Our Patriarch
More than a history
He’s a message
His Life
Who is Patriarch Elias Howayek?
Toward the end of December in the year 1843
Eldest of 7 children : 3 boys and 4 girls
His first school was under the village oak tree
Ordained as of Titular Archbishop of Arca and Auxiliary Patriarch on December 14
Elected Patriarch of the Maronite Church on January 7
Man of Honesty and Justice
December 24, 1931
Died in peace, Christmas eve
May 12, 1936
His Body was transferred to the crypt of the Congregation’s headquarters in Ibrine
Venerable Patriarch Elias Howayek
5 July 2019
Pope Francis declared him Venerable
His works and legacy
In regards, to the nation, society and the Church
1
1895
Founded The Congregation of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family
2
Rome
Reopened the Maronite College
3
Diman
Built a summer residence for the Patriarchate
4
Lebanon
Launched the building of 22 churches
5
Man of the Church
Founded a Maronite Eparchy Egypt, Jerusalem and Paris
10
1920
Greater Lebanon
9
1919
Heading a Lebanese delegation to Versailles To obtain independence for Lebanon
8
1914-1919
He sold ecclesiastical vessels To feed the hungry
7
First World War
Opened the doors of Bkerki Without discrimination between communities
6
1908
Raising the Statue of Our Lady of Lebanon on the summit of Harissa
11
Beatification
Followed the case of beatification of Neemtallah Hardini, Charbel Makhlouf and Rafka rayyes and the Massabki brothers
His Personality
- A man of great zeal: “Zeal for your house has consumed me”
- A highly respected leader and shepherd
- A father who was always present for the poor and vulnerable.
- A man of God: He lived seeking nothing but Holiness and God’s will.
- Just and righteous man
- Father of the poor: The poor person loves the poor and strives in solidarity with them.
- Generous and open minded man: : “Give, give to all! There is no distinction for me between Christian and Muslim ”.
- Father of families and their intercessor: He worked tirelessly for the Human development and the forming of families on the basis of scriptural virtues.
I cannot rely on politics but on God and this rosary
His Spirituality
Total reliance on God’s Providence and continual searching for the Divine satisfaction and glory of the Most High: Spirituality of filiation
“If the eyes of Divine Providence are turned upon you, sleep well, for you are secure despite all fears ”.
