The representative of Pope Francis, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, announced in Bkerke the beatification of Patriarch Estephan Doueihi amidst the ringing of bells from the patriarchal edifice. He stated, "Patriarch Estephan Doueihi from Ehden is called the Maronite Patriarch and shepherd of the East who led his people, writing the history of the persecuted and contributing to the salvation of the oppressed. Henceforth, he shall be known as Blessed."
The bells of the patriarchal edifice rang in joy at the announcement of Patriarch Doueihi as a new blessed Lebanese figure. The beatification celebration of Saint Patriarch Estephan Doueihi commenced at 8:30 PM in the patriarchal edifice in Bkerke, under the auspices of Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai, with the presence of numerous official, political, diplomatic, and spiritual figures, as well as a crowd of believers who gathered from all over Lebanon, raising prayers and seeking the intercession of the new Blessed of Lebanon amid the light of torches. Simultaneously, church bells across Lebanon rang in joy and celebration.
