Anna is a biblical reference to Anna in the New Testament, Luke Chapter 2v21-38:

“21 When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 When the days were completed for their purification* according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 25. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 27. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28. he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Anna is a model to us of a woman who dedicated herself to God, being on mission even in her elder years. She was rewarded by witnessing Christ’s dedication in the temple, a reward she could receive as she was prepared and waiting on Him.

Our desire is for all women religious to live out the fullness of their calling until their final days on earth. That they may be like Anna, ready and waiting and serving unto the glory of God.

An approach to caring for elderly religious should consider:

• What is required to meet the needs of the whole person, physically, emotionally, and spiritually?
• How can we empower elderly religious with the agency to respond to God’s calling, embracing their end of years with great passion for mission?

This is why The Anna Trust is rooted in a fundamentally integral approach anchored in a theological lineage, drawing from the charisms of women religious, Catholic Social Tradition, Scripture and Church documents, including the papal encyclical Fratelli Tutti, and the Vatican’s note on Old Age: Our Future — The Elderly After the Pandemic.