Our Saints

Youssef (Joseph) Kassab was born in 1808 in the village of Hardine, North Lebanon, one of seven children to George Kassab
and Marium Raad. 

At the age of ten, Joseph was sent to Tannourine (a village near Hardine) to live with his grandfather Father Joseph Ra'ad, who was a pious parish priest, and to attend the school of Saint Anthony Haub, where he learned Arabic, mathematics and Syriac at an advanced level. Above all, he learned how to serve the Divine Liturgy, and assist by chanting the hymns and prayers for the dead. Every morning, he would accompany his grandfather to church and serve Mass. He would receive Holy Communion, recite the rosary and listen to his grandfather's sermon. The lives of saints and stories of the courage exhibited by martyrs held a special interest for him. 

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In 1823, at the age of 13, Joseph returned home to Hardine where he continued his religious devotion and spiritual activities. He also assisted with the housework and helped his father with manual labour. In Hardine, Father Mikhayel Tabet, the pastor of the village parish, became his spiritual guide. After serving the Divine Liturgy for him and receiving Communion, Joseph would remain and join in all the religious celebrations.