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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.
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
Read-aloud narration by an openly licensed voice model. Illustrations are original composite scenes, not historical footage.
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.
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.
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.