Capuchin Friars in Lebanon

Lebanon is a Middle Eastern country located on the Mediterranean coast, bordering Israel to the south and Syria to the north and east. It has a population of 5.2 million people, including Palestinian and Syrian refugees. In this region our Capuchin presence, being a Custody, is serving in the midst of major conflicts.

The Near East Custody is composed of 29 friars organized in 4 fraternities in the regions of Beirut, Surat, Baabdat and Matyleb. Some friars are also in the Gulf, Italy and Syria (where friary was destroyed during the last war).

Capuchin friars continue to serve in Lebanon, despite the political situation, in three parishes and two schools. In recent months, the escalation of military action and conflict has produced more than a thousand dead and thousands of wounded; the escalation of violence has generated more than a million displaced people, including more than a hundred thousand already displaced by fighting in previous months. Many have fled without taking anything with them and are struggling to access basic needs such as food and blankets, adapting in makeshift shelters, schools and abandoned buildings.

The friars have given witness by their very presence, but also by opening the doors of our facilities to people fleeing the plight of war, they have given a concrete response by welcoming displaced people mainly from the towns of southern Lebanon. Specifically, there are three places where the friars welcome displaced people: in Badaro; in Hamra (in the courtyard they set up several tents, in the absence of sufficient space; there are many people of all ages, elderly, young and many children); in Abey.

From November 13 to 18, 2024, General Councilor Br. Leon Budău visited our friars and saw their generous charity. His visit was very important for making the closeness of the Order felt.

We pray for our brothers in Lebanon that they may sustain their lives in these difficult times and may continue to witness with their faith, charity and simple presence the Gospel to all those who are victims of war.