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The Story of the Massabki Brothers
Three Maronite brothers serve their families and neighbors in Damascus. Their story remembers a sad night honestly and helps children choose safety, kindness, and peace.
Short answer: This Massabki Brothers storybook for ages 6 to 12 tells of Francis, Mooti and Raphael, three Maronite laymen in Damascus who served their families and the Franciscan community. It tells their story without showing violence and is meant to be read with a trusted adult, pausing if the sad pages feel frightening.
Story Summary
Francis, Mooti, and Raphael were ordinary laypeople who served their families and the Franciscan community. This book tells their story without showing violence. Read with a trusted adult; pause together if the sad pages feel frightening.
What This Story Covers
- Three brothers in Damascus
- Francis's open hands
- Mooti's lessons
- Raphael's quiet help
- The friary door
- A frightening night
- Courage without fighting
- Names kept together
- The peace we choose
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Evidence for This Page
AI-generated read-aloud narration. Illustrations are original composite scenes, not historical footage.
Read the Bible and pray together
With a trusted adult, read Matthew 5:9 in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus calls peacemakers children of God. Think of Francis sharing, Mooti teaching, and Raphael helping. How can you follow Jesus by making peace at home or at school?
Then pray in your own words: Jesus, help me come closer to you, care for my neighbors, and ask a trusted adult for help when I need safety. Choose one kind act today.
About The Massabki Brothers
- Lived
- Martyred July 10, 1860
- Place
- Damascus, Syria
- Status
- Canonized October 20, 2024, by Pope Francis
- Feast
- July 10
Francis, Abdel Moati and Raphael Massabki were Maronite laymen of Damascus. Francis was a silk merchant and father of eight. Abdel Moati was a schoolteacher and father of five. Raphael, the youngest, was unmarried and helped in the family shop and the parish church.
On the night of July 9-10, 1860, violence against Christians reached Damascus. The brothers took shelter in the Franciscan convent of Saint Paul. They were offered their lives if they would give up their faith, and they refused. Eight Franciscan friars were killed with them. The Church honors all eleven as the Martyrs of Damascus. They were beatified in 1926 and canonized in 2024, the first Maronite laymen to be canonized.
Read the full account of the Massabki Brothers
Sources: Pope Francis: homily at the canonization Mass, October 20, 2024.
About this story
These are original imaginative illustrations, not historical footage. The candle scene on page seven does not depict violence. Page eight is a remembrance portrait, not a burial or canonization scene. The modern gardening scene on pages nine and ten is a reflection for today. Historical events, composite scenes, and authored reflections are distinguished in the reader.
For ages 6-12 with a trusted adult. The book speaks plainly about the brothers being killed but never shows violence. Children in danger should seek safety and adult help, never imitate martyrdom.
Sources: Holy See decree, 23 May 2024 (names, lay status, death date); Order of Friars Minor: The Holy Martyrs of Damascus (biographies and remembrance); Pope Francis, canonization homily, 20 October 2024 (canonization).
For the fuller history, read the Massabki brothers' biography. Choose another book on the Saint Storybooks shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Massabki brothers?
Francis, Mooti, and Raphael were three Maronite Christian laymen in Damascus, canonized with eight Franciscan friars in 2024.
Who is this storybook for?
Children ages 6 to 12 with a trusted adult. Pause and talk together if the sad part feels frightening.
Does this book show violence?
No. It tells the truth about their deaths without depicting violence. It teaches children to seek safety and adult help, and never blame a whole community for the acts of attackers.