Guiding Principles for CSSA as laid out by our Foundress Mother Gnanamma
1. Nothingness of Self
Mother Gnanamma was a willing instrument in the service of God and her compassion for the needy and her perseverance despite all hardships enabled her to take up the great work of God by founding the Congregation.
St. Paul says, “Though he was in the form of god, Jesus did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped , but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Phi/2/6-8)
This primary principle exhorts us to live a willing life of service in the work of God, with firm conviction in God’s Concern and care for each one of us.
2. Primacy of God
Mother Gnanamma was a woman of grace and perseveringly abandoned herself to God. God’s energizing spirit inspired her to devote her life to the poor and needy and her ardent desire to be at His service fuelled her to a life of dedicated service and righteousness.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free. “(Luke 4/18)
Let God’s will drive our daily lives and complete surrender to his cause enable us all to lead a life of righteousness
3. Loyalty to the Church
Mother Gnanamma’s Life was the perfect example of a life lived in complete loyalty to the Church. Her complete obedience to the Vicars Apolistic in Madras, Priests and Guides of her apostolate and her undying faith in her mission towards the Lord are the hallmarks of her spiritual journey.
“Proverbs 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.”
Let us all willingly consecrate our lives in the service of God with unwavering faith and loyalty to his cause.
4. Strong Love for her Sisters
Mother Gnanamma’s Life is an exemplary beacon to her sisters. Her vision and spirit of love continue to inspire later generations to care for the under marginalized and the needy through apolistic activities.
“I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other”(John 13:34-35)
Let our love for another and a deep commitment towards spreading love and offering service to the needy be our guiding force in all our endeavours.
5. Zealous Care for the Weak
Mother Gnanamma’s vision reflects a special emphasis on offering care and support for women and children , especially from the weak and underprivileged sections of society. Her farsighted vision in establishing homes for widows, orphans and setting up educational facilities for poor children reflects her commitment to fundamental values of life and peace.
“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27)
Let the spirit of service be ingrained in us and prompt us to uphold the philosophy of the strong helping the weak, the rich helping the poor and the more fortunate helping the less fortunate.
6. Courageous Perseverance in Service
Profound faith in God, an indomitable will and untiring efforts towards God’s cause sum up the work of our foundress, Mother Gnanamma. Her perseverance coupled with incessant hard work in spite of untold hardships
“There is no limit to the blessings which God can send you. He will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance and still have so much to spare for all sorts of Good works” (2 Cor. 9/8)
May the spiritual vitality of our Mother instill in us an unwavering faith in God and inspire us to serve the needy with compassion and love.
7. Evangelization
Mother Gnanmma’s Evangelical Vision led to the establishment of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Anne, Phirangipuram. The primal activity of Evangelization is the bedrock that sustains the mission’s values of caring for the poor and the needy.
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done “(Psalm 105:1, New International Version).
The rapid transformation of the world in current times requires us to strengthen our beliefs and direct our energy and enthusiasm in the service of the Missionary Church.