Our Spirituality
Spirituality of Our Foundress
Spirituality is a lived experience. Christian life is a journey of grace and growth. Spirituality arises from experiencing God’s unconditional love, which leads to transformation.
From the beginning, Anne’s spiritual directors were Jesuit priests, and consequently, her life was deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality. When the congregation was founded, its constitutions were written based on the Ignatian rule. She insisted that God is present in the world and active in our daily lives. She was keenly aware of how God guided her at every step. This is evident in her teaching: “To enkindle the fire of devotion in others, our own must be living and profound.”
years of misunderstanding and suffering. Her father invited her back to Dijon for recovery, promising that she could return to Dole afterward. Obediently, she went home. Influential priests and theologians attempted to persuade her to begin the mission in Dijon instead, but Anne firmly defended her God-given mission. She explained that her work was aligned with the needs of the Church and society. After one year, she returned to Dole with her parents’ blessings.
Anne returned home disappointed but continued her prayer, spiritual reading, and sacrifice. Gradually, she became more silent, contributing little to family conversations. She had already shared her inner experience and inspiration with her mother, and her father was aware as well
With companions who shared her inspiration and vision, Anne founded the Society of St. Ursula on 16th June 1606. She established its foundational principles: the spirituality of St. Ignatius, Christian education of girls and women, no enclosure, and her chosen motto: “Jesus Christ is my Life, Death is my Gain.”
1. Prayer Life
Mother Anne began her day with meditation and insisted on the examination of conscience. Prayer nourishes our union with God, helps us understand ourselves, and awakens our inner resources. She emphasised Scripture reading, reflection, participation in the Eucharist, and days of recollection. When we miss prayer, we miss life.
2. Humility
The first degree is recognizing the greatness of God and our own nothingness, giving Him praise for all our achievements.
The second degree is expressing this awareness in word and action.
he third degree is the humility of Jesus Christ—accepting insults, contempt, and humiliation for love of Him.
3. Poverty
For Anne, poverty meant total dependence on God and trust in Divine Providence. It reminds religious sisters to live simply, prioritize values, and practice solidarity with the poor. She advised not to seek comfort but to remain content with what is necessary.
4. Chastity
According to Mother Anne, chastity helps one live a life focused on God, remaining aware of His constant presence. Purity of mind and heart must reflect in thoughts, actions, behaviour, and modest dressing. Chastity brings inner freedom and effectiveness in mission.
5. Obedience
Mother Anne taught that with deep faith and love for God, the vow of obedience becomes easier. She presented the example of Jesus, who obeyed Pilate even during His excruciating passion, saying: “You would have no authority over me unless it were given from above.”
Obedience is also a mutual dialogue in decision-making. By this vow, we surrender our life to God and collaborate in building His Kingdom.
Conclusion
Reflecting deeply on her life, Anne De Xainctonge emerges as a remarkable woman of faith. Her depth, vision, and spirituality are truly inspiring. Today we speak of tolerance, avoiding corporal punishment, giving personal attention to students, understanding their family background, and correcting them with gentleness. Over 420 years ago, Mother Anne had already envisioned and implemented all these principles through a well-planned educational system
She was indeed a great and unmatched woman of her time.
Today, Mother Anne counts on you and me.
Sr. Prema SU
News Story
HIDKAL, Belgaum, Karnataka
December 05, 2025
St. Theresa's School, Hidkal joyfully celebrated its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of dedicated service in education, with a grand and meaningful programme held on 5th December 2025. The celebration was the culmination of a year-long journey of gratitude, reflection, and joyful participation by the entire school community.
The Silver Jubilee Year was formally inaugurated on 19th September 2024 with a simple yet significant programme held exclusively for the school community. The occasion was graced by Mother General Sr. Rita, Assistant Mother General Sr. Lissy, and General Councillor Sr. Augusta. Sr. Rita officially declared the Jubilee Year open, while Sr. Augusta unveiled the Jubilee flex displaying the specially designed Jubilee logo. The logo and flex were brought to the dais in a solemn procession by representatives of teachers and student badge holders. This was followed by a meaningful explanation of the logo’s symbolism, presented by a group of teachers and students.
The theme of the Jubilee Year, "Sailing through Sublime Love in Truth and Unity", was inspired by the school logo, which proclaims that knowledge spreads the light of love, unity, and truth. To give voice to this theme, a Jubilee song was composed by Sr. Sinthya and set to music with the assistance of AI by Ms. Shailashree. A Jubilee prayer was also prepared. Both the song and the prayer became an integral part of the daily school assembly throughout the Jubilee year.
As part of the celebrations, an exhibition was organized on 21st December 2024, showcasing students’ creativity and learning across disciplines such as Science, Mathematics, History, Computers, Sports, Art and Craft, along with special exhibits on the life of Mother Anne de Xainctonge, Foundress of the Society of St. Ursula, and Poshan Abhiyan.
The grand culmination of the Silver Jubilee celebrations took place on 5th December 2025, with enthusiastic participation from nearly all students. The programme was honoured by the presence of the Chief Guest, Rev. Bishop Derek Fernandes, who released the Silver Jubilee souvenir titled "Sailing through Sublime Love",
The Guests of Honour included:
• Shri Sha. Bra. Chandrashekar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Shri Gurushanteshwara Samsthana Hiremath, Hukkeri
• Shri Shri Dr. Amarshiddheshwar Mahaswamiji, Shri Advisiddheshwar Sansthan Math, Ankalgi
• Imam-o-Khateeb Hafiz Haidarali Rasool Desai, Jamia Masjid, Hidkal Dam
• Rev. Fr. Lourdswamy, Parish Priest, St. Michel Church, Hidkal Dam
• Additional SP Shri R. B. Basargi
• Sr. Augusta, General Councillor, Society of St. Ursula
• Sr. Prema, Ex-Provincial
During the programme, a felicitation ceremony was held to honour all those who have contributed to the growth of the institution over the years. Principals of neighbouring schools, former principals, managers, sisters who served the school, teachers, PTA Working Committee members, STEXA office bearers, supporting staff, and drivers were acknowledged with gratitude for their dedicated service.
The gathering comprised more than 3,000 people, including a large number of parents and ex-students. A concise yet touching presentation titled “Walking through the Memory Lane” traced the school’s 25-year journey through narration by two students, supported by video clips. The STEXA also presented a short video featuring ex-students who shared how St. Theresa’s School shaped their personal and professional lives.
The Jubilee theme resonated strongly throughout the cultural programme. Highlights included a KG skit titled "The Sunrise", a Kannada skit "The Travail of the Tempest", a Hindi skit "The Small Prince",and an English skit "Sailing through Sublime Love". The programme also featured colourful dances, human pyramids, a choral performance, and concluded with a grand finale spreading a message of peace, well-being, and sublime love for all creation.
The Silver Jubilee celebration was a collective effort of the management, staff, students, PTA members, and ex-students. It reflected the institution’s enduring commitment to forming young minds into individuals with strong character, high ideals, and noble purposes. Above all, it reaffirmed the school’s vision of building a human family united in the sublime love of God and in harmony with all creation.
Report and Photos:Sr.Rejani Alegra
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