Pope to canonize Lebanese monk known for spirituality, devotions

Published: 2004-05-04

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- When Pope John Paul II canonizes Blessed Nimatullah Kassab al-Hardini at the Vatican May 16, church bells will ring throughout Lebanon. "Blessed Hardini is a pillar of Lebanese monastic spirituality, which has a long tradition dating back to the fifth century," said U.S. Jesuit Father Martin McDermott, who has served in Lebanon for 32 years. "The canonization of Blessed Nimatullah Hardini makes the Lebanese proud of their land and their religious values," said Father Miled Tarabay, superior of the Monastery of Sts. Justine and Cyprian in Kfifan, where the tomb of Blessed Hardini is located. "Without a doubt, Lebanon needs more and more to show itself as a land of peace, tolerance and charity," he said. Blessed Hardini, who died in 1858 at the age of 50, was born Youssef Kassab in 1808 in the town of Hardine.

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