their arrival marks a special milestone in the history of our parish, as they become the second religious congregation of sisters to serve here—following the Sisters of St. Ann, Phirangipuram, who began their ministry in 1914. Now, in 2025, the Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore have come to establish a new convent in Ravipadu, committing themselves to the sacred mission of education at St. Mary’s English Medium School—an institution lovingly developed over many years by Rev. Fr. K. B. Satyananda, whose dedication endured until his passing a few years ago. Today, the school continues its service under the guidance of the school board, led by Rev. Fr. Sundar Babu Mallavarapu, whose invitation—along with the support of Most Rev. Bhagyaiah Chinnabathini, Bishop of the Diocese of Guntur, Rev. Fr. Bala Yeruva, our current parish priest, and the cooperation of the faithful—has made this new chapter in our parish’s life possible.

Founded in 1857 by Bishop Stephen Louis Charbonnaux, the first Apostolic Vicar of the Mysore Mission, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore was established to serve the educational and spiritual needs of Indian children, especially girls, in their own language and culture. It is the first women’s religious congregation founded in Karnataka.

A profound moment of transformation occurred in the life of the congregation in 1957. This historic reformation was made possible by the devotion and farsightedness of late Archbishop Thomas Pothacamury, a beloved son of Ravipadu, known for his clear vision and indomitable courage. From the outset of his episcopate in Bangalore, he dedicated himself to the reformation and canonical independence of the Sisters of St. Anne. He corresponded with Rome and France and worked tirelessly to secure the congregation’s autonomy. On November 21, 1959, the Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore, were canonically erected as an autonomous religious congregation.

 His successor, His Eminence D. Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy, continued to support the growth of this congregation with deep pastoral concern.

Today, the Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore serve in over 125 communities across 45 dioceses in India, with more than 710 professed sisters, and a growing international presence in the United States, Germany, and Tanzania. Through their ministries in education, healthcare, social service, and pastoral care, they continue to embody the spirit of their founder and their reformer—a spirit of humility, hard work, and service to the poor and marginalized.

To support their presence and mission in Ravipadu, the sisters have been provided with a residence in the former boys’ boarding home, which has been carefully refurnished and repaired through the generous help of St. Mary’s English Medium School.

We are deeply grateful to Sr. Celeena Palatty, Superior General, and Dr. Sr. Sheela Nickolas, Provincial Superior, for their gracious support and selfless decision to deploy sisters to St. Mary's School and Ravipadu parish.

As the sisters begin this new mission among us, let us extend our warmest welcome, offer our prayers, and surround them with our love and support. May their presence enrich our parish and bless our children, families, and community with their unwavering commitment to Christ, the Church, and the people of God.

Let us entrust their mission to St. Anne and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and give thanks to God for the great gift of their presence in Ravipadu, where the seeds of their spiritual heritage—planted long ago through Archbishop Thomas Pothacamury—have come home to bloom.

Welcome, dear Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore.