Lebanese Maronite Monk (1889-1938)
His life
+ Yusuf was born in Lehfed, Lebanon. After being educated by monks of the Lebanese Maronite Order, he joined the order in 1907 and received the religious name Estafan (Esƫfān).
+ He served in various monasteries, working in the fields and gardens, as well as in other kinds of labor. His mantra was, “God can see me.”
+ During the First World War, he helped to provide food for those starving during a famine.
+ Blessed Estafan died on August 30, 1938, after suffering a severe stroke. Honored for his personal holiness and simple way of life, he was beatified in 2010.
For prayer and reflection
“My mouth shall be filled with your praise, shall your glory every day.”—Psalm 71:8
Prayer
O God, who in your kindness called your servant blessed Estefan to the following of Christ, grant, we pray, through his intercession, that, denying ourselves, we may hold fast to you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(from The Roman Missal: Common of Holy Men and Women—For a Monk)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...