Blessed Father Yaccoub the Capuchin: An apostle of Mercy and truly a representation of the MaroniteCare’s vision and mission. Blessed Father Yaccoub constructed institutions including schools, monasteries and hospitals that took in neglected people of all conditions, ages, races or religions. He took care of their needs including education and physical and mental health care. He constructed the first monastery for ageing priests so that their needs could be attended to. Abouna Yaacoub transformed the Convent of the Cross from an asylum to a hospital for mental and psychological diseases. A true pioneer in philanthropy and a founder of an order of nuns, he expanded the Capuchin school network and established a number of religious and social institutions, some of which have gained iconic status in Lebanon. His faith and actions for those in need inspire MaroniteCare to persevere in our mission of social institutions, some of which have gained iconic status in Lebanon. His faith and actions for those in need inspire MaroniteCare to persevere in our mission of serving our community.
Biography :
Abouna Yaacoub was born on 1 February 1875, in the Lebanese village of Ghazir. He was baptized Khalil. After graduation from ‘La Sagesse’ School in Beirut, he worked as a teacher at Alexandria, Egypt, to assist his parents in raising his brothers and sisters. There, he heard the call to be a priest.
He entered the Saint Anthony Convent of the Capuchin Fathers in Khashbau, Ghazir in 1893. On 26 March 1894, he was given the robe of novitiate and the name of Brother Yaacoub.
He was ordained as a priest on 1 November 1901 and started his life as a preacher and missionary. He constructed institutions including schools, monasteries and hospitals that took in neglected people of all conditions, ages, races or religions. He took care of their needs including education, and physical and mental health care. He constructed the first monastery for ageing priests so that their needs could be attended to.
In 1951, on his 50th Anniversary to the Priesthood, Abouna Yaacoub transformed the Convent of the Cross from an asylum to a hospital for mental and psychological diseases. He attained an official recognition by the Lebanese government of the Lebanese Cedars’ Medal. He was the Pioneer in philanthropy.
After a life full of struggles, Abouna Yaacoub was struck by a disease and lost sight. He passed away holding the Cross of the Lord, on Saturday morning, 26 June 1954, and was buried near the altar at the new Church.
He has also written many works, including 8000 handwritten pages which are yet to published.
On 23 June 2008, Abouna Yaacoub was beatified by the then Pope, St John Paul II making him one step closer to sainthood. It was decided that he be beatified in Lebanon on 22 June 2008. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Martyrs’ Square in Beirut to witness the beatification of Abouna Yaacoub Haddad, the late Capuchin priest who gained fame for his prolific work. This Founder of an order of nuns expanded the Capuchin school network and established a number of religious and social institutions, some of which have gained iconic status in Lebanon.