A retirement home named after St. Francis is located in Nazareth. Starting the work were the Sisters Daughters of St. Anne. A charism born from an Italian woman, Anna Rosa Gattorno, who was first a mother of a family, then a widow and eventually founded the Institute. Sister ISABELLA DI CONZA Daughters of St. Anne "Our charism is an evangelical charism because it comes from the Old Testament. St. Anne belonged to the little remnant of Israel, so our foundress wanted St. Anne as her mother and named the Institute , 'Daughters of St. Anne.' We feel part of the little flock of Israel so a spirituality of waiting, a spirituality of hope." Sr. Isabella, who has lived here since 1986, tells us that the activity began in 1949 with the permission of the Patriarch and Custos at that time. The first woman taken in was a blind lady and by the end of the year there were already fourteen assisted. Sister ISABELLA DI CONZA Daughters of St. Anne "The house was small and not enough anymore. Then after the construction of the Basilica there were some extra offerings, and the Franciscans decided to build this house. In 2012 it underwent changes because with the help of the government we fixed up the Geriatrics department, which is currently functioning well." Administering St. Francis House today is Mr. Simone Irhayil, who comes from extensive experience in hospital administration. But here - as he tells us - he is in a place "where you can breathe family." SIMON IRHAYIL Director - St. Francis Home for the Elderly – Nazareth The atmosphere here is really special, it is a family atmosphere. There are many homes for the elderly, but this house has a special spirit. We must not forget that this is the home of St. Francis, and already this is a great message. We like to make the elderly feel like masters of this house and involve them in many special decisions. There are currently 52 employees including doctors, nurses, assistants and physical therapists, and pharmacists. The majority of those served come from Nazareth and the surrounding area. SIMON IRHAYIL Director - St. Francis Home for the Elderly – Nazareth The nursing department is divided into two sections. The first is for the disabled who are most in need of care and totally dependent on staff, and the second is for the elderly who are more independent and able to move around. Holistic personal care is necessary and essential to make the environment as familiar as possible. Zoha has been working here for 35 years. A specific program is followed every day: there is prayer in the morning and the activities that take place are always to learn new things, but some elders just want to tell their stories. For her, organizing parties and activities is a joy, as is donating her knowledge. ZOHA KHONY Employee "I learned here that loving is my greatest gift! Because I love, I can give with all my heart, and by loving every elder, I give a gift to the Lord. For me this is a very important message." Along the years, St. Francis House has received generous contributions from both the local and international communities. Currently, the services provided to the elderly are subsidized by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Welfare. SIMON IRHAYIL Director - St. Francis Home for the Elderly – Nazareth The Custody of the Holy Land is the superintendent and is responsible for the structure. It accompanies us and knows everything that goes on in the house, big or small. The number of beds approved by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Welfare is 36 in one section and 26 in the other. And to meet the new demands coming in every day, Simon wants to build new spaces on the second floor. The entrance hall is also in urgent need of renovation. MICHAEL BAHOUSE Always be welcome, we are glad for the visit! "This house is very beautiful, but you have made it twice as beautiful!"