Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas
Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas was a Palestinian Catholic nun and the founder of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, the first Palestinian religious congregation. She is remembered for her lifelong dedication to serving the poor and educating girls in Palestine, and for her canonization in 2015.
- Feast Day
- March 25
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Palestine
Key Facts
- ›Born Soultaneh Maria Ghattas on October 4, 1843, in Jerusalem to a Palestinian family.
- ›Founded the Dominican Sisters of the most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem (the Rosary Sisters) in 1880.
- ›Dedicated her life to parish ministry and the care and education of Palestinian girls.
- ›Beatified by Archbishop Angelo Amato on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
- ›Canonized by Pope Francis on may 17, 2015, after a miracle attributed to her intercession was recognized.
- ›Died on March 25, 1927, in Ein Karem.
Soultaneh Maria Ghattas, Marie-Alphonsine
Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition
About Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas
Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas (born Soultaneh Maria Ghattas on October 4, 1843, in Jerusalem; died March 25, 1927) was a Palestinian Catholic nun and the founder of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, a congregation that became the first Palestinian religious institute.
Life and Ministry
Born to a Palestinian family in Jerusalem, she dedicated her life to serving the poor of Palestine. Her early education was at a school founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition. At age 14, she joined the Congregation of St. Joseph as a postulant, receiving the religious habit and the name Marie-Alphonsine shortly before her 17th birthday. After taking her vows, she was sent to teach catechism in Bethlehem, where she initiated religious associations promoting devotion to Mary through the Rosary.
In Bethlehem, she experienced apparitions of the Virgin Mary, which guided her to establish a new Palestinian congregation, the "Sisters of the Rosary." In 1880, seven young women, prepared by a local priest, received the habit of this new foundation. Marie-Alphonsine herself received a dispensation from Rome to leave her former community and joined the new congregation, receiving the habit on October 7, 1883. On March 7, 1885, she made her final vows with eight other sisters.
Ghattas devoted her life to parish ministry and the education of Palestinian girls. The community she founded grew rapidly, leading to the establishment of schools and missions in various locations, including Beit Sahour, Salt in Transjordan, Nablus, and a house in Zababdeh. She also founded an orphanage in Ein Karem in 1917. She died in Ein Karem on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 1927.
Beatification and Canonization
The rite of beatification for Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas was presided over by Archbishop Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and special envoy of Pope Benedict XVI, on November 22, 2009, in Nazareth. On December 6, 2014, Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to her intercession, a necessary step for canonization. The date of her canonization was announced on February 14, 2015, and she was canonized on May 17, 2015.
Legacy
Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas is recognized for her pioneering role in establishing a Palestinian religious congregation and for her extensive work in education and care for girls. The order she founded continues its mission, operating schools, clinics, and orphanages throughout the Middle East, reflecting her enduring commitment to service.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas?
Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas was a Palestinian Catholic nun born in Jerusalem in 1843. She is recognized for founding the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, the first Palestinian religious congregation.
What is Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas known for?
She is primarily known for founding the Rosary Sisters and dedicating her life to serving the poor and educating girls in Palestine. Her canonization in 2015 also brought her widespread recognition.
When was Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas canonized?
Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas was canonized on May 17, 2015, by Pope Francis. This followed the recognition of a miracle attributed to her intercession.
What was the significance of her founding the Rosary Sisters?
The founding of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem marked the establishment of the first Palestinian religious congregation. This order has since played a vital role in education and social services in the region.
Where did Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas spend her life?
She spent her entire life working among the poor of Palestine, serving in various locations including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, Salt, Nablus, and Ein Karem.
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