As an execution of the wish of the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Le Prêtre, representative
of His Holiness Pope Pius XII, and with the aim of realizing the desire of the Founder
through the direct service of the Church and the priest, three Sisters started working at the
Apostolic Nunciature in Lebanon in 1943.
Following the outbreak of war, the Apostolic Nunciature moved in 1976 from its main
center in Rue Georges Picco – Beirut to other locations in the capital of Lebanon, until
settling in 1983 in the summer residence, which is the current headquarters in Harissa
where the daughters of Abouna Yaacoub remain attached to his commitment, working
assiduously and relentlessly with sacred enthusiasm and steady determination.

History of the House
In 1988, upon a demand made by His Beatitude the Coptic Catholic Patriarch, Stephanos
II Ghattas to manage a special project for old priests under his supervision, the
Congregation did not hesitate to respond to this demand so dear to the heart of Abouna
Yaacoub who always asked his daughters to take care of the priests.

After the death of the Franciscan Father Tarcisio, Founder of the Blinds’ Home in March
1996, the ecclesiastical leaders unanimously decide to ask the Congregation of the
Franciscan Sisters of the Cross to run this house.
Besides, the service of the blind is at the core of the goal of the Congregation, especially
since the city of Alexandria is dear to the Founder who felt his religious vocation, while
he was praying in the Church of Saint Catherine..