The Ain Warka Monastery is situated in the valley of the Ghosta village, approximately 20 km northeast of Beirut. It was inaugurated in 1798 by the Maronite Patriarch Estéphan Douheiy and was dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great. Some speculate that the initial construction, carried out by Maronite monks, can be traced back to the 13th century.
In 1889, Patriarch Youssef ESTEPHAN envisioned transforming the establishment into a school, catering to both religious individuals and civilians. However, the school closed its doors in 1952.
One of the priests who received training within this institution initiated a social endeavor for young Lebanese girls in 1956. This priest subsequently founded the Missionary Sisters of the Very Holy Sacrament congregation in 1966.
Today, the Sisters graciously welcome visitors who come to explore the monastery. This location has now become a significant landmark on the map of religious tourism in Lebanon.
