Agnes Mariam of the Cross

Overview

Agnes Mariam of the Cross (née Mary Fadia Laham) born Jounieh, Lebanon December 23, 1951. Mother superior of Monastery of St. James the Mutilated, Qâra, Syria. Led restoration of St. James the Mutilated, 1994. Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize by Mairead Maguire in recognition of her work leading the Mussalaha (“Reconciliation”) movement, dedicated to finding a peaceful resolution to the Syrian civil war, 2014.

Quotations

"A new coalition of people can forgive one another and walk hand in hand to negotiate reconciliation among Syrians." (National Catholic Reporter, Nov. 13, 2013)

“We are sure that this path for peace is first of all domestic, between Syrians and Syrians. Stop the foreign interference, stop fueling weapons and fighters, stop the chain of hatred and radicalization is the path. Avoid pouring oil on the fire is the path. To forgive is the path and to enter in the dynamic of reconciliation is the path.” (to UN Human Rights Council, June 7, 2013; photo catholicnewsagency.com)