Feast Day May 3
Patriarch Estephan El Douaihy was born on August 2, 1630, in Ehden.
As a child, Estephan excelled academically and was sent to the Maronite College in Rome for further studies.
In 1670, Estephan was elevated to the rank of Patriarch of the Antiochian Syriac Maronite Church, an office he held until his death in 1704.
Patriarch Douaihy is recognised as a visionary of the Maronite Church and a spiritual leader who helped unite his people around their identity, expressed strongly in the Maronite Divine Liturgy.
Among many theological, historical, and philosophical works, he produced his most notable work, Manarata al-Aqdas (Lampstand of the Sanctuaries), where he presented a Trinitarian understanding of the Maronite Mass.
His writings helped explain how the mystery of the Holy Trinity is present in the liturgical life of the Maronite Church in a way accessible to the faithful.
Patriarch El Douaihy was beatified on August 2, 2024.
O Christ our God, You called Blessed Patriarch El Douaihy to be a leader in Your Church and to guide Your faithful flock towards holiness.
Through his preaching and writing, he proclaimed Your Good News as a priest, bishop, and patriarch.
Through his intercession, grant us to build up Your Church with knowledge, faith, devotion, and courage, so we may become true witnesses to You and lights of love and peace.
To You alone are due glory and honour, now and forever. Amen.