Abdel Moati Massabki
Abdel Moati Massabki was one of three Maronite Catholic brothers from Damascus, Syria, who were martyred for their faith in 1860. They are remembered for their sacrifice during a period of civil conflict and were recognized as saints by the Catholic Church in 2024.
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Syria
Key Facts
- ›Abdel Moati Massabki was a Maronite Catholic from Damascus, Syria.
- ›He was one of three brothers, along with Francis and Raphael Massabki.
- ›The brothers were killed on July 10, 1860, while praying in a Franciscan church.
- ›Their deaths occurred during the 1860 CIVIL conflict in Mount Lebanon and Damascus.
- ›They were beatified in 1926 and canonized on October 20, 2024.
- ›They were recognized as martyrs of the faith by the Catholic Church.
Abdel Moati Massabki
About Abdel Moati Massabki
Abdel Moati Massabki was one of three Maronite Catholic brothers from Damascus, in present-day Syria, who are collectively known as the Massabki Brothers. The other two brothers were Francis Massabki and Raphael Massabki. They were the sons of Nehme Massabki.
Life and Martyrdom
The Massabki Brothers met a tragic end on July 10, 1860, during a period of civil conflict in Mount Lebanon and Damascus. They were killed because of their religious faith while they were praying inside a Franciscan church in Damascus. Their martyrdom for the faith led to their recognition as holy figures.
Beatification and Canonization
Following their deaths, the cause for the beatification of the Massabki Brothers progressed. Pope Pius XI proclaimed their beatification in 1926, officially recognizing them as blessed. The process for their canonization continued, and on December 18, 2022, it was announced by the Maronite patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi that they would be recognized as saints without the requirement of a miracle, due to their status as martyrs. Pope Francis presided over an Ordinary Consistory of Cardinals on July 1, 2024, which approved the canonization of the Massabki Brothers, among others. They were formally canonized on October 20, 2024, alongside eleven other new saints.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Massabki Brothers?
The Massabki Brothers, Abdel Moati, Francis, and Raphael, were three Maronite Catholic brothers from Damascus, Syria. They were sons of Nehme Massabki.
When and why were Abdel Moati Massabki and his brothers killed?
Abdel Moati Massabki and his brothers were killed on July 10, 1860, because of their religion while they were praying inside a Franciscan church in Damascus. Their deaths occurred during the 1860 civil conflict in Mount Lebanon and Damascus.
When were the Massabki Brothers recognized as saints?
The Massabki Brothers were beatified in 1926 by Pope Pius XI. They were later canonized on October 20, 2024, by Pope Francis.
Were the Massabki Brothers considered martyrs?
Yes, the Massabki Brothers are recognized as martyrs of the faith. They were killed for their religion, and the Maronite patriarch announced in 2022 that they would be recognized as saints without the need for a miracle due to their martyrdom.
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