St. Rafqa
The Flower of Lebanon
"Love and sacrifice light the path to heaven."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Lebanon
- Gender:
- Female
- Vocation:
- Nun
- Birth:
- 1832
- Feast Day:
- Mar 23
- Death:
- 1914
Saint Details
St. Rafqa, born on June 29, 1832, in Himlaya, Lebanon, was the only child of Mourad Saber el-Choboq el-Rayess and Rafqa Gemayel. Baptized as Boutroussieh on July 7, 1832, she was taught by her parents to love God and pray daily. At age seven, she suffered the loss of her mother, marking the beginning of a life filled with trials. In 1843, due to financial difficulties, her father sent her to work in Damascus for four years. Upon returning home in 1847, she found her father remarried, and her stepmother sought to arrange a marriage for her. Instead, Rafqa felt drawn to religious life. She joined the Mariamette Order in Bikfaya in 1861 but later moved to the Maronite Monastery of St. Simon el-Qarn in Aito in 1871, where she took the name Sister Rafqa after her mother. Her life as a nun was marked by devotion, prayer, and intense physical suffering, including blindness, which began in 1885. Despite her trials, she remained a beacon of faith and patience. St. Rafqa passed away on March 23, 1914, and was canonized in 2001, recognized for her extraordinary faith and endurance in the face of suffering.
Associated Holy Sites
St Joseph Monastery - tomb of Ste Rafqa
6M5W+HXH, Deir Mar Youssef, Lebanon
Details for: St Joseph Monastery - tomb of Ste Rafqa
The St. Joseph Monastery, located in Lebanon, is a significant pilgrimage site as it houses the tomb of Saint Rafqa, also known as Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayes. Saint Rafqa, a Maronite nun, is revered for her deep faith, humility, and endurance of suffering, making her a beloved figure in the Catholic and Maronite traditions. The monastery, situated in the village of Jrabta, is a place of prayer and reflection, attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and healing. Saint Rafqa was canonized in 2001, and her tomb has become a focal point for devotion, with many visitors praying for her intercession. The serene surroundings of the monastery, combined with its religious significance, make it a cherished destination for those seeking a deeper connection to their faith. The site also serves as a reminder of Saint Rafqa’s life of piety and her enduring legacy in the Maronite Church.
🙏 No spam. Just grace. Unsubscribe anytime.