Providential meeting

Howayek’s plans matured in 1893 following a meeting with Mother Rosalie Nasr, a Lebanese, and Sister Stephanie Kardoush, from Nazareth, both of whom had arrived from the Holy Land to establish a mission in Kfifan in Lebanon. Patriarch Howayek considered this meeting providential, particularly when Mother Rosalie agreed to the plan, provided the Church accepted her transfer from her previous community.

The Founder Patriarch revealed in one of his letters to the Sisters how the Lord had led him to be inspired by the verse from the Gospel according to Matthew, which he later referred to in the founding charter of the Congregation. In this he wrote:

“Following my decision and action concerning this great task of founding the Congregation of the Holy Family according to my wishes, I send to you this verse from Scripture which says: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven”. (Letter of the Father Founder, year 1924)

On 12th August in the year 1895, Howayek called Mother Rosalie and said to her, “Through the Providence of God Almighty, our plan can pass from the phase of discussion to that of action, and we can draw strength from Jesus who had nowhere to lay his head, and to roll up our sleeves and work tirelessly.” Mother Rosalie replied: “We are ready, and God’s wisdom will provide, and God’s strength will bring to fruition. So do we have anywhere to go to at this time?”