2 – Stages of Construction

January 20, 2018

Excavations began on the hill.

March 22, 2018

The cornerstone of the shrine was laid in the presence of His Excellency the late Archbishop of Tripoli, George Abou Jawdeh.

September 22, 2022

The remains of the Young Martyr, Raya Francois Chidiac, were removed from the family burial place to a private tomb in the courtyard of the shrine.

September 24, 2022

On the hill, “Roses and Candles for Raya”, the first shrine in the Middle East dedicated to Saint Maria Goretti was inaugurated in memory of Raya Francois Chidiac. This ceremony was celebrated under the patronage of His Beatitude, Bechara Boutros al- Rahi, Patriarch of Antioch, and head of the Maronite Church. Also present was His Excellency, Youssef Antoine Soueif, Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli.

He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant.

Maria Goretti