Our Origins
A Story of Faith and Service
Thanks to the work of a married couple, Carlo Tancredi Falletti and Giulia Colbert, the Marquis and Marchioness of Barolo, the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Ann was born in Turin, in the first half of the nineteenth century.
Carlo Tancredi and Giulia lived in deep union between themselves and in unconditional self-giving to their neighbor. Attentive to the signs of God and open to the needs of the times, they welcomed into their house the children who were left alone or abandoned to the streets, since their parents were unable to take care of them.
Aware of the importance of education for the little ones, in 1834 they founded our Congregation as an instrument of Providence for the little and poor ones, incarnating in history the same attitudes of Jesus who welcomed the little children.
The Sisters were called to carry on their service in various centers and villages, first in Piedmont and then also in other parts of Italy, wherever their work was needed.
Just within 12 years from the foundation of the Congregation, the Sisters of Saint Ann received Pontifical approval on 8th March 1846.
Development of Our History
Blessed Mother Enrichetta Dominici’s Vision
Sister Mary Enrichetta Dominici, who was the Superior General from 1861 till her death in 1894, gave new impetus to our Religious Family, strengthening its spirituality on the Trinitarian intimacy, and opening it to the horizons of the mission “Ad Gentes”.
Mother Enrichetta strongly desired that God and His love be known to the whole world, because “it is impossible to know Him and not love Him.” Hence in 1871 she sent the first six missionaries to India.
Being present right from the beginning at Secunderabad in Andhra Pradesh, the Sisters spread out to the various States of India, and today our mission in India is the biggest.
Switzerland Community
The Community in Switzerland was opened to render service to the emigrants.
United States Mission
We were sent to the United States of America to work for missionary conscientization and animation.
Global Expansion
In the years following Vatican Council II, our presence as Sisters of Saint Ann spread in many other countries: Brazil, Mexico, Philippines, Perù, Cameroon, Argentina, Albania and England.
Beatification of Mother Enrichetta
Mother Enrichetta Dominici was proclaimed Blessed by Pope Paul VI for her heroism with which she lived the Christian values in her daily life.
Our Charism & Spirituality
Rooted in Trinitarian Mystery
We are in the Church consecrated women, called to be instruments of Providence to the poor and the little ones.
Our Patron
Our Founders, Carlo Tancredi and Giulia di Barolo, entrusted us to the Protection of Saint Ann, Mother of the Virgin Mary, so that, like her, we may dedicate ourselves to the young generations.
Trinitarian Mystery
Our spirituality is centered on the Trinitarian mystery, which is a mystery of Love for the salvation of mankind: “God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Son” (Jn 3:16).
Divine Providence
This mystery fills our life: we entrust ourselves totally to the Providence of the Father and animated by the Holy Spirit, we unite ourselves to the offering of the Son.
Mission of Love
Through our life and actions we continue the mission of Jesus for the true happiness of our brethren, bringing hope and restoration to all.
Our Mission
“Let the little children come to me” – Matthew 18:5,10
We keep impressed in our minds and hearts that we are destined to glorify God through our service to the little ones and the poor: God calls us to be instruments of His Providence, witnesses of His mercy and signs of Hope.
Our Focus
We look with predilection on the little and the poor, that is, the weaker persons of society: the children, the youth… who carry in their hearts only sadness and who are helpless in front of the dangers of a world that tries to deceive them with false values.
Our Approach
Through our formative action we continue in our times the attitude of Jesus who welcomed little children: we place ourselves at the service of the happiness of our brethren to restore in each one the face of the Son of God.
We assume the love and the joys, the hard work and the pains of real mothers. We aim at the heart of the other, understanding its deepest needs. We respect and value the dignity of every person and we desire her/his full realization according to the plan of God.
In our educational rapport we blend firmness and gentleness, expressing in this way passion for the growth of the young generations. We walk in simplicity and joy, always IN HOPE, in order to form the great family of the children of God.
Our Presence in Cameroon
Serving with Joy since 1986
The Beginning
The presence of the Sisters of Saint Ann in Cameroon began in the spirit of missionary openness and service to the Church. Responding to the call to participate in evangelization and human development, the first missionary Sisters of Saint Ann arrived in Yaoundé on the 10th of October 1986. This marked the beginning of the congregation’s mission in Cameroon.
Our Apostolates
From their arrival, the Sisters committed themselves to various apostolates, especially in education, health care, pastoral work, and social services, bearing witness to the charism of the congregation through a life of prayer, service, and dedication to the most vulnerable.
Arrival in Yaoundé
The first missionary Sisters of Saint Ann arrived in Yaoundé, marking the beginning of our mission in Cameroon.
Cameroon Delegation Erected
As the mission continued to grow and mature, the Cameroon Delegation of the Sisters of Saint Ann was officially erected, strengthening the organization and expansion of apostolic activities in the country.
Joyful Presence
The Sisters of Saint Ann are joyfully present in two Archdioceses and three Dioceses, spreading their mission across four regions of Cameroon.
Through their faithful service, the Sisters continue to contribute to the evangelizing mission of the Church and to the integral development of the Cameroonian people.
Our Impact in Cameroon
Serving Communities Across the Nation
Communities
Regions
Dioceses
Years of Service
Discover Our Communities
Learn more about our 12 communities across Cameroon and the vital services we offer to local populations.