St. Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayes was born on June 29, 1832, in a small town in Lebanon and died one hundred years ago today. This is her feast day.
She was seventeen or so when she entered a convent. Many years later, when she was fifty-three, Rafqa prayed to Jesus to be allowed to experience some of his Passion pain. She immediately had an excruciating headache, and had no real relief from pain until her death nearly thirty years later. She lost one eye, and lost sight in the other. She became paralyzed. It is said that she continued to praise the Lord… and since she still had use of her hands, would knit socks.
St. Rafqa said: “I am not afraid of death which I have waited for a long time. God will let me live through my death.”
It’s hard for many of us to imagine actively inviting pain and suffering into our lives, yet it seems to come anyway, doesn’t it? Pray for the faith to be as accepting of your trials as St. Rafqa was. Or, spend time today with a family member or friend who is going through a hard time. Listen; don’t try to fix the situation or offer “helpful” suggestions.
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