Beirut, LEBANON — On February 10, 2026, with great joy, the Capuchin Friars Minor in Lebanon, belonging to the Custody of the Near East, officially launched the Jubilee Year to celebrate 400 years of their presence. This is a special time of celebration and reflection, intended to honor a long and valuable mission. In this region, in fact, many religious have dedicated and given their lives, charting a path of faith and service that has enriched the entire Capuchin family with the gift of three blessed figures: James of Ghazir, Leonardo Owais Melki, and Thomas George Saleh.
The first Capuchins to arrive in the Lebanon region (Saida or Sidon, the capital of southern Lebanon) in 1626 were French friars from the Province of Touraine, responding to an invitation extended by Br. Joseph du Tremblay (Father Joseph of Paris) and with the support of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith and King Louis XIII. Over the course of 400 years, the mission has grown, guided by a clear objective: to live in evangelical simplicity by helping the poor, forming the faithful, engaging in dialogue with all the communities of the country, and providing medical care to the sick.
The Presence Today
Currently, the Custody of the Near East (Lebanon and Syria) has 29 friars, organized into four fraternities in the regions of Beirut, Surat, Baabdat, and Matyleb, and one in Soueida, Syria. Most of them are Lebanese, joined by two Syrians and one Frenchman. The friars continue to serve in three parishes and two schools, working in collaboration with the Lebanese GIFRA and the OFS in the social sector, thus becoming a point of reference in a context of poverty and armed conflict.
Lebanon, often described as “a corner of paradise,” has unfortunately been marked by decades of instability, divisions, and conflict. Compounding this was an unprecedented economic crisis between 2022 and 2025, characterized by hyperinflation that has literally decimated citizens’ purchasing power. The Capuchin fraternities have been severely affected by financial difficulties, but despite the sacrifices, the mission has not stopped, and the friars have continued to be a vital point of reference for social emergencies and spiritual guidance. Thanks to the help of numerous benefactors, the General Curia, and their confreres in Europe, the friars continue to keep schools and parishes active and maintain their work with the poor, distributing food parcels and medicines to those who have lost everything; furthermore, they have opened the doors of their facilities in various locations to those fleeing the horrors of war (they have provided shelter to about 1,500 people, both Christians and Muslims—the latter being the majority).
Against this backdrop of suffering, the Pope’s visit from November 30 to December 2, 2025, was an occasion of profound encouragement and hope. During his trip, the Pontiff visited the monastery founded by the Blessed Capuchin James of Ghazir and encouraged all Lebanese to become peacemakers. His moving words spoken in his homily in Beirut, “Lebanon, rise up! Be a house of justice and brotherhood!”, perfectly embody the original desire of St. Francis and the profound meaning of the centuries-old Capuchin presence in these lands: to serve, pray, and walk alongside the least of these.
The Celebrations
The Custody has planned a number of activities aimed at strengthening the witness of faith and fraternity. Br. Elie Rahme, Custos of the Custody of the Near East, described them as follows:
“To mark the beginning of this Jubilee, we have released a video highlighting its significance, accompanied by an official letter sent to the Patriarchs, the Catholic bishops in Lebanon, all religious congregations, and the faithful. This message is intended as an invitation to experience this time of grace together.”
A “Franciscan recital,” created especially for the Jubilee, will soon be presented before the Franciscan family, the Apostolic Nuncio, and the bishops. In addition, our Jubilee has been presented at the Catholic Information Center and publicized to all the Lebanese people, to raise awareness of the importance of this year of grace.
“Join us in prayer and on this journey of faith and hope, which will lead us to experience a year of communion, reflection, and spiritual renewal.”
May the dedication of our friars in Lebanon to engaging the many Christian communities in the region touch each and every one of us: let us view the 400th anniversary of our presence in the Middle East as another step toward the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of our Reformation.