Saint Rafqa and Social Cohesion
Professor Michel Abs
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Saint Rafqa is considered one of the saints who have profoundly shaped the identity of people in Lebanon and the East, not only because of her remarkable spiritual life, but also because of her deep social and cultural influence on society. Her life can be viewed as a model of the social and religious values that contribute to strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing collective identity.
Born in 1832 in the village of Hemlaya in Mount Lebanon, Saint Rafqa lived a life marked by challenges and suffering. She lost her mother at an early age, endured difficult economic and social circumstances, and later entered religious life, dedicating herself to prayer and service. She is especially known for accepting illness and pain with patience and faith, becoming a symbol of sacrifice and perseverance.
Saint Rafqa embodies values that are highly cherished in Eastern societies, such as patience, solidarity, faith, and selflessness. Communities need symbolic figures who personify moral principles that contribute to social stability. Through her life story, Rafqa has become a source of inspiration for many believers facing difficult circumstances, whether economic, social, or health-related.
She also plays an important role in strengthening the religious and cultural identity of broad segments of the faithful. Places associated with her life, particularly the Monastery of Saint Joseph in Jrabta, where her body rests, have become centers of pilgrimage that attract thousands of visitors each year. This religious activity contributes to strengthening social bonds among individuals and groups, as people gather around shared values and beliefs, fostering a sense of belonging to one community.
Furthermore, Saint Rafqa exemplifies the role that sacred figures play in building social solidarity. Religion often unites members of society through common symbols and practices. In this context, Rafqa serves as a religious symbol that brings believers together and strengthens their sense of solidarity.
Her life also promotes a culture of assistance and compassion toward the sick and people with special needs. Many charitable institutions and organizations draw inspiration from her values of mercy and service, which positively influence social and volunteer work within our communities.
In light of the rapid changes taking place in the contemporary world, accompanied by psychological, social, and economic pressures, Saint Rafqa emerges as a spiritual and human model whose life offers valuable lessons for modern individuals facing the challenges of daily life. Contemporary society is characterized by a fast pace, constant competition, and increasing dependence on technology, all of which can lead to anxiety, isolation, and a loss of meaning.
Saint Rafqa is also a symbol of the authentic Christian presence in Lebanon and the Antiochian Levant, bearing witness to the ability of this presence to endure and renew itself despite hardships. Through her life and message, she continues to inspire believers and strengthen their connection to their faith, heritage, and Antiochian culture.
Our land is the land of martyrs, living martyrs, and saints.
It is the land of martyrs whose blood has irrigated every corner of it.
It is the land of living martyrs who dedicate their lives so that others may have a better future.
It is the land of saints, foremost among them Saint Stephen, the first martyr.
From Saint Charbel to Saint Rafqa, passing through Habib and Nicolas Khacheh, the Massabki brothers, and countless others, martyrs and saints emerged from the very rocks of this land. They sowed love and taught the world lessons in sacrifice and fidelity.
Nations and beliefs are not measured by their size or wealth.
They are measured by the holiness of their people, their steadfastness, their purity, and their integrity.
My land is a land where every inch has been sanctified by a martyr.