In the deep wilderness east of Batroun, at the Monastery of Saint Joseph at Jrebta is buried the Blessed Sainte Rafqa. Surrounded with ancient trees, the monastery lies at the heart of a lonely region notable for its savage beauty. Sainte Rafqa was born on June 19, 1833. She entered the order of Maronite sisters at the age of 39, aspiring to total devotion to God. Her life was one of continual prayer; she asked to participate in Christ’s passion and this grace was accorded to her. Her calvary was to last 29 years and she died a saintly death in 1914 at age of 81. Buried in the shaded convent garden, her saintliness was quickly manifest. Her remains were moved to the tomb that still remains in the church and soon it became a place of pilgrimage.