The intervention took place following a request from a nurse at the Ensanche II Health Centre, who raised the alarm about the patient’s vulnerable situation
The circumstances of people living in isolation vary greatly. So do the ways of addressing that isolation. This story begins when a nurse named Lola from the Ensanche II Health Centre in Pamplona contacted the Community of the Angelic Sisters to share a situation that was of particular concern to her: that of a 92-year-old woman, who was ill and living completely alone.
“Lola, a nurse, rang us to tell us about the difficult situation one of her patients was going through,” explains Sister Gabina, from the community of the Angelic Sisters in Pamplona (45 Paulino Caballero Street).
As the nun explains, the woman had very little family support and her situation had become increasingly difficult. Knowing that the Angelic Sisters give priority to elderly people living alone, the nurse wanted to know if the care home could take her in.
“Without delay, we did what our Foundress would have done,” explains the nun. Thus, in keeping with the spirit of the congregation’s foundress, Saint Genoveva Torres Morales, the community decided to act swiftly and assessed the situation.
“Once we realised how desperate the lady’s situation was, we realised that she needed to be admitted immediately: she was ill, very lonely and sad, with no family, just a few distant relatives…”, recalls Sister Gabina.
After completing the necessary arrangements and obtaining the consent of the woman’s cousin, she was able to move in on 2 November 2025, as soon as a room became available at the care home.
Five months after her arrival, the change in the resident has been clear to see. “Thank God, she’s changed remarkably. She doesn’t seem like the same person,” says Sister Gabina.
The resident herself says she feels happy and grateful for the care she has received, both from the nuns and the nursing staff. She has gradually settled into daily life at the care home, taking part in the activities organised by the therapist and spending time with the other residents.
“She has been getting to know the ladies and joining in with the activities. You can see she’s keen to learn; she likes taking part in board games and enjoys everything,” explains Sister Gabina.
For the community, this story is also a reason to express gratitude to the healthcare professionals who identify and support those in vulnerable situations. “We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Health Centre for the good they do for so many people who need their care, help, a listening ear and advice,” says Sister Gabina.
In this very delicate situation, the collaboration between the health services and the care home has made it possible to respond swiftly to a situation of loneliness that might otherwise have gone unnoticed by the wider world.
Taking this woman in is part of the mission that the Angelic Sisters have been carrying out for over a century, inspired by their founder, Saint Genoveva Torres Morales, who was dedicated to supporting people suffering from loneliness, whatever their circumstances.
“Our charism is needed by children, young people and adults alike. We see this every day, not only in Spain, but also in the mission countries where the Congregation is present,” explains the nun.
A mission born of a simple conviction: that no one should have to face illness or old age alone. And it concludes with a plea that encapsulates the spirit of the congregation: “We ask God that there may be many Samaritans—both men and women—who wish to dedicate their lives to healing the wounds of the many people in the world who suffer from loneliness,” concludes Sister Gabina from Pamplona.