Nimattullah Kassab Al-Hardini
Encyclopedia
Saint Nimattullah Kassab Al-Hardini (c. 1808 - December 14, 1858), a Lebanese
Roman Catholic saint
and a member of the Maronite Church
.
, Lebanon
, St Nimattullah Kassab Al-Hardini is believed to have performed many miracles during his life due to his deep spirituality and his high virtues. He is commended for having a radiant soul, and it was said that he was deeply united to his creator. "The Saint of Kfifan" was stated to have the gift of prophesy and hence became known as "a man of vision." According to some sources, on one occasion when he was teaching his students and facing a large wall outside the monastery of Kfifan, he had a sense that the wall was suddenly going to fall. Thereupon, he asked his students to move away just before the wall fell down, sparing all present from injury.
On another occasion, according to Maronite folklore, Father Nimatullah was divinely made aware that the barn where the cows of the monastery of Kfifan were kept was going to collapse on them (cows were then considered to be vital assets of the monastery). Father Nimatullah asked the monk in charge to change the place of the cows. At first the monk hesitated, but Father Nimatullah insisted and urged him to do so. After the cows were removed the roof of the barn collapsed while none of the cows were lost.
While still alive his fellow monks and the ordinary people who knew him considered Father Nimatullah to be a saint. Often they would come asking him to pray for them and even bless water to be used on their land and for their livestock. His presence always imposed a special respect, reverence and solemnity.
(El- Maten). Moussa Saliba visited Nimatullah's tomb, praying and asking for his blessing. A deep sleep overcame Moussa Saliba, and then Father Nimatullah appeared to him and healed his eyes, enabling him to see clearly.
s since that day, and in 1991 he married Rola Salim Raad. They have three children, a son named Charbel and two daughters named Rafca and Maria. Today, Andre is in excellent health and has become a Maronite priest.
Also according to church sources on May 2, 1996, Bishop Khalil Abi-Nader
, retired Bishop of the Maronite Diocese of Beirut, obtained the permission of Nasrallah Boutros Cardinal Sfeir
to start the investigation of the miracle of Andre Najm. On September 26, 1996, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
began to study the miracle. On February 27, 1997, the five member medical team unanimously voted to accept the miraculous cure of Andre Najm, and on May 9, 1997, the seven member theological team also voted unanimously to accept the miracle. On July 1, 1997, the General Assembly of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which includes twenty-four cardinals, accepted the miracle.
On July 7, 1997, and in the presence of Pope John Paul II
, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints published a decree accepting the miracle attributed to the intercession of the servant of God, Fr. Al-Hardini.
Nimutallah al-Hardini's beatification
by Pope John Paul II was held at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome on Sunday May 10, 1998. The Maronite Church celebrates his feast day on December 14.
Saint Nematallah was canonized on Sunday, May 16, 2004, by Pope John Paul II in Saint Peter's in Rome.
Lebanese people
The Lebanese people are a nation and ethnic group of Levantine people originating in what is today the country of Lebanon, including those who had inhabited Mount Lebanon prior to the creation of the modern Lebanese state....
Roman Catholic saint
Saint
A saint is a holy person. In various religions, saints are people who are believed to have exceptional holiness.In Christian usage, "saint" refers to any believer who is "in Christ", and in whom Christ dwells, whether in heaven or in earth...
and a member of the Maronite Church
Maronite Church
The Syriac Maronite Church of Antioch is an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Holy See of Rome . It traces its heritage back to the community founded by Maron, a 4th-century Syriac monk venerated as a saint. The first Maronite Patriarch, John Maron, was elected in the late 7th...
.
Miracles of Saint Nimatullah Kassab Hardini
Born in the year 1808 in HardinHardin
-People:* Charles Hardin Holley , American singer* Charles Henry Hardin , co-founder of Beta Theta Pi fraternity* Clifford M. Hardin, U.S...
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, St Nimattullah Kassab Al-Hardini is believed to have performed many miracles during his life due to his deep spirituality and his high virtues. He is commended for having a radiant soul, and it was said that he was deeply united to his creator. "The Saint of Kfifan" was stated to have the gift of prophesy and hence became known as "a man of vision." According to some sources, on one occasion when he was teaching his students and facing a large wall outside the monastery of Kfifan, he had a sense that the wall was suddenly going to fall. Thereupon, he asked his students to move away just before the wall fell down, sparing all present from injury.
On another occasion, according to Maronite folklore, Father Nimatullah was divinely made aware that the barn where the cows of the monastery of Kfifan were kept was going to collapse on them (cows were then considered to be vital assets of the monastery). Father Nimatullah asked the monk in charge to change the place of the cows. At first the monk hesitated, but Father Nimatullah insisted and urged him to do so. After the cows were removed the roof of the barn collapsed while none of the cows were lost.
