Saint Rafqa (Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès, 1832–1914) is a Maronite Catholic nun of the Lebanese Maronite Order, remembered for a life of prayer, humility, and union with Christ in suffering.

When is Saint Rafqa’s feast day?

Her feast day is March 23 in the Maronite Catholic Church.

How can I foster devotion to Saint Rafqa?

Pray with a Saint Rafqa prayer card, read her life, and ask her intercession for the sick, the suffering, and those seeking patience and perseverance.

Who Was Saint Rafqa (Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès)? | Maronite Catholic Saint

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May 28

Written By Jeremy

Saint Rafqa (also spelled Rafka or Rebecca) is a cherished Maronite Catholic saint whose life of prayer, humility, and self-offering continues to inspire countless souls. Venerated across Eastern Catholic communities, her path—from domestic servant to cloistered nun suffering with Christ—resonates deeply. Explore her extraordinary story and enrich your devotion with a beautiful Saint Rafqa prayer card.

Early Life & Vocation

Born Boutroussieh on June 29, 1832, in Himlaya, Lebanon, Rafqa was the only child of Saber el-Choboq Al Rayess and Rafqa Gemayel. Baptized shortly after birth, she lost her mother at age seven and was sent to serve in Damascus during her childhood. Upon returning, she chose the religious life over arranged marriage, entering the Mariamette congregation in Bikfaya around 1853.rafqa.com Wikipedia

She received the habit on March 19, 1861, and began teaching, serving in Ghazir, Byblos, Deir el-Qamar (where she rescued a child during unrest), and Maad, where she co-founded a girls’ school lasting seven years.rafqa.com Wikipedia Our Lady's Maronite Catholic Church

Calling & Monastic Life

Following a spiritual calling in 1871, Rafqa entered the Lebanese Maronite (Baladita) Order of St. Simon in Aito. She professed vows in August 1872 and dedicated herself to prayer, silence, and austerity for decades.Vatican Our Lady's Maronite Catholic Church

Suffering & Sainthood

On the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary in 1885, Rafqa surrendered herself to Christ’s Passion. That night she was afflicted with severe head pain that moved to her eyes, leading to sacrificial blindness after refusing anesthesia during surgery. She accepted her suffering with faith, knitting and praying for years in spiritual union with Christ.Vatican Our Lady's Maronite Catholic Church Wikipedia

Rafqa died on March 23, 1914, at the St. Joseph Monastery in Jrabta, Batroun. Blessed in 1985 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2001, she is a patroness of the sick and of those who have lost parents.Our Lady's Maronite Catholic Church Wikipedia Mary Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church

Feast Day & Patronage

Feast Day: March 23Wikipedia Our Lady's Maronite Catholic Church
Patronage: The sick, those grieving lost parentsWikipedia Mary Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church

Legacy & Devotion

Saint Rafqa’s life echoes in classrooms, convents, and hearts—modeling sanctity born of suffering and total surrender. Her story and gentle intercession are kept alive through prayer cards, pilgrimage, and personal devotion.

Prayer Card Available:

Saint Rafqa Prayer Card: Features a full-color image on one side and her prayer on the back. Compact and durable—perfect for daily reflection and carrying in prayer books or wallets.The Eastern Church

A Prayer to Saint Rafqa

O holy Rafqa,
You embraced suffering with love and silent faith.
Teach us humility amid hardship,
Patience in illness,
And to unite our hearts with Christ.
Pray for us. Amen.

Products & Internal Links

Saint Rafqa Prayer Card — laminated devotion card The Eastern Church
Saint Marina the Monk — another hidden-saint devotion in our Maronite collection
Maronite Prayer Card Pack (20 Saints) — includes Saint Rafqa and othersThe Eastern Church
About — learn about our handcrafted devotion productsThe Eastern Church

External Resource

For an in-depth biography, visit the Vatican’s official life-of-Saint Rafqa summary.Vatican

Jeremy

Jeremy is the founder of The Eastern Church, dedicated to sharing handmade Maronite, Eastern Catholic, and Orthodox prayer cards rooted in tradition and prayer. He is also the author of Love on Purpose: How God’s Design for Marriage Leads to Lasting Happiness, a book that inspires couples to strengthen their faith through marriage. Based in Austin, Texas, Jeremy and his family design each card with devotion and historical care. If you are ever traveling to Austin and want an uplifting church experience, he warmly invites you to worship at Our Lady’s Maronite Catholic Church in Austin, Texas.