Saint Rafqa is pictured with her eyes closed in deep prayer.
 
After losing her mother at the age of 7, Rafqa felt drawn to the religious life at an early age.
 
She set off for the convent of Our Lady of Deliverance in Bikfaya, and heard God's voice confirming her desire to enter religious life in 1861.
 
Rafqa asked Jesus to permit her to experience some of the suffering He endured during His passion. Her prayer was immediately answered. Unbearable pains began in her head and moved to her eyes.
 
St. Rafqa refused anesthesia when in surgery for her eye and continued to experience intense pain for her entire life but remained patient and uncomplaining, praying in thanksgiving for the gift of sharing in Jesus' suffering.
 
Preparing for death, she called upon the Mother of God and St. Joseph. Finally, on March 23, 1914, after a life of prayer and service, and years of unbearable pain, she rested in peace.
 
Saint Rafqa, Flower of Lebanon, we ask you to intercede for your beloved Lebanon during its time of suffering.