Coming from a wealthy Maronite family in Damascus, the three Massabki brothers were actually four: Francis, Abde-el-Mooti, Rouphaël, and Abdallah. The latter, a priest, was not with them at the time of their martyrdom. The first three were very devout laymen who regularly attended the Franciscan convent and were involved in the spiritual and charitable life of their community. 

Francis Massabki, a father of eight children and a prosperous merchant, was known for his generosity and great devotion to the Rosary. He even represented the Maronite Patriarch in matters in Syria. On the night of his martyrdom, he took refuge in the church to pray before the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows and was filled with supernatural hope. After midnight, a group of armed Muslim rioters stormed the monastery. Terrified, the Christians tried to flee or hide. The assassins who found Francis told him: “The Governor, Sheikh Abdallah, sent us to save you, your brothers, your families, and all who depend on you, provided you renounce your faith and convert to Islam.” Francis courageously replied: “Sheikh Abdallah can take the money I lent him; he can also take my life, but no one can make me renounce my faith. I am a Maronite Christian, and I will die in the faith of Christ. As our Lord Jesus commanded, we do not fear those who can kill the body.” 

Abde-el-Mooti Massabki, married and a man of cultivated faith, was known for his good morals and respect for all, both great and small. He taught at the Franciscan school, regularly visited the Blessed Sacrament, and was faithful to the liturgical rhythm. He never missed his prayers, fasts, and penances, and encouraged his students to remain true to their faith. A few hours before his death, he gathered them and explained the importance of the grace of martyrdom, urging them to bear witness to their faith without fear of death. He was executed minutes after his older brother, also refusing to renounce Christ. 

Rouphaël Massabki, the youngest and single, was the simple-hearted child of the family. In his purity, he held a deep and filial love for the Virgin Mary. In his simplicity, he joyfully imitated his older brothers and faithfully served the church as a sacristan. Later that night, the rioters found him, and unaware that his brothers had refused to renounce their faith, he inadvertently joined them in martyrdom, gently and simply testifying to Christ before being killed.

The Spirituality of the Massabki Brothers

The spirituality of the Massabki brothers was characterized by a simple faith, deeply rooted in their daily lives. They were neither priests nor religious, but laymen deeply devoted to their family, work, and God. Their piety was similar to that of the Holy Family: a humble, discreet life, yet marked by intense faith. Their dedication to prayer, the sacraments, and charity toward the poor reflects a spirituality accessible to all Christians, based on a living and active faith.

They fully embraced their Christian vocation, bearing witness to Christ in their daily lives and sealing their testimony with martyrdom. Their fidelity to Christ echoes the Church's call to holiness for all its members, as highlighted in the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium from Vatican II: "All are called to holiness." They are powerful examples of faithfulness to Jesus Christ unto the ultimate sacrifice. Their testimony reminds us that even in the most difficult moments, Christian faith can triumph over fear and death.

 Prayer for the Intercession of the Holy Massabki Martyrs

Lord Jesus, Son of the living God, with Your holy martyrs Francis, Abde-el-Mooti, and Rouphaël Massabki, we wish to love and adore You at this moment. Look upon us with mercy and grant us, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, the courage to love You as they did, the gentleness to witness Your name as they freely bore witness to their faith, and the will to forgive as they forgave those who took their lives. May their example inspire and guide us on the path of faith, for the glory of Your Holy Name, forever and ever. Amen.