Description

Oil Dedicated to Fathi Baladi

Fathi Baladi, 19, a member of the Greek-Melkite Church, was found dead in the car, riddled with bullets in 1980.

Born on 22 September 1961 in Beirut, enrolled at Alba, one of Lebanon’s foremost schools of fine arts, in the first year of architecture, Fathi Baladi found dead in Araya (east of Beirut), at the wheel of his car on 31 December 1980, outside the home of a university classmate where he used to go to study. Had shot several times at close range in the head and chest. The murder remains unsolved. Buried in the family vault in the Greek-Catholic convent of the Holy Saviour, in Sarba (Jounieh).

If a cause of beatification is starting, it is because after his death, various signs suggest that, despite his violent death, he died saintly. A few years after his death, in 1983, a book of documented testimonies published, attesting to the faith and virtues of a discreet but fervent believer. The war prevented the Synod of the Melkite Church from taking place; it expected to endorse efforts to document the young man’s life of holiness and complete his work.

Encouraged by continuous reports about graces obtained through the intercession of Fathi Baladi. Bishop Bustros finally decided to restart the process based on credible evidence. Father Boulos Azzi, who took charge of the case at the diocesan level. Is a great Maronite specialist of these procedures. And has already successfully completed the causes of many other Lebanese saints and blessed.

Later, Fathi Baladi’s sister, Gina, provided information on some of his letters and writings. As well as details about his childhood and his social and academic life.