Martyrs of Damascus

Biography

The Martyrs of Damascus, also known as the Martyrs of the Franciscan Convent of Damascus, were a group of eleven individuals who bravely stood firm in their faith in the face of persecution in Damascus, Syria, in the 19th century. They were beatified by Pope Pius XI on October 10, 1926, and are honored and venerated by the Catholic Church. The events leading to their martyrdom took place during the Mount Lebanon civil war in 1860, a conflict fueled by religious tensions between the Druze Muslims and Maronite Christians. It was during this time that a mob of Druze Muslims attacked the Franciscan Convent in Damascus and forced the inhabitants, including the eleven soon-to-be martyrs, to convert to Islam. These courageous individuals, who consisted of Franciscans, laymen, and local Christians, were ordered to renounce their Christian faith and embrace Islam. However, they steadfastly refused to abandon their beliefs and devoted themselves to martyrdom for the sake of Christ. On the night of July 9th, 1860, the mob brutally attacked and hacked the Martyrs of Damascus to pieces, as they heroically proclaimed their loyalty and dedication to Christ. The names of the martyrs are: 1. Blessed ‘Abd Al-Mu’ti Masabki 2. Blessed Carmelo Bolta Bañuls 3. Blessed Engelbert Kolland 4. Blessed Francisco Pinazo Peñalver 5. Blessed Fransis Masabki 6. Blessed Juan Jacobo Fernández y Fernández 7. Blessed Manuel Ruiz López 8. Blessed Nicanor Ascanio de Soria 9. Blessed Nicolás María Alberca Torres 10. Blessed Pedro Soler Méndez 11. Blessed Rufayil Masabki Their martyrdom is a testament to the strength and perseverance of their faith, even in the face of extreme adversity and brutality. The Martyrs of Damascus exemplify the Christian virtues of courage, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice. In recognition of their heroic witness to the faith, Pope Pius XI issued a decree of martyrdom on May 2, 1926, officially acknowledging their sanctity. Later that year, on October 10, 1926, Pope Pius XI beatified the Martyrs of Damascus, giving them the title of "Blessed." While the Martyrs of Damascus do not have a specific patronage assigned to them, they serve as an inspiration for all Christians facing religious persecution and adversity. Their feast day is celebrated on July 10th. The life and sacrifice of the Martyrs of Damascus serve as a reminder to Catholics and the faithful worldwide of the importance and value of living out their faith, even in the most challenging circumstances. Their story continues to inspire and remind us of the sacrifices made for the sake of Christ and the eternal reward that awaits those who remain faithful to the end.