Blessed Estephan Nehme

Blessed Estephan Nehme - August 30

On the holy ground of Lebanon, Brother Estephan Nehme saw the light, under the wings of the Maronite Church he grew up and in the care of the Lebanese Order he was raised.
He was inspired by the spirit of worship and the motivation of holiness transferring them in his turn to upcoming generations.
Born in Lehfed, on March 8th, 1889, his parents named him Youssef. Growing up, he preferred to not to be very sociable, even among family.On the contrary, he preferred to stay at home and pray late at night. Afterwards, he went to bed and repeated:
“God can see me, God can see me. Jesus, Mary and Saint
Joseph, help me at the moment of death.”

In 1905, when he was 16 year old, Youssef left his parental house heading to the Monastery of Saints Cyprian and Justine in Kfifane in order to become monk. Eight days later, he wore the novices’ cassock and took the name of “Estephanos”.

On August 23rd, 1907, the Superior of the Convent, Father Youssef Saker from Kfoun, blessed the simple vows of Brother Estephan who wore the novices’ cassock. Afterwards, B. Estephan spent a 31 year monastic life.

Brother Estephan was a “worker monk”. He worked in the fields and gardens of the monastery, carrying his childhood motto of “God sees me” in all his efforts. Brother Estephan had a pious life that ended virtuously at the Monastery of Saints Cyprian and Justine, on August 30th, 1938.

This dear monk passed away at the age of 49. He deceased full of holiness and graces. His work in the field as well as his presence in the different convents, were printed by his humanitarian, Christian and monastic spirit. His prints are still alive and still shining until present. Brother Estephan was buried in the tomb of monks in the monastery of Kfifane. On March 10th, 1951, while monks were burying the late Father Youssef Souraty who spent his sunset in this convent, they found the body of Brother Estephan non decayed.
Then, he was moved to a new tomb where he lays today and where visitors seek his intercession or ask the grace of healing. Brother Estephan was recognized blessed on the altar of the Lord on June 27th, 2010 at the Monastery of Saints Cyprian and Justine in Kfifane.

To read his full life story in Arabic, click on the link below:
لقراءة حياة  الأخ إسطفان بالعربي كاملة، إضغط على هذا الرابط
http://estephannehme.org/home.php?url=akhestephan_grp&lgid=2&depid=4&menu=4&grpid=4