From Qannoubine Valley, Where the Mist Turns to Incense... A Historic Event
I do not know what binds me to this vale, even before I knew its tale. Perhaps it is the story of all who have set foot here, leaving with a heart weighed down by reverence, immersed in peace, and glorifying the Creator and His creation.
True, wherever we wander through this land, across its towering mountains and deep valleys, we cannot escape the wonder that greets us at every turn—masterpieces painted by the hand of the Divine. Yet here, in the depths of Qannoubine Valley, this wonder transcends reason, touching the subconscious and the very core of the soul. It carries the spirit on a journey of mysticism and solitude, drawing it closer to its Creator, seeking the light, and filling it with a peace unknown to existence—borne from a place beyond existence, yet the essence of all existence since the dawn of time.
A Sacred Presence Amidst Majestic Cliffs
Is it the awe of its towering cliffs and mighty peaks, or the depth of its valleys and their solemn reverence? Perhaps it is His Divine presence, unveiling itself at every dawn and sunset, as if sprinkling incense through the forgotten paths of the valley. Its sacred fragrance lingers, blessing His endless gifts and whispering the stories of the faithful. Their devotion and testimonies, etched upon the rocks, remain an unceasing prayer, a reverence that time cannot erase.
And this region was among the first to receive Christianity from Jerusalem, carrying with it a Jerusalem of its own, as Father Hani Tawk explained. From the "Summit of the Martyrs" (Qornet El Sawda) to the Jabal Makmel Mountain, crowned with cedars consecrated to the Lord, and passing through the shrines of saints along the valley’s edge and within its depths, the path leads to Our Lady of the Fortress in Ehden. This sacred Jerusalem of theirs also bore the price of faith, enduring persecution and martyrdom across the ages. Qadisha Valley and its caves became both refuge and sanctuary, remaining impenetrable until the Mamluks’ invasion in 1283, when most of the region’s inhabitants were martyred.
A Timeless Pilgrimage: Faith and Heritage in Qannoubine Valley
What place could be more fitting than this sacred valley to lift our prayers to Our Mother, the Virgin, on the first day of her blessed month? And is there any better way to honor her than by reviving the traditions of our ancestors and preserving this heritage from generation to generation? With this in mind, the youth of Pope John Paul II saw it fit to pay tribute to the Virgin at the start of her month with a spiritual gathering, bringing together more than fifteen villages nestled along the shoulders of Qadisha Valley—villages whose very roots trace back to this hallowed land.
Qannoubine Valley: A Sanctuary of Natural and Spiritual Richness
Qadisha Valley is located in the Bsharri district of northern Lebanon and is considered one of the deepest valleys, rising 1,500 meters above sea level and stretching 121 kilometers from Beirut. It is divided into two sections: one extending toward Ehden, known as Qozhaya Valley, and the other leading to the Cedars, known as Qannoubine Valley—the Valley of Saints—through which the Qadisha River flows. The name "Qadisha" is derived from Semitic roots, meaning "sacred."
Renowned for its breathtaking wilderness, the valley is home to over 900 species of trees and plants, making it a sanctuary of natural and spiritual beauty.
The Legacy of Clan Jean Paul II
The Pope John Paul II Youth group was founded in 2015 by Father Raymond Abdo, the regional superior of the Carmelite Order. Inspired by the life of Pope John Paul II—who was deeply passionate about nature, hiking, and outdoor activities—the group embraces his vision of bringing young people together to appreciate nature and glorify its Creator.
This spiritual movement organizes various faith-driven activities, including pilgrimages along the Paths of the Saints, such as the Saint Charbel Trail, the Hardini Trail, and the Saint Marina Trail, with upcoming additions like the Father Jacob and Brother Estefan Trails. On the feast day of each saint, members carry the offerings of the Eucharist—bread, wine, and water—on foot from the saint’s home to their shrine, preserving a tradition of devotion and gratitude.
One of these sacred walks is dedicated to Saint Rafqa’s feast day, while the most recent pilgrimage took place in Qannoubine Valley, an initiative conceptualized and championed by Brother Anthony Hanna.
Reviving the Pilgrimage: Sacred Routes of Qannoubine Valley
On the first of May, through the dedicated efforts of the Pope John Paul II Youth and in collaboration with the bishop of the diocese, an ancient tradition—dating back over a thousand years yet dormant for more than two centuries—was revived. This historic event, a true Marian celebration, saw parishioners from over fifteen villages along the valley’s edge, from all generations, descending into Qadisha Valley.
Following the ancient paths of the saints, they embarked on a four-stage pilgrimage, chanting hymns and praying the Rosary. Each stage of the journey carried a symbolic offering, culminating in the grand celebration of the Holy Mass, marking a momentous return to a tradition deeply rooted in faith and heritage.
A Sacred Gathering at Our Lady of Qannoubine
The pilgrimage culminated at Our Lady of Qannoubine Monastery at precisely 1:00 PM, marked by the solemn ringing of the monastery bells. The faithful gathered for the Divine Liturgy, followed by the final decade of the Rosary, prayed in unison during the procession of the icon of Our Lady of Qannoubine.
I had the privilege of live-streaming this historic event on my Instagram and Facebook pages. You can revisit the journey anytime through my Instagram Story Highlights and Facebook Story Highlights, preserving the essence of this sacred tradition.
A Tribute to Faith and Dedication
In the end, I can only express my deep respect for the Pope John Paul II Youth and those who guide them, for their unwavering efforts in bringing young people together to glorify the name of the Lord in the heart of nature. May their prayers, rising from the depths of the Valley of Saints, unite with the prayers of our people, leading Lebanon to the shores of peace and safety.
I leave you with the image that Qadisha Valley bestowed upon us as we departed—a silent yet resounding cry that lingers eternally:
"Do not be afraid, I am with you..."
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