Healing of the Altar Boy
On another occasion, it is believed Father Nimatullah wanted to celebrate his daily mass but his usual altar boy did not arrive at church on time. Father Nimatullah then went to the boy's room and asked him to get up and serve mass. The altar boy was not able to because he had a high fever. Father Nimatullah then requested the boy to stand up, whereupon he ordered the malady to "Leave him..." Immediately, the boy was cured and he went and served Father Nimatullah's mass with joy and liveliness.Provisions Box
Father Nimatullah was thought to have once prayed over and blessed the provisions' box (which contained wheat and other foodstuffs) at the monastery of El-Kattara which was almost empty. After a little while the box was filled and spilled over. Everyone was stunned and praised God at what they saw.While still alive his fellow monks and the ordinary people who knew him considered Father Nimatullah to be a saint. Often they would come asking him to pray for them and even bless water to be used on their land and for their livestock. His presence always imposed a special respect, reverence and solemnity.
Moussa Saliba
According to the Catholic communion, after his death, God granted many healings and miracles through the intercession of the "Saint of Kfifan." One such healing was supposedly granted to an Orthodox blind man, Moussa Saliba, from the town of BteghrineBteghrine
Bteghrine is a municipality in the Matn District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate of Lebanon.- Etymology :The exact origin of the name Bteghrine is unknown, but possibilities include Place of Warriors, Place of Rocks, and House of the Saddest - references to a large battle in the area around 1290...
(El- Maten). Moussa Saliba visited Nimatullah's tomb, praying and asking for his blessing. A deep sleep overcame Moussa Saliba, and then Father Nimatullah appeared to him and healed his eyes, enabling him to see clearly.
Michael Kfoury
Another miracle apparently occurred to a Melkite Catholic man, Mickael Kfoury, from the town Watta El-Mrouge. An incurable illness was attacking both of his legs, which rendered them dry, devoid of flesh, and twisted to the point of crippling him. His doctors had abandoned all hope of a cure. Having heard of the miracles that Father Nimatullah was performing this man decided to visit Father Nimatullah's tomb in Kfifan and ask for his healing. He slept the night at the monastery, and while he was in deep sleep an old monk appeared to him saying: "Stand up and go and help the monks carry in the grapes from the vineyard." He immediately replied: "Don't you see me paralysed, how can I walk and carry the grapes?" The monk answered: "Take this pair of shoes, wear them and walk." The sick man then took the shoes and tried to stretch out his right leg, and, to his surprise, he was able to do so. He woke up and started to feel both of his legs which were now full of blood and flesh, and after he stood up he found himself totally healed.Andre Najm
According to other sources in the church; on September 26, 1987, Andre accompanied family and friends to the monastery of Kfifane where he prayed fervently at the grave of Fr. Hardini. The people around him heard him say "I beg you, Fr. Al-Hardini, give me a drop of blood for I am so tired to the point where I can't even beg for blood on the street." He then asked to wear the monastic habit, moments later he was cured, and cried out with joy, "I wore the monastic habit, I am cured, I don't need blood anymore!" Andre has not required any blood transfusionBlood transfusion
Blood transfusion is the process of receiving blood products into one's circulation intravenously. Transfusions are used in a variety of medical conditions to replace lost components of the blood...
s since that day, and in 1991 he married Rola Salim Raad. They have three children, a son named Charbel and two daughters named Rafca and Maria. Today, Andre is in excellent health and has become a Maronite priest.
Also according to church sources on May 2, 1996, Bishop Khalil Abi-Nader
Khalil Abi-Nader
Khalil Abi-Nader was the Maronite Catholic bishop of Beirut.Ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 1947, he was appointed bishop on April 4, 1986 and was ordained on May 18, 1986. He retired on June 8, 1996.-Notes:...
, retired Bishop of the Maronite Diocese of Beirut, obtained the permission of Nasrallah Boutros Cardinal Sfeir
Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir
Patriarch Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir is the patriarch emeritus of Lebanon's largest Christian body, the Maronite Church, an Eastern Catholic Church in communion with the Holy See. He is also a Cardinal. He was elected Patriarch of Antioch for the Maronites on April 27, 1986, and his...
to start the investigation of the miracle of Andre Najm. On September 26, 1996, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
Congregation for the Causes of Saints
The Congregation for the Causes of Saints is the congregation of the Roman Curia which oversees the complex process that leads to the canonization of saints, passing through the steps of a declaration of "heroic virtues" and beatification...
began to study the miracle. On February 27, 1997, the five member medical team unanimously voted to accept the miraculous cure of Andre Najm, and on May 9, 1997, the seven member theological team also voted unanimously to accept the miracle. On July 1, 1997, the General Assembly of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which includes twenty-four cardinals, accepted the miracle.
On July 7, 1997, and in the presence of Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints published a decree accepting the miracle attributed to the intercession of the servant of God, Fr. Al-Hardini.
Nimutallah al-Hardini's beatification
Beatification
Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name . Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process...
by Pope John Paul II was held at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome on Sunday May 10, 1998. The Maronite Church celebrates his feast day on December 14.
Saint Nematallah was canonized on Sunday, May 16, 2004, by Pope John Paul II in Saint Peter's in Rome.