In Lebanon, a country currently torn by violence, a group of religious sisters are bringing hope and help. The Sisters of Our Lady of Good Help, located in Jabboulé, northern Beqaa, Lebanon, are a group of sisters from the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Though the convent only consists of 15 sisters, these sisters are making an impact through their help of the suffering Muslim people in Lebanon.

Currently, northern Lebanon experiences intense bombings. These acts of violence result in displacing hundreds of refugees. Most of these refugees are Shia Muslims, left with no homes or resources. However, the sisters provide a hopeful solution, welcoming more than 800 refugees into their convent’s grounds. Mother Joselyne Joumaa, the superior general of the congregation, explained the situation to charity organization Aid to the Church in Need.

Mother Joselyne Joumaa says, “Since the first night of the bombardment on September 23, there have been heavy raids in the vicinity of our monastery, and during the night dozens of people have rushed to take refuge in our monastery grounds. It has to be said that everyone around us is Muslim, and our mission is so well regarded and respected in the region that most people wanted to find safety under the cross of our bell tower. The sisters provide shelter, food, and daily supplies to the refugees. Also, the sisters have a school and orphanage on the grounds. Despite religious differences, the sisters welcome all people in need.

Mother Joselyne Joumaa adds, “With the help of God's grace, we have discovered that there is strength in unity, and we put ourselves wholeheartedly at the service of our brothers and sisters in humanity. We have certainly kept our hours of prayer intact, and so the hours of prayer in the chapel are the high point where we pray together for peace, but also where we each draw the strength to carry out our mission every day with patience, love and humility. Because, in the final analysis, this is our principal evangelization.”

Through their help, the sisters’ mission is to witness God’s love and mercy to the refugees and to show them that God will be their protector from fear.