A Christmas Full of Empathy
The founding house of the Hospitaller Order, located in Granada, has been the focus of Sant Joan de Déu España’s new Christmas campaign, called ‘No One Alone at Christmas’. This initiative underlines the relevance of solidarity during the holidays, highlighting the importance of providing support to those who need it most.
A Building With History
Built in the 16th century by Saint John of God and later expanded by his disciples, this emblematic institution was born with the aim of providing care to vulnerable people. The model of care he established remains valid and relevant today.
Recovering Heritage
Despite the loss of ownership due to the confiscation of Mendizábal in the 19th century, the Hospitaller Order recovered the building in 2015. Francisco Benavides, director of Cultural Heritage of Sant Joan de Déu España, highlights that ‘almost 500 years later, the building continues to impress with its magnitude and majesty, testifying to the evolution of the Hospitaller Order.’
Restoration and Revaluation Project
Classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1980, the hospital is immersed in an intense restoration plan. The first phase of this ambitious initiative is expected to be completed in early 2024, having required three years of dedication in collaboration with the Delegation of Culture of the Junta de Andalucía.
A Campaign With Real Faces
For the second consecutive year, the Christmas campaign features actors who are both users, professionals and volunteers of Sant Joan de Déu. This year, the opening of the foundational house serves as a stage to tell a story of humanity, with hospitality towards vulnerable people as the central core of its mission.
Diversity as a Fundamental Value
Juan José Afonso, general director of the Order in Spain, highlights that ‘the thirteen actors represent the diversity of Sant Joan de Déu España, an institution committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people, regardless of their location or needs.’
Looking Towards the Future
As the campaign progresses, the Hospitaller Order reaffirms its commitment to creating a more just and supportive world, where every person can feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their circumstances.
