Feast Day July 10
The three Massabki brothers, Francis, Raphael, and Abdul-Mooti, were devout Maronite laymen who lived in Damascus during the nineteenth century, a time when Christians faced severe persecution.
On July 9, 1860, during an attack on the Christian quarter of Damascus, the brothers and other Maronite families sought refuge in a Franciscan monastery. The monastery was later captured by the attackers.
They were given the choice to renounce their faith and convert from Christianity in order to save their lives. The brothers refused and courageously professed their faith. They were martyred alongside eight Franciscan friars.
The brothers were beatified on October 7, 1926, by Pope Pius XI. Their canonisation was approved by Pope Francis on July 1, 2024, and they were canonised in the Vatican on October 20, 2024.
Prayer to the Massabki Martyrs
O Lord, we ask You, through the prayers and intercession of Your three beloved martyrs, to strengthen us in our daily struggles, forgive our sins, and grant us Your grace.
Have mercy on those who believe in You and lead all peoples to You. May we walk in the light of Your Gospel, keep Your commandments, and follow in the footsteps of our holy martyrs, so that we may receive their crown in Your eternal dwellings.
We raise glory to You, to Your Father, and to Your Living Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.