Saint Estephan El Douaihy had been beatified

During a mass celebrated by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai, the beatification 0f Saint Estephan el Douaihy was declared by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, representing Pope Francis, to the sound of Bkerke’s bells and the cheers of the faithful and an impressive assembly of dignitaries.

This first beatification of a Maronite patriarch was approved by Pope Francis on March 14, following the authentication of a miracle.

The official ceremony took place Friday evening in Bkerke, attended by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai and thousands of faithful who had already begun gathering in the patriarchate’s courtyard, where thousands of chairs were set up to welcome the crowd.

On Saturday, a grand mass is planned in Ehden, the birthplace of the newly beatified and a summer retreat for the people of Zgharta. The event is also expected to draw large crowds.

Saint Estephan el Douaihy was known as “The Saint Patriarch,” “The Saint of the Patriarchs,” “The Father of Maronite History,” “Pillar of the Maronite Church,” “The Second Chrysostom,” “Splendor of the Maronite Nation,” “The Glory of Lebanon and the Maronites.”