Every saint has a story, a tale of extraordinary faith and commitment to God that elevates them above our human limitations. The story of **Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas** is no exception. She crossed the boundaries of her time, followed her divine calling, and left behind a legacy which continues to echo in the hearts of believers worldwide.
A Life of Unwavering Devotion
Born on October 4th, 1843 in Jerusalem, then part of Ottoman Palestine, Sultana Maria Ghattas - later known as **Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas** - emerged in a world where religious chauvinism and cultural disputes were all too common. Yet, she held firm to her faith, turning hardship into a source of spiritual strength.
As a young girl, Marie-Alphonsine began her journey with the Congregation of St. Joseph of the Apparition. However, her unwavering dedication led her beyond serving an existing order. She felt a strong call to found a new congregation, one firmly rooted in Palestinian soil: the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem.
Founding an Order amidst Trials
Trust in God's Plan
These words became the cornerstone of **Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas'** life as she encountered trials and tribulations on her mission. Despite the obstacles, her resolve to establish the Dominican Sisters never faltered, fortified by her deep faith and trust in God's plan.
The Miracles of Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas
The first miracle attributed to the intercession of Sister Marie-Alphonsine occurred in 2009, involving the healing of a woman from a fatal health condition. The second miracle involved an unborn child saved from complications that could have resulted in death or disabilities. These miracles said to be performed by **Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas**, brought hope and strengthened the faith of the believers in divine intervention.
A Symbol of Faith for the Palestinian People
Today, Marie-Alphonsine represents not only a symbol of unyielding faith but a beacon of hope for the people from her homeland. Her canonization implied that holiness could flourish even amidst the conflicts and struggles, bringing forth a renewed sense of unity and pride amongst Palestinian Christians.
Canonization of Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas
**Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas** was canonized by Pope Francis on May 17, 2015, recognizing her incredible devotion and dedication rendered to the Church and the people of God. This noteworthy event made Marie-Alphonsine the first Palestinian saint of modern times, commemorating her significant contributions and sealing her name within the annals of modern Catholic saints.
Her Lasting Legacy
The Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem continue practicing the teachings of their founder. They remain devoted to ministering to the local community, working primarily in education, catechetics, and social outreach, reflecting the spirit of Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas's lifetime commitment to service.
From humble beginnings, **Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas** transformed the lives of many through her faith and resilience. Her life bears testimony to God's extraordinary work through ordinary people, affirming the miraculous nature of divine calling and love.
Let us all join in prayer for Saint Marie-Alphonsine,
O God, who have demonstrated your power and love through your humble servant, Saint Marie-Alphonsine, help us to follow her example of unwavering faith and immense love for you and humanity. Through her intercession, may we become instruments of your peace in this world torn by divisions. Amen.
Indeed, the profound legacy of **Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas** serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, hope, and love. Let us strive to live out these virtues, following in her footsteps towards a deeper connection with God and our fellow beings.
????. Il était une fois, DANIEL MARIE-ALPHONSINE.(Martinique)♬
Wednesday, 5th July 2023 - Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Crusade
Martyrs | Homily: Father Ronald Tacelli, SJ
Who was Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas and what is her significance in the context of Catholic saints?
Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas, born on October 4, 1843, was a Palestinian Roman Catholic nun who co-founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem. Her life was devoted to promoting the rosary and offering compassion and assistance to the poor, the ill, and the underprivileged.
The remarkable significance of Marie-Alphonsine in the context of Catholic saints lies in her exceptional devotion, service, and her historical importance as one of the first canonized saints of Palestinian origin. Her mission was to enhance the spiritual development of the Arab world, and she worked tirelessly to educate women and establish schools across Palestine. She is, therefore, considered a key figure in the history of education in Palestine.
She is also renowned for being the recipient of miraculous apparitions of the Virgin Mary. These miracles started from her early years and continued throughout her life. The Blessed Mother instructed her to spread the devotion of the Holy Rosary and to establish a congregation dedicated to this cause. This led to the foundation of the Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, an order that has significantly influenced the Christian presence and contribution in the Holy Land.
Pope Francis canonized Marie-Alphonsine on May 17, 2015. Her feast day is celebrated on March 25, marking her death in 1927. The canonization of Marie-Alphonsine highlights the Vatican's recognition of the Catholic Church in the Middle East and its unique challenges and contributions.
What notable contributions did Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas make to the Catholic Church?
Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas was a significant figure in the Catholic Church, especially in her home country of Palestine. Her contributions were primarily based on the formation of educational and service resources for the young women in her community.
She is most noteworthy for founding the Congregation of the Rosary Sisters, an order dedicated to providing service, education, and care to the underprivileged, especially young girls, reinforcing the role of women in the Catholic Church. This groundbreaking work was initiated during a time when the region faced many challenges-socioeconomic issues, a lack of educational opportunities for young girls, and diminishing Christian presence due to emigration and persecution.
