The Damascus Martyrs were canonised last Sunday at the Vatican, are depicted in an official portrait that honours both the eight Franciscan martyrs of the Custody of the Holy Land and three Maronite lay brothers. This work was created by Andrea Pucci.
The Blessed Massabki brothers had a close relationship with the religious community. Francisco served as the convent’s procurator, Mooti was an educator at the boys’ school, and Rafael was always available to help with any needs.
Blessed Manuel Ruiz, the superior of the convent, is portrayed wearing a red stole and holding a pyx containing Holy Communion, which is the focal point of the composition. According to accounts of their martyrdom, the group gathered in the church on the night of July 9, 1860, to pray, confess, and receive communion, drawing strength from the Eucharist. When their assassins broke into the convent, Father Manuel Ruiz rushed to the Tabernacle to consume the remaining Eucharistic hosts. He was martyred for his faith at the foot of the altar.
Blessed Carmelo Bolta, the community’s vicar, stands to the right of Blessed Manuel Ruiz, displaying the Jerusalem cross, a symbol of the Custody of the Holy Land. Blessed Pedro Soler, one of the youngest brothers of the community, is shown kneeling.
On the left side of the composition are the three holy Massabki brothers. Francisco holds the shield of the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate, Blessed Mooti holds a palm, symbolizing martyrdom, and Blessed Rafael, the youngest, is depicted with his hands crossed, symbolizing his love for prayer.
Surrounding the main figures are the other Franciscan martyrs. Each has been depicted with a close resemblance to their actual features or to images of them created after their beatification in 1926. Their names are written in Latin, corresponding to each figure, adding both decoration and a liturgical feel, almost like a litany.
The background of the composition is sky-colored, while the lower part, based on 19th-century photographs, shows Damascus, the city of their martyrdom, which the holy martyrs now protect.
Damascus martyrs, Pray for us.
