Saint Nimatullah was born Youssed Kassab in 1808 and died in 1858. Kassab was a Lebanese Monk, Priest and Scholar of the Maronite church.

After his studies he entered the Monastery of St Anthony, where they gave him the name Nimatullah which means “The Grace of God” .

As a monk, Kassab spent his entire life in prayer and the service of his order. Kassab is believed to have performed many miracles during his life due to his deep spirituality and his high virtues. He is commended for having a radiant soul and is was said that he was deeply united to his creator “The Saint of Kfifan” was stated to have the gift of prophesy and hence became know as “a man of vision”

In 1864 his tomb was opened for re-burial and to the surprise of the monks, his body was found to be intact. His body was exposed to the veneration of the public until 1927.

Kassab was canonized on the 16th May 2004 By Pope John Paul II.

If you would like further information or would like to Visit Saint Nimatullah please email info@explorelebanontours.com OR visit www.explorelebanontours.com

Father Dario Escobar, an 84-year-old Maronite monk from Colombia took residence in the mountainside 18 years ago.

Dario heard about the Qadisha Valley’s from a Lebanese priest he met in Miami after joining the Maronite Church.

The Qadisha Valley, is scattered with monasteries and hermitages, has long been a haven for Christians seeking solitude and safety.

The cliffside sanctuary was built in the late 13th century, to reach the monastery you have to hike around 45min down the cliffside of the valley.

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Bekaa Kafra is a Lebanese village located in the Bsharri District in Northern Lebanon.

Bekaa Kafra is located in front of the village of Bsharri across the Kadisha Valley. It is the highest Village in Lebanon sitting at 1750m above sea level . This little village of traditional and well-preserved rural houses and slender streets, and is also the birthplace of Lebanon’s Marionite saint, St Charbel, whose house is now a museum - art gallery.

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Our Lady of Hamatoura is built in the rocky hollow of a high cliff which overlooks the holy valley of Kadisha. 

The church of St Jacob is the most ancient part of the monastery, belonging to the 4th century. There are two churches, one dedicated to St Michael and the other St John the Baptist. On the top of the hill there is the church of St George.

Today there are believers who are reporting his miraculous healings and other grace filled deeds.

To reach the monastery you have walk approximately 200m up hill on a steep path. To visit the monastery you must wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

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