Moreover, through this congregation, she established numerous schools, orphanages, and health centers throughout the Middle East, including areas like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and beyond. Her efforts not only transformed the lives of individuals but also paved the path for significant societal changes.
Additionally, Sister Marie-Alphonsine was known for her deep personal devotion to the Virgin Mary, which she propagated within the members of her congregation and the wider Christian community. Here, she emphasized the recitation of the rosary as a form of prayer and spiritual contemplation.
Sister Marie-Alphonsine's life and work were recognized by the Catholic Church when she was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2015. Her canonization stands as a testament to her faith, her dedication to service, and her impactful contribution to the Church and society.
Can you describe the process and timeline of Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas’ canonisation?
The process and timeline of canonisation for **Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas** followed a series of steps in accordance with the tradition of the Catholic Church.
1. Death: Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas passed away on March 25, 1927.
2. Waiting Period: In accordance with the Catholic Church's code of Canon law, a waiting period of at least five years must be observed before beginning the canonisation process to consider the sanctity or martyrdom of the candidate. The purpose behind the waiting period is to allow time for emotions to lessen, and for more objective evaluations of the candidate's virtues or martyrdom. However, in Marie-Alphonsine's case, it was much longer until her cause was introduced.
3. Introduction of the Cause: The cause for her canonisation began in 1980, in the Diocese of Jerusalem.
4. Venerable: On December 11, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI declared her Venerable, recognising that she had lived out the Christian virtues heroically.
5. Beatification: The next step in the canonisation process is beatification, where one miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate after their death must be verified. The miracle attributed to the intercession of Marie-Alphonsine was recognised on February 28, 2010, leading to her beatification on November 22, 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.
6. Canonisation: For the final step, canonisation, another miracle - separate from the one credited for beatification - must be recorded. The second miracle, which also confirmed her intercession, was approved and acknowledged by Pope Francis on May 12, 2014. Consequently, Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas was canonised and declared a saint on May 17, 2015 by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
The entire process, from the initiation of her cause to her canonisation, spanned over 35 years.
What miracles are attributed to Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas that qualified her for sainthood?
Sister Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas, the founder of the first Palestinian congregation, the Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church for her zealous service to the marginalized and needy, and for the miracles attributed to her.
First Miracle: This miracle occurred in 2009, when a woman, Samia Salameh Abdallah, who had been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy that had caused her severe internal bleeding. Doctors were pessimistic about her survival. Out of desperation, Samia's husband decided to pray for his wife's healing through the intercession of Marie-Alphonsine. He placed Marie-Alphonsine’s relic on his wife’s abdomen and prayed intensely for her. The following day, she had a new medical examination in which the doctors found that the situation had completely changed. Ultimately, Samia's health improved dramatically and she gave birth to a healthy boy without any medical intervention.
Second Miracle: This miracle occurred during the period from 2012 to 2013. A girl named Natalia had fallen from the second floor of her family's house and had a severe head injury. She had little chance of survival. Her mother, a teacher at a school run by the Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary, immediately rushed to the chapel in the school and prayed earnestly for her daughter's healing through the intercession of Marie-Alphonsine. The child not only survived the accident but recovered completely without any medical complications.
These two miracles, after being carefully investigated and confirmed by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, paved the way for her canonization on May 17, 2015.
How does the life and work of Saint Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas inspire Catholics around the world today?
Saint Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas is a profound source of inspiration for Catholics all over the world due to her unwavering faith, her passion for education and her dedication to serving the less fortunate.
Born in Jerusalem in 1843, she felt the call of God at a very young age. Despite facing numerous obstacles and resistance, she persevered in her faith and spiritual journey. A key turning point came when she founded the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, an order dedicated to teaching and caring for the poor, an exemplary display of her devotion to service. This story instills in us the importance of persistence in our faith regardless of the challenges we might face.
Furthermore, Saint Marie-Alphonsine is widely admired for her passion for education. She believed that everyone should have access to knowledge and leveraged her influence to provide educational opportunities for girls and women who are typically marginalized in society. Through this, she has inspired countless Catholics to champion the right to education and to use knowledge as a tool to empower themselves and others.
Finally, Saint Marie-Alphonsine's commitment to serving the less fortunate is a cornerstone of her legacy. She dedicated her life to working with the poorest communities in Palestine, providing them with emotional, educational and material support. Her actions remind us of the Catholic teaching to see Christ in every individual, especially in the marginalized and disadvantaged, and to serve them wholeheartedly.
Through her life and work, Saint Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas continues to inspire Catholics to persevere in their faith, to advocate for education, and to devote themselves to serving others. This serves as a testament that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can make significant contributions within their communities and live a life that reflects God’s love and mercy.