The aim of  religious formation is to deepen and strengthen the spiritual life through a unique and meaningful programme to attain personal sanctification and to proclaim Christ’s Kingdom by becoming living witnesses in the world. The Congregation established in 1874 began with just two formees, Sr. Angela and Sr. Philomena and has since grown by leaps and bounds. The first novitiate was set up at Phirangipuram in March, 1885 and this functioned as the Mother House of the Congregation for a long time. St. Anne’s Convent established at Patibanda, Guntur in 1909 was the main centre for vocations to priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Guntur. By the time St. Ann’s Convent at Phirangipuram celebrated its Silver Jubilee , the number of sisters in the institute had reached sixty six. in order to improve the spiritual life of sisters, the first Novice Mistress of the congregation was appointed in 1921, and subsequently efforts were made to devise new training methods for novices to inculcate in them, genuine spirituality. in 1951, the Congregation began accepting vocations from Kerala and Tamilnadu as well. Apirancy limited to only a period of two years was started in July , 1956 and specially chosen sisters were sent for Specialized Training in Theology to Goa and Rome. A new habit was adopted for members of the Congregation in 1969 and the Medium of Instruction in the Novitiate was changed from Telugu to English in 1973. Construction of a new Novitiate building was started in 1975. Registration of the Institute as the Society of St. Anne happened in 1972 and the aims of the Congregation were officially declared in 1975 as follows: “Personal Sanctification of the Sisters, the education , in caring of the sick and participation in evangelization work.

Aspirancy was introduced in June 1978 as the first step in the formation of the Sisters. This was followed by an intensive course for Juniors in 1980 along with the appointment of a Junior Mistress. In 1981, Vocation Recruitment was revived , first in Tamilnadu and later in Karnataka. Also, in addition to religious formation, a regency of 3 months within the community was also introduced to train the formees in the various aspects of community life and various apostle services.The novitiate was shifted from Phirangipuram to Nallapadu to ensure better spiritual animation for the novices.

Spiritual animation was considered most important and efforts were made to make it  regular and effective. A special emphasis was laid on personal prayer and on-going formation of the Sisters – Juniors and Seniors alike, through Special Seminars and refresher courses. The Centenary of the Novitiate was celebrated in March 1985. The Congregation achieved pontifical status in 1999.

The school at Mangadu in the Diocese of Chingleput, TN was re structured as a formation house in 2003. In subsequent years, Sisters Quarters were constructed at many locations like Bangalore, Reddipuram, Akola, Kansas (USA), Gass in Maharashtra, etc and existing quarters were renovated.

The Formation period helps the Novices in strengthening their belief in the Charism of the Congregation, to have a passionate love for Jesus and an intense love and reverence for our Foundress, co-founder and Spiritual Father, to imbibe piety and to enable them to face the challenges of religious life.

A formation Manual was released in 2005 to help novices in the Formation Process and a long retreat was also been introduced for the Novices. The initial formation house from Phirangipuram was shifted to the Formation House at Madinaguda in 2007. Along with formation training, the members also help in the liturgical and pastoral works of the Parish. A total of 951 bebficiaries have been served by our Formation Houses since their establishment of whom 416 Sisters are actively involved in offering services under various apostolates of the Society.

Our Formation Houses:

1. Anne’s Formation House at Phirangipuram, Guntur established in the Year 1885
2. Anne’s Juniorate at Nallapadu, Guntur established in the Year 1974 and expanded in 1980 to accomodate Novitiates
3. Anne’s Pre Novitiate at Mangadu, Chingleput, T N established in the Year 2002
4. Anne’s Formation House at Madinaguda, Hyderabad (Archidiocese) established in the Year 2007. Expanded in 2010 to include Aspirancy

The Formation Houses are in charge of offering the necessary spiritual training and guidance for the growth of our Sisters and also organize various events like Retreats, Perpetual Vows, Feast of St. Anne and Christmas Celebrations. “I beg you to lead a life worthy of the Call to which you have been called” – The Society of St. Anne, Phirangipuram endeavours to be a nurturing, zealous missionary with animated, committed and dedicated individuals who proclaim God’s word