Blessed Khalil Alhaddad

Blessed Khalil Alhaddad, also known as Yaaqub El-Haddad, Jacob of Ghazir, Jacques da Gahazir, and Ya‘Qub of Ghazir, was born on February 1, 1875, in Ghazir, Kesrwan, Jabal Lubnan, Lebanon. He was the third of five children in his family.

Khalil Alhaddad began his career as a teacher in Egypt but soon felt a strong call to religious life. Answering this inner calling, he joined the Franciscan Capuchin monks and made his perpetual vows in 1898. After that, he was ordained as a priest in 1901 and was assigned to serve in the Bab Idriss monastery in Beirut, Lebanon.

Throughout his life, Blessed Khalil Alhaddad dedicated himself tirelessly to improving the physical and moral well-being of the local people. He became known for his compassion and selfless service to the community. Recognizing the various needs of the people around him, he founded and built numerous churches, schools, hospitals, and orphanages to address the growing demands.

One of his remarkable achievements was the establishment of the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross in 1930. This congregation was created to cater specifically to the elderly, the disabled, the mentally handicapped, and the incurable individuals who had been abandoned by their families and authorities. Blessed Khalil Alhaddad's vision and dedication provided solace and care for those who were most vulnerable.

In addition to his extensive works in Lebanon, Blessed Khalil Alhaddad traveled to various countries in the region, including Palestine, Iran, and Syria, where he delivered sermons and spread the message of God's love and peace. His inspiring words and teachings left a lasting impression on the communities he encountered.

Blessed Khalil Alhaddad's legacy lives on through his writings. Before his passing on June 26, 1954, in Beirut, Lebanon, he transcribed a remarkable collection of sermons, which encompassed 24 volumes. These sermons effectively communicated his wisdom and spiritual guidance to those he served, preserving his teachings for future generations.

Recognizing his extraordinary holiness and exemplary service to the Church and the people, Blessed Khalil Alhaddad was beatified on June 22, 2008, by Pope John Paul II. His feast day is celebrated on June 26th each year.

The life of Blessed Khalil Alhaddad serves as a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and selfless service. His unwavering commitment to the marginalized strived to uplift their lives and provided them with a renewed sense of hope. Blessed Khalil Alhaddad's legacy is one of love and compassion that continues to inspire people to live out their faith in service to others.