Sisters of the Cross – Brummana

History of the Convent

In 1950, Abouna Yaacoub bought a new land in Brummana, in the middle of which an old house existed, that housed an english company, run by the english pastor Daniel Oliver. This property has been only sold because its buyer was Abouna Yaacoub. But Pastor Oliver appreciated “Abouna”, as said the letter he sent to him, on his deathbed: “Your visit touched me so much, not because you have come a long way to see me – and I thank you for this attention – but for your spirit, and for the works that you accomplish… I ask you, dear friend, to pray for me».

Abouna Yaacoub dedicated the house of Brummana to Saint Elie, and transformed it into a school in order to improve the physical, mental and spiritual situation of the Lebanese girls, while he transformed the caretaker’s house into a church. Note that Saint Elie saved the life of Abouna Yaacoub twice: the first time when he miraculously survived a road accident in Antelias in 1892; and the second time when Saint Elie granted his request, saving him from the gallows in 1915.

The Convent today

The main building of the Convent was restored, before the priests settled there temporarily, waiting for the completion of the renovation works of the Hospice of Christ the King. As for the girls with social cases, who stayed a long time in Brummana, they were transferred to our school in Hrajel where they continued their studies, under the protection of the Sisters who accompanied them spiritually, educationally, physically and socially, to prepare them for a prosperous, secure and dignified future. Currently, the girls have left the Convent after completing their studies, but we – the Sisters of the Cross – are always willing to welcome girls with social cases who wish to spend their time with the Sisters.