Nimatullah Kassab
Nimatullah Kassab, also known as "Al-Hardini," was a Lebanese Maronite monk, priest, and scholar who lived from 1808 to 1858. He is chiefly remembered for his devout monastic life, his role as a teacher and spiritual guide, and for the numerous miracles attributed to his intercession, leading to his canonization by the Catholic Church. His life exemplified deep spirituality, patience, and service to his order.
- Feast Day
- December 14
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Lebanon
Key Facts
- ›He was born Youssef Kassab in 1808 in Hardine, Lebanon, to George Kassab and Marium Raad.
- ›He entered the novitiate of the Lebanese Maronite Order in November 1828, taking the monastic name Nimatullah.
- ›Kassab was ordained a priest on Christmas Day 1833 and later founded free schools in Kifkan and Bhersaf.
- ›He served on his order's general council and as Assistant Abbot General, refusing the position of Abbot General.
- ›Many miracles are attributed to him, including averting a falling wall, saving monastery cows from a collapsing barn, and healing an altar boy.
- ›He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on may 16, 2004.
Al-Hardini, Youssef Kassab
About Nimatullah Kassab
Nimatullah Kassab (Al-Hardini)
Nimatullah Kassab, often referred to by his epithet Al-Hardini, was a prominent Lebanese monk, priest, and scholar of the Maronite Church. Born Youssef Kassab in 1808 in the village of Hardine, Lebanon, he entered the Monastery of St. Anthony in Qozhaya in 1828, taking the monastic name Nimatullah, meaning "the grace of God." He was ordained a priest on Christmas Day 1833.
Life and Ministry
Kassab dedicated his life to prayer and service within his order. He was assigned to teach at the order's seminary and served as director of the seminarians, with Charbel Makhlouf among his notable students. He also founded free schools in Kifkan and Bhersaf, contributing to education. Kassab served on his order's general council and as Assistant Abbot General for much of the period between 1845 and 1858. He was known for his severity towards himself but for his patience and forbearance with his fellow monks, even to the point of being reprimanded for his leniency.
Miracles and Veneration
During his lifetime, Kassab was believed to have performed numerous miracles due to his deep spirituality, earning him the title "The Saint of Kfifan" and the reputation of being "a man of vision." Attributed miracles include predicting the collapse of a wall and a barn, healing an altar boy of a high fever, and miraculously replenishing a provisions box. After his death on December 14, 1858, his body was found to be intact upon re-burial in 1864, leading to public veneration. Further miracles, such as the healing of Moussa Saliba and Michael Kfoury, were attributed to his intercession after his death. The cause for his canonization began in 1929, and after extensive investigation into miracles, including that of Andre Najm, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1998 and canonized in 2004. His feast day is celebrated on December 14.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nimatullah Kassab?
Nimatullah Kassab, also known as Al-Hardini, was a Lebanese Maronite monk, priest, and scholar. He lived from 1808 to 1858 and is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.
What is Nimatullah Kassab chiefly remembered for?
He is remembered for his devout monastic life, his service as a teacher and spiritual guide within his order, and for the many miracles attributed to his intercession, particularly after his death. His life exemplified deep spirituality and patience.
Where did Nimatullah Kassab live and minister?
Nimatullah Kassab was born in Hardine, Lebanon, and spent his monastic life primarily in monasteries of the Lebanese Maronite Order in Lebanon, including those in Houb, Qozhaya, and Kfifan.
What miracles are attributed to Nimatullah Kassab?
Numerous miracles are attributed to him, including averting a falling wall, saving monastery cows from a collapsing barn, healing an altar boy with a high fever, and replenishing a provisions box. Posthumous miracles include the healing of an Orthodox blind man and a Melkite man with crippled legs, as well as the healing of Andre Najm.
When was Nimatullah Kassab canonized?
Nimatullah Kassab was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 10, 1998, and later canonized by the same pope on May 16, 2004.
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