A Praying Nature

Saint Rafqa’s story begins at Himlaya, a small Lebanese village in the Casa of Metn in Mount Lebanon, around 30 km from Beirut, and 5km from Bikfaya. Like many other Lebanese villages, Himlaya embraces the mountain and witnesses the history of the tough and holy mountains of Mount Lebanon, home of the Maronite Martyrs and Saints. It is also the native village of Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Al Rahi, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

The Village of Himlaya

It was Thursday, on the eve of the holy vigil of Saint Peter and Paul on the 29th of June 1832 when her mother gave birth to her. Eight days after her birth and according to the old Maronite habits she was baptized and was named Boutrossiyé (Pierrette). Her mother saw in her a gift from heaven, her joy was immeasurable seeing the fruit of her womb becoming the daughter of the Most High by her baptism.

Very little is known about Boutrossiyé’s parents. Her father’s name was Saber Shoboq Al Rayess and her mother’s name was Rafqa Gemayel. Despite their simplicity, her parents understood the importance of Christian education, therefore her father’s house was like a church. Boutrossiyé learnt from her pious parents the love of prayer and the attachment to the acts of piety.

Her parents were like the first priests who showed her the right way. They used to pray at home in the morning and in the evening, they went to the Holy Mass every Sunday and Feast day, and participated to all liturgical celebrations at the church of Saint George in Himlaya. At that time churches were divided into two parts by a metallic grid, the first part was at the front, next to the altar, and was reserved for men, and the second part at the back for women. Little Boutrossiyé was always with her mother, looking at her, trying to imitate her words, prayers and acts, kneeling down with her and striking her breast as a sign of contrition.

Every Wednesday and Friday she used to extend her little arms and recite the penitential psalm 51:”Have mercy upon me, O God”. The good example of her parents was the best school for her and she received human and Christian education. She learned simple but smart practices and was surrounded by love and respect to others, which contributed to the blossoming of her character and her personality. Her parents taught her the importance of making sacrifices and she acquired with time a very strong will.

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