A Palestinian nun who founded the Congregation of the Rosary Sisters and was canonized as a Catholic Saint, known for her devotion to education and charitable works.
MarieAlphonsine Danil Ghattas, a Palestinian Christian nun, is renowned for founding the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, the first Palestinian congregation. Through her tireless efforts, she dedicated her life to the care and education of Palestinian girls, providing them with a chance to break free from the shackles of poverty and oppression.
Born Soultaneh Maria Ghattas on October 4, 1843, in Jerusalem, MarieAlphonsine was drawn to a life of service from a young age. At 14, she joined the Congregation of St. Joseph of the Apparition as a postulant, marking the beginning of her journey towards becoming a nun.
In 1862, after taking her vows, she was sent to teach catechism in Bethlehem, where she established religious associations promoting devotion to Mary through the Rosary. It was in Bethlehem that she received several apparitions of Mary, directing her to found a Palestinian congregation, which would eventually become the Sisters of the Rosary.
In 1880, seven young girls prepared by Joseph Tannous, priest of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, received the religious habit of the new foundation from the hands of Patriarch Bracco. That same year, MarieAlphonsine received a dispensation from Rome to leave the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph and entered the new congregation.
She received the habit from the hands of Bishop Pascal Appodia, auxiliary and patriarchal vicar, on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, October 7, 1883. On March 7, 1885, together with eight other sisters, she professed her final vows in the new order in the presence of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Vincent Bracco.
MarieAlphonsine dedicated her life to parish ministry and the care and education of Palestinian girls. She founded a school for girls in Beit Sahour in 1886, providing a safe haven for them to learn and grow. The community quickly grew, and her congregation flourished, becoming a beacon of hope for Palestinian girls.
MarieAlphonsine's selfless dedication to her congregation and the Palestinian people did not go unnoticed. In 2009, she was beatified by Archbishop Angelo Amato on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI. On December 6, 2014, Pope Francis recognized a miracle attributed to her intercession, paving the way for her canonization.
On May 17, 2015, MarieAlphonsine Danil Ghattas was canonized a saint, solidifying her legacy as a symbol of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
MarieAlphonsine's legacy extends far beyond the confines of her congregation. She has inspired countless Palestinians to pursue a life of service and devotion, providing a beacon of hope in times of turmoil. Her dedication to education and parish ministry has paved the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
Through her life and teachings, MarieAlphonsine Danil Ghattas has left an indelible mark on Palestinian society, demonstrating the importance of compassion, empathy, and selflessness.
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