The three Blessed Massabki brothers, Abdel Moati, Francis, and Raphael, are among 14 new Saints whose names will be inscribed in the List of Saints on Sunday 20 October 2024, in the Vatican.

Earlier this week, Pope Francis approved the canonisation of the Massabki Brothers, with the Vatican subsequently announcing the October canonisation date.

Three Maronite brothers – Francis, Raphael and Abdel Moati Massabki – grew up and lived in 19th century Damascus, then part of the Ottoman Empire. They were laymen who lived ordinary, devout Christian lives. On 9 July 1860, during an Ottoman attack on a Franciscan Church in Damascus, the three brothers were given the chance to renounce their faith and convert or die. All three chose to profess Jesus Christ for eternal life. Later that night they were martyred along with eight Franciscan Friars.

On 7 October 1926, Pope Pius XI beatified the three brothers. On 1 July 2024 Pope Francis approved their canonisation with the Franciscan Friars, along with Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be made a saint, two Italians— Fr Giuseppe Allamano and Sr Elena Guerra—and Canadian-born religious, Sr Marie-Léonie Paradis.

Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay said, “It is one more source of hope and faith for all of us this year. Now we are looking forward to seeing the beatification of Patriarch Estephan El Douaihy on 2 August and the Canonisation of the Massabki brothers on 20 October.

“We continue praying the Lord for more holy people and saints in our Church and families. May God be always glorified in his saints.”

Their feast day is 10 July.

*Maronite icon written by Fr Abdo Badwi