Abdel Mohti, Francis, and Raphael were three Maronite laymen killed inside the Franciscan church in Damascus while they were praying.
On 9 July 1860, the killers entered the Franciscan church in Damascus where the Brothers were in prayer. The Islamic fanatics gave the Brothers a choice: reject Christianity and accept Islam, or, be killed. The Brothers said: "You may destroy our lives but you cannot destroy our faith in Christ and our souls; we are Christians. In the faith of Christ we live and in the faith of Christ we shall die." The three holy brothers were killed as were several of the Franciscan friars.
Pope Pius XI beatified the three Massabki brothers on 7 October 1926.
Blessed Massabki Brothers, pray for Lebanon, the Church in the USA, and each one of us.
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