Prayer for the Beatification of
Patriarch Douaihy
O Lord Jesus,
You bestowed your many graces upon Patriarch Estefan Douaihy.
As a true disciple, he responded to them, eager to imitate his
Master, for the love of you and your glory.
You said, "Let the children come to me." (1)
He sought the children of Lebanon, poor and orphaned, and taught them the words of truth.
You traveled through cities and villages, preaching the Kingdom of God.
Through his preaching and writing, he announced your Good News as a priest, then as a bishop and later as a patriarch.
You said, "Do not be afraid, 0 little flock." (2)
Your chosen one, Patriarch Estefan, took on himself these words, and passed them to all his children, encouraging them, confirming them, and defending their faith.
You loved your Church and gave your blood to redeem her. He bore all kinds of hardships for the Church's love and salvation.
We now ask you, 0 Lord, to reveal the abundance of your graces to him, and to show us how great was his response to them, so that the holiness of his life may shine before us.
Grant us to see our Patriarch Estefan among the ranks of your saints, so that he may shine like a lighthouse in our land of the East.
Through his intercession, grant us to build up your Church with knowledge, faith, devotion and courage, so that we may become true witnesses to you and lighthouses of love and peace. To you only are due glory and honor, now and forever. Amen.