“You’re becoming a nun.” Imagine hearing those words. Those were the words Rafqa heard. We are standing before St-Rafqa Church. It is a testament to faith and community. Let’s delve into the story behind this Maronite church.
St-Rafqa Church’s story began in 2006. A small group of families wanted to create a community. They wanted to gather around a church. They rented Ste Claire Church. It belonged to the English-speaking parish of Longueuil’s Latin diocese. Priests Pierre Azzi and Sami Farah initiated this.
The mission grew. St-Rafqa Church was purchased in 2011. Archbishop Joseph Khoury and Father Sami Farah spearheaded the purchase. From 2006 to 2013, several priests served the community. They were temporary and intermittent.
This church is dedicated to Saint Rafqa. Rafqa El-Rayess was born in Himlaya in 1832. Her parents were Mourad Saber el-Chobok el-Rayess and Rafqa Gemayel. She was baptized Boutroussieh. Rafqa’s mother died when she was seven.
In 1843, Rafqa served at Assad Badawi’s in Damascus. She returned after four years. Her father had remarried. Conflicts arose. Rafqa chose monastic life to resolve them.
At Our Lady of Delivrance monastery, Rafqa heard God’s voice. It said, “You’re becoming a nun”. She wore the initiation robe on March 19, 1861. On March 19, 1862, Rafqa took her vows. She became a nun in the Congregation of St Mary.
Rafqa studied Arabic, calligraphy, and calculation in Ghazir. In 1860, she taught catechism in Deir el-Kamar. She saved a child during a bloody event. She hid him under her robe.
In 1864, Rafqa established a school for girls in Maad. In 1871, she dreamt of St Anthony the Great. He told her to join the Lebanese Order. She wore the Initiation Robe in Aito on July 12, 1871. She presented her vows on August 25, 1872.
In 1885, Rafqa asked God to share His pains. She suffered in her head and eyes. An American doctor accidentally pulled out her right eye during surgery. Her left eye was also affected. She endured 12 years of pain with patience and prayer.
In 1897, she moved to St. Jospeh monastery. In 1899, she became blind. Her hip and leg were disjointed. Her shoulder dislocated. On March 23, 1914, Rafqa passed away.
Pope John Paul II declared her Venerated in 1982. She was beatified in 1985. She became a saint in 2001.
Here at St-Rafqa Church, the Maronite community found a spiritual home. It began with a small group. It grew into a vibrant center of faith. This church stands as a testament to Saint Rafqa’s life. It embodies her devotion and sacrifice. It is a place of community. It is a beacon of hope.