Thousands of faithful in Lebanon honor the venerable Bechara Abou Mrad with a massive procession

In Lebanon, thousands of Christians filled the streets on Saturday, October 4 in a solemn procession in honor of P. Bechara Abou Mrad, melquita priest whose cause of canonization is underway.

In a country frequently marked by difficulty and instability, the glow of candles and the song of the hymns offered a moment of peace, while the faithful carried icons and flags in tribute to a man remembered for his simple life of prayer, humility and service.

Born as Salim Abou Mrad in Zahle in 1853, he entered at the age of 21 in the Basilian order of the Blessed Savior, taking the religious name “Bechara”, which in Arabic means “Annunciation.” Known for his humility and dedication, he spent his life in prayer and service until his death in 1930. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI recognized his heroic virtues and declared him venerable.

Fr. Bechara was known as “The Apostolic Hermit”, a title that reflected its unique balance between the deep loneliness and active charity. His life united rigorous asceticism and constant prayer with an unwavering delivery to the salvation of souls, lived through the sacraments of the Church and humble works of Christian love.

This year’s procession, entitled “Walking towards you”, began in the monastery and the School of the Salvatorial Sisters and continued just over a kilometer until Deir El-Moukhalles, the Greek Catholic monastery of the Savior, where Fr. Mrad lived and where his grave is located. The ceremony concluded with a Mass presided by Archimandrita Antoine Rizk.

The event took place in Joun, a town whose name means “corner” in Aramaic. It is located between Mount Lebanon and the south of the country, forming a natural corner that inspired its name. However, participation exceeded the limits of the region, since many Catholics throughout the country joined the faithful of the neighboring peoples of the South.

In an interview with Aci Menia-Ewtn News Arabic agency-Fr. Youssef Mezher, pastor of Al-Mharbiyya, in the south of Lebanon, explained the meaning of the procession:

“After periods of displacement, we often feel a kind of discouragement,” he said. “But during this procession we feel as if Fr. Bechara himself was illuminating the area with his presence. We are deeply rooted in this region. The procession renewed our salvatorial spirituality and gave new strength to our families and our young people.”

Mezher also described the procession as a message of firmness and perseverance in a “Holy Land”, the one that was visited by Christ and the Virgin Mary, and that, “he said,” must continue to shine with light among us. ” He added that the community remains determined to stay in the region despite the challenges and difficulties it faces.

For many of those who walked, the procession had a deeply personal sense. From the nearby people of Anan, Gloria Haddad expressed her hope that the event will help the world to learn more about Father Mrad, describing it as “more than a religious celebration: it is a message that reveals the depth of faith, resilience and roots of our community.”

He added that “the world needs to learn from authentic humility, simplicity and purity in the service of P. Bechara.”

Haddad also requested greater media attention about his history, highlighting the need for international coverage: “Its history can touch hearts and transform lives worldwide.” He invited people everywhere to know their life and miracles.

“I recommend everyone, regardless of which country they come, read about it or watch the movie Siraj al-Madiwhich tells his life and miracles. ”He said that, although thousands already participate every year in this procession, he believes that when his canonization is announced, the figure will multiply; a moment that she and her community are looking forward to.

Maya Abboud Maamary, one of the founders of the P.Bechara Abou Mrad family – established 17 years ago – spoke of his deep spiritual link with him:

“Fr. Bechara is with me every day, at all times. Who really wants to know him must strive to resemble him: be humble, to love to serve others and work silently,” he said.

For the Melquita community in Lebanon, this annual procession is more than a tradition: it is a testimony that the memory of a humble monk continues to inspire faith and unity. While the official cause of canonization progresses, the legacy of Fr. Mrad already lives in the devotion of the people who follow his steps.

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in Aci mena.