Rafqa

1832-1914 19th century Feast day: March 23

Suffering received and offered, without bitterness, joined to Christ's.

Who was Rafqa?

A servant and then a Maronite nun in Lebanon, she asked one day to share something of Christ's suffering. An illness took hold, left her blind and paralyzed, and lasted nearly thirty years, which she crossed without complaint. She went on spinning and praying, united to the Passion she had called upon.

In their own words

I asked God for suffering, and He granted it; I will not ask Him to take it away.

Reported sayings

In union with the Passion of Christ.

Her habitual reply when asked how she was

For the Passion of Christ, may God bless your hands.

Words to the doctor during surgery