Faces of the Martyrs of Damascus, unveiled in Jerusalem

As the canonization of the famed Martyrs of Damascus approaches, an extraordinary event took place on July 24 at the Curia of the Custody of the Holy Land in Jerusalem. As explained by the Custody itself on its official website, five large canvases dating from 1926 were unrolled, revealing the faces of the 11 martyrs who will be canonized on October 20, 2024.

These artworks were originally used during their beatification ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica nearly a century ago, on October 10, 1926.

The 11 martyrs (seven Spanish friars, one Tyrolean and three Maronites) met their tragic fate in Damascus between July 9 and 10, 1860. They were killed during the persecution of Christians by the Shiite Druze in Lebanon and Syria.

These canvases, preserved in the archives of the Custody, have survived the test of time and are in remarkable condition, with the quality of the images still vivid.

Rodrigo Machado Soares, Guardian of St. Saviour and member of the committee preparing the canonization celebrations, expressed his amazement at the preservation of these historic works. He pointed out that the canvases are not only rare historical artifacts, but they also illustrate important moments in the history of the Franciscan Friars.

The five canvases depict different scenes of the martyrdom. One of the most important is the central canvas, which was placed behind the main altar during the beatification ceremony. This canvas shows the 11 martyrs holding palms of martyrdom, gathered around a glorious cross, symbolizing their sacrifice. Another canvas, similar in design but larger in scale, was created for the outer balcony.

Other canvases illustrate the dramatic events that led to their deaths. One shows the attack on the Franciscan convent in the Christian quarter of Bab-Touma by the Druze, aided by a traitor. Another depicts the poignant moment when Fray Manuel Ruiz, guardian of the convent, offered the last Eucharist to his brothers, spiritually preparing them for their imminent martyrdom.

The Custody of the Holy Land is an ancient institution of the Franciscan Order, founded by Pope Clement VI in 1342. It is responsible for the care and preservation of the Christian holy sites in the Middle East, especially in Jerusalem, and serves as the protector of the Christian presence in the region. The Custody’s mission is to safeguard these holy places and to ensure that they remain accessible to pilgrims from around the world.

The Martyrs of Damascus are remembered for their faith, perseverance, and courage in the face of persecution. Their canonization in October 2024 is not only a spiritual event, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and dedication of those who defend their faith – even unto death. The unveiling of these historic paintings serves as a profound tribute to their memory and a visual testament to their legacy.