Ancestors of STA Alumnae Canonized
January 28, 2025
Marilyn (Harris, ’61) Dabaghi and more than 30 family and extended family members traveled to Rome late last year for a unique and very special occasion: their ancestors, known as The Massabki Brothers, were canonized as Maronite saints by Pope Francis on October 20, 2024. The three brothers – Francis, Abdul-Mooti and Raphael – were laymen who lived in Damascus, now the capital of Syria, in the 19th century. The brothers sacrificed their lives during an Ottoman attack on a Franciscan church in Damascus on July 10, 1860, rather than renounce their Christian faith. They were martyred along with eight Franciscan friars.
In 1926, Pope Pius XI beatified the brothers, and in 2022, the Maronite patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi announced that the brothers would be recognized as saints without the need for a miracle. The brothers, along with 11 other new saints, were canonized at a Mass on October 20.
Jeanette (Azar, ’43) Fakoury, the oldest known descendant of the Massabki brothers, was unable to attend the celebration. Among the family members present were STA alumnae Lorraine (Harris, ’66) Green, Mary Grace Sharbel (’75), Lenette (Campbell ’69) Crawford, Molly Fakoury (’09), and Marilyn Dabaghi. Also present was George Fakoury, the oldest son of Jeanette. As part of the celebration, the family attended a Massabki family Mass on October 19 at the Tomb of St. Peter, presided by the Maronite Bishop Gregory Mansour. The canonization was held outdoors with roughly 200,000 in attendance. On October 21, the Patriarch of the Maronites said a celebratory and Thanksgiving Mass at the Basilica of St. Peter.
“I was just thrilled to hear the news that these relatives were becoming saints! I wish my mom and her sister had been here for this announcement, as they were so devout. I wasn’t able to go to Rome, but I watched the whole thing live on the Catholic Channel. I was elated and couldn’t express how I felt. It was like being there!” – Jeanette (Azar) Fakoury
“It was a true blessing that I, along with about 35 other relatives of the Massabki brothers, were able to attend the canonization of the three martyred brothers, our ancestors. They were laymen and family men – just ordinary people who chose to die in the name of Christ. The canonization was held outdoors on a bright sunny day. Our family was honored to be part of this wonderful celebration of the Massabki brothers. It was a beautiful time for us all.” – Marilyn (Harris) Dabaghi
About the Massabki Brothers
Abdul-Mooti Massabki lived in the same house as his brother, Francis, with his own wife and five children, to whom he gave a Christian education. He was often at Saint Paul’s monastery where, among other activities, he taught in the school.
Francis Massabki was married with eight children, who he educated according to the Christian faith. He was connected with the Franciscan friars and was a lay example of extreme generosity, especially toward the poor and needy.
Raphael Massabki remained single throughout his life, volunteering to help with his two brothers and their families. He was devoted to a life of prayer, especially to Our Lady, and spent many hours in the church of the monastery.