St. Rafka, or Rafqa, was born in Lebanon in the year of 1832. She was the only child born to her parents and at the age of 6, her mother passed away. Her father re-married and Rafka did not get along with her stepmother. At 11, she got a job as a maid and at 14, told her father that she wished to become a nun. Her father objected and she joined the Order of the Immaculate Conception at the age of 21.
Later, when her order combined with another, she was given a choice to change. She joined the Order of Saint Anthony of Maronites and she prayed to be able to share in the suffering of Crist. She became blind and lame and for 30 years, she shared in the community to this capacity.
Prior to her death, she dictated her autobiography. In the midst of suffering from tuberculosis, she prayed for an hour of sight to be able to see Mother Ursula, her superior. Her wish was granted. After her death, miracles were reported from her intercession and she was canonized in 2001.
St. Rafta is the patron saint against sickness and for those who have lost parents. Her feast day is March 23.
