10 JULY
THE MASSABKI BROTHERS
In the course of the fighting in Syria and Lebanon in 1860, a great number of Christians died for their faith. Among them were the Franciscan Fathers and the Massabki brothers who were all martyred in Damascus, Syria. The Franciscan Fathers Ruiz, Colta, Escanio, Solar, Alberca, Binazo, Fernadez and Colanda were murdered during the night of July 10th 1860.
Among the thousands of lay Christians who shed their blood for Christ were the Massabki brothers. On that same night they fled to the Church for safety, but their assailants were able to enter and demanded them to abandon their religion. In the name of all, one of the brothers, Francis, refused their demand and said:
”We do not fear the one who kills the body…
a crown is prepared for us in heaven,
we have our souls… and we do not wish to lose them
we are Christians and we wish to die as Christians.”
They were martyred in the Church before the altar and their bodies were buried in the Maronite Church of Damascus. Pope Pius XI declared them blessed on October 10, 1926. May their prayers be with us. Amen.
24 JUNE
SAINT NOUHRA
Nouhra is particularly venerated in the churches of the east. He is believed to be the same person as the martyr called Lucien, who came from the city of Manhur in Persia. He traveled and preached the Gospel and finally suffered martyrdom at Batroun, Lebanon. His name means ‘’Light’’ and for this reason he is the special patron of those who suffer from ophthalmic diseases. May his prayers be with us. Amen.
23 JULY
SAINT CHARBEL
Charbel Makhlouf was born in Lebanon on the plain of Kafra in 1828. He entered the Congregation of Lebanese Monks and for sixteen years he lived in Annaya. Eventually, he chose to live the solitary life of a hermit. After twenty-five years as a hermit he died in 1898. After his death, his body continuously sweated blood. Numerous miracles have been attributed to Charbel and he was accordingly beatified at the end of the Second Vatican Council, on December 5, 1965 and was canonized on October 9, 1977. Charbel was conspicuous for his humility, works of penance, love of silent work and constant prayers. May his prayers be with us. Amen.
