Thousands join procession in Lebanon in honor of humble priest up for sainthood

ACI MENA, Oct 6, 2025 / 12:54 pm

In Lebanon, thousands of Christians filled the streets on Saturday, Oct. 4, in a solemn procession honoring Father Bechara Abou Mrad, a Melkite priest whose cause for sainthood is underway.

In a country often marked by hardship and unrest, the glow of candles and sound of hymns offered a moment of peace as the faithful carried icons and flags in tribute to a man remembered for his quiet life of prayer, humility, and service.

Born Salim Abou Mrad in Zahle in 1853, the young man entered the Basilian Order of the Most Holy Savior at age 21, taking the religious name “Bechara,” which means “Annunciation” in Arabic. Known for his humility and dedication, he spent his life in prayer and service until his death in 1930. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI recognized his heroic virtue, declaring him venerable.

Mrad was known as “the apostolic hermit,” a title reflecting his unique balance of deep solitude and active charity. His life joined rigorous asceticism and constant prayer with an untiring devotion to the salvation of souls, lived out through the sacraments of the Church and humble works of Christian love.

This year’s procession, titled “Walking Towards You,” began at the monastery and school of the Salvatorian Sisters and continued for just over a mile to Deir el-Moukhalles, the Greek Catholic Monastery of the Savior, where Mrad lived and where his tomb is. The procession concluded with a Mass celebrated by Archimandrite Antoine Rizk.

The event took place in Joun, a village whose name means “corner” in Aramaic. It lies between Mount Lebanon and South Lebanon, forming a natural corner that inspired its name. However, participation extended beyond the region, with many Catholics from across the country joining the locals from nearby southern villages.

In an interview with ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, Father Youssef Mezher, parish priest of al-Mharebiyya in South Lebanon, explained the significance of the procession.

“After periods of displacement, we often feel a kind of discouragement,” he said. “But during this procession we felt as though Father Bechara himself was illuminating the area with his presence. We are deeply rooted in this region. The procession renewed our Salvatorian spirituality and gave new strength to our families and youth.”

Mezher also described the procession as a message of steadfastness and perseverance in a ‘Holy Land’ — the land once visited by Christ and the Virgin Mary, which, he said, “must continue to shine with light among us.” He added that the community remains determined to stay in the region despite the challenges and hardships they face.

For many who walked, the procession was deeply personal. From the nearby village of Anan, Gloria Haddad expressed her hope that the event would help the world learn more about Mrad, describing it as “more than a religious gathering, it is a message that reveals the depth of our community’s faith, resilience, and rootedness.”

She added that “the world needs to learn from Father Bechara’s genuine humility, simplicity, and purity of service.”

Haddad also called for greater media attention on his story, emphasizing the need for international coverage: “His story can touch hearts and transform lives around the world.” She encouraged people everywhere to discover his life and miracles.

“I recommend everyone, no matter which country they come from, to read about him or watch the film ‘Siraj al-Wadi,’ which tells his story and miracles.” She noted that while thousands already take part in this annual procession, she believes that when his canonization is announced, the numbers will multiply; a moment she and her community eagerly await.

Maya Abboud Maamary, one of the founding members of the Family of Father Bechara Abou Mrad, established 17 years ago, spoke of her deep spiritual bond with him.

“Father Bechara is with me every day, in every moment. Whoever truly wants to know him must strive to resemble him, to be humble, to love serving others, and to work in silence,” she said.

For the Melkite community in Lebanon, this yearly procession is more than a tradition. It is a testimony that the memory of one humble monk continues to inspire faith and unity. While the official cause for sainthood moves forward, Mrad’s legacy is already alive in the devotion of the people who walk in his footsteps.

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated for and adapted by CNA.