On June 14, 2023, the Lord called to Himself Father Henri Boulad, a renowned Egyptian Jesuit who dedicated his life to defending Christians in the Near and Middle East and to initiating numerous projects for vulnerable populations.
This tireless defender of the underprivileged left an indelible mark on our world. His death in Cairo at the age of 91 marks the end of an era of unconditional dedication to the service of God and humanity.
Born in Alexandria on August 28, 1931, Henri Boulad was the third of four children in a family of Syrian origin living in Egypt. His family, who practiced the Greek-Melkite Byzantine Catholic rite, certainly played a role in shaping this future priest, Jesuit, mystic, philosopher, theologian, professor, psychologist, writer, and speaker.
It was at the age of 16 that Henri decided to dedicate his life to God and others. After a professional experience working for a spirits company, he entered the Jesuits at the age of 19. After his novitiate in Lebanon, he began higher studies in France, where he received a solid literary and philosophical formation. In addition to studying Latin, Greek, French, and English, he discovered theater, cinema, and the works of Blaise Pascal and Teilhard de Chardin.
Sent to Cairo in 1957, he worked as an educator at the Jesuit College and the Coptic-Catholic Seminary. In 1960, he returned to Lebanon to study theology in Beirut. He was ordained a priest in 1963, according to the Melkite rite.
In 1965, Father Boulad undertook a new cycle of studies in the United States. He studied mysticism at St. Robert’s Hall in Connecticut and earned a master's degree in psychology from the University of Chicago. During this period, he gave many retreats and lectures, both in Canada and the United States. Despite the promise of a brilliant future in North America, he chose to return to Egypt, which he wanted to "serve until his strength was exhausted."
Father Boulad never ceased to be a fervent defender of Eastern Christians, constantly warning the West about the dangers of Islamism, not only in the Middle East but also in the West. His insight and deep understanding of the political and religious situation in the Middle East made him a precious voice for those who are often voiceless. Furthermore, he was always engaged in projects for the underprivileged, whether Muslim or Christian, thus highlighting the fundamental Christian value of loving one's neighbor.
Through his hard work and dedication, Father Boulad embodied the Gospel message of love and compassion. He worked with Mother Teresa of Calcutta to help the poor in Egypt and Sudan, embracing lepers and involving young people in his action. For his life entirely dedicated to self-sacrifice, he received the French Cross of Officer of the Order of Merit.
Father Boulad left an indelible mark as a spiritual writer, with several of his books translated into Hungarian. In a private letter in 2007, he pleaded for Church reform with Pope Benedict XVI. However, after the letter was leaked, he apologized to the head of the Church. His dedication to the cause of spiritual reform is a testament to his commitment to a living and vibrant Christianity.
Some of His Books
Jesus of Nazareth – Who Are You? (For two millennia, the question of Jesus's identity has sparked sometimes heated debates. Even in His time, those who knew Christ wondered, as evidenced by this question Jesus asked His disciples: "Who do people say that I am?" The four conferences by Henri Boulad presented in this book offer an original and captivating reflection on the mystery of the person of Jesus and shed light on astonishing aspects of God's Revelation as manifested in His Son. Starting from the incarnation of Jesus, the culmination of God's self-emptying in His creation, the author leads us to consider the central place of Christ in history as well as His role as a unifying force for all humanity, and even the entire cosmos, into one perfect Man.)
Change the World (Our world, with the great challenges it must face, needs people who are both visionary and effective. Engaged mystics. Pragmatists sensitive to the "mystery." This work updates for the modern world the ancient wisdom that aims to combine action and contemplation. This new perspective on the world and on life illuminates our individual existence as much as our collective action in a fresh way. From mysticism to politics, there is only one step. This book takes it happily.)
The Church Facing Islam: Between Naivety and Lucidity (When Pope Francis can say: "There is no Islamic terrorism" and Bishop Podvin, spokesperson for the French bishops, asserts: "We must not demonize Islam," the faithful have reason to be concerned. Let us also cite Bishop Dagens: "We must be very careful not to demonize all jihadists," or the Dominican friar Adrien Candiard who states: "The Salafism promoted by Saudi Arabia is not violent." To the denial of reality and the benevolence commanded by the safeguarding of dialogue, is added misplaced relativism: "Some Muslims can be excessive, even fanatical," concedes Cardinal Vingt-Trois, "as some Catholics can be," he immediately adds. In the same spirit, Pope Francis declares: "If I speak of Islamic violence, I must speak of Catholic violence," putting radical Islamism and domestic violence on the same level... Joachim Véliocas here takes stock of fifty years of Islamic-Christian relations, tracing the sources of misunderstandings: chapels turned into mosques, mosques inaugurated in the presence of bishops, Catholic institutes adrift... The author, however, knows how to highlight the courageous positions of bishops and cardinals in the service of truth. A shocking book denouncing the errors of a Church in its blind defense of Islam.)
His YouTube Channel
Reflecting on the life of Father Boulad, we see a man who embodied Christ's call to love our neighbor as ourselves. He worked tirelessly to defend the oppressed, to give hope to those who needed it most, and to bring Christ's message of love to those who had not heard of Him. He is a source of inspiration for us all, reminding us that we are called to live our faith in an active and committed manner, not only in words but above all in deeds.
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The life of Father Boulad is a light that will continue to shine in our hearts. As faithful Catholics, let us give thanks to God for the life of this humble and courageous man who lived according to the Gospel. Let us pray for the eternal rest of his soul and ask God to grant us the grace to follow his example of dedication and love for humanity.
May Father Henri Boulad rest in peace in the eternal glory of the risen Christ. Amen.