Tonight, Lebanon stands in reverent celebration as it honors the beatification of another of its own, Patriarch Estephan Douaihy, in the Catholic Church. In a time when our beloved homeland faces tremendous challenges and hardships, this sacred recognition brings a beacon of hope and a sense of divine pride to our hearts.

At 20:30, the Maronite Patriarchate Seat in Bkirki will host a ceremony that transcends the trials of our present, connecting us to the enduring spirit of faith and resilience embodied by Blessed Douaihy.

Estephan Douaihy, the 57th Patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church, is celebrated as a saint of the Word. Born in 1630 in the Maronite heartland of Ehden, Lebanon, he dedicated his life to scholarship, prayer, and service. After studying philosophy and theology in Rome, he returned to Lebanon, where he served as a preacher, youth educator, and eventually the bishop of Cyprus. In 1670, he was elected Patriarch of the Antiochian Syriac Maronite Church, leading his people through 34 years of one of Lebanon’s darkest periods under Ottoman rule.

Throughout his patriarchate, Douaihy faced numerous challenges and persecutions but remained a tireless advocate for his flock. He was a man of profound thought, mortification, prayer, and good stewardship, upholding the authority and dignity of the Maronite Church. His deep faith in God and extensive knowledge of theology, history, and liturgy guided him to accomplish significant reforms in the Maronite Church, earning him the respect and reverence of both clergy and laity.

Douaihy's impact on the Maronite Church ranks him among the three most influential figures of Maronite spiritual leadership, following the church's Patron Saint Maroun and the first Patriarch, Youhanna Maroun. 

As Lebanon is set to celebrate his beatification today, we are reminded of the power of steadfastness and faith in the face of adversity. Douaihy's life and legacy inspire us to nurture and develop the Word of God in our hearts, just as he did in an era not much different from our own. His beatification reignites the fervor of our faith, encouraging us to pray for God's Word to bear fruit in our children and to cultivate more saints within our families.

The beatification of Patriarch Estephan Douaihy is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Lebanese people and their unwavering faith. In a time of great difficulty, his recognition as a Blessed by the Holy See in Rome brings hope and inspiration, reinforcing our belief that even amidst the darkest times, faith and dedication can lead to profound and lasting change. As we honor his memory and legacy tonight, we embrace the hope and inspiration he provides, striving to follow in his footsteps and uphold the sanctity of the Word in our lives.