Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès
Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès was a Lebanese Maronite nun canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2001. She is remembered for her devout life, her suffering through blindness and paralysis, and her intercessory prayers, leading to her recognition as a patron of the sick and those with lost parents.
- Feast Day
- March 23
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Lebanon
Key Facts
- ›Rafqa was born Boutrossieh on June 29, 1832, in Himlaya, Lebanon.
- ›She entered religious life at a young age, first with the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception and later with the Baladita Order.
- ›In 1885, she prayed for sickness and subsequently became blind and paralyzed.
- ›She was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 10, 2001.
- ›She is venerated as a patron of lost parents and the sick.
- ›Her feast day is observed on March 23.
Saint Rafka, Saint Rebecca, Boutrossieh
Lost Parents, the Sick
Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Baladita Order, Lebanese Maronite Order of St. Anthony
About Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès
Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès (Saint Rafka)
Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès, also known as Saint Rafka and Saint Rebecca, was a Lebanese Maronite nun canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 10, 2001. She is venerated for her profound faith, her acceptance of suffering, and her life dedicated to prayer and penance.
Early Life and Religious Vocation
Born Boutrossieh in Himlaya, Lebanon, on June 29, 1832, Rafqa was the only child of Saber Mourad El Rayess and Rafqa Gemayel. Her mother died when she was seven, and her father later remarried. Facing unwanted marriage proposals, Boutrossieh felt called to religious life and entered the Convent of Our Lady of Liberation at Bikfaya, refusing to return home. In 1853, she was among the first candidates for the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception, known as the "Mariamettes."
Life as a Nun
As Sister Rafqa, she served in various capacities, including in the Jesuit mission in Deir al-Qamar during a period of intense violence in 1860, where she witnessed and was deeply affected by massacres. She took her first vows in 1862. In 1871, when the Mariamettes merged with another institute, Rafqa chose to become a cloistered nun and joined the Baladita Order (now the Lebanese Maronite Order). She professed her perpetual vows in 1873, taking the name Rafqa (Rebecca) in honor of her mother.
Illness and Suffering
In 1885, Rafqa prayed for sickness, feeling abandoned by God for never having experienced illness. The following night, she was afflicted with intense pain, leading to blindness and paralysis. Her right eye was surgically removed, and she gradually lost her sight completely. Despite her suffering, she continued her work, spinning wool and knitting, and participating in choral prayer. Due to the harsh winters at the Monastery of Saint Simon, she was permitted to spend colder months elsewhere, eventually requesting to live at the Mar Elias El Ras Monastery.
Later Life and Canonization
In 1897, Rafqa was sent to the newly established Monastery of Saint Joseph al Dahr. By 1899, she was completely blind and paralyzed, confined to bed. Near the end of her life, she was granted the grace to see for one hour after praying for it. Rafqa died on March 23, 1914, four minutes after receiving the Last Rites. Her body was buried in the monastery cemetery and later transferred to the monastery chapel. Preliminary investigations for her cause began in 1929. She was declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II on November 16, 1985, and canonized on June 10, 2001. She is patron of lost parents and the sick.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saint Rafqa born and when did she die?
Saint Rafqa was born on June 29, 1832, and died on March 23, 1914.
What religious order did Saint Rafqa belong to?
Rafqa was a member of the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception and later joined the Baladita Order, which is now known as the Lebanese Maronite Order of St. Anthony.
Why is Saint Rafqa known for suffering?
In 1885, Rafqa prayed for sickness and subsequently became blind and paralyzed. She endured intense pain, viewing it as an opportunity to share in Christ's Passion.
What is Saint Rafqa the patron saint of?
Saint Rafqa is venerated as a patron of lost parents and the sick.
When was Saint Rafqa canonized?
Saint Rafqa was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 10, 2001.
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