Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
The Maronite Voice A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA Volume II Issue No. 7 July 2006 A Reflection on Fathers and on Saint Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus and respectful spouse of the Virgin Mary is also called “patron of the Church,” “friend of open hearts,” great “helper for men,” and “patron of a happy death.” Yet, before reflecting on these titles of Saint Joseph, I’d like to reflect on the four tasks of fatherhood. Fatherhood The first important task of a father is to love his children. He is an image of God for them, and so all that he does can either help them grow into loving persons, or because of selfish or dominant desires, harm their development. A father desires the best for his children, and sacrifices for this. Heimposes rules for the home that are fair and which advance the common and individual good. He helps each person discern his/her vocation from God so as to find themselves and their relationship with God. The second important task of a father is to love his children’s mother. An old man who successfully raised a happy and healthy family of seven was asked what was his secret. He answered clearly and affectionately, “I loved their mother.” This secret is really no secret at all. If fathers want their children to respect women, to respect themselves, to respect the vocation of marriage, and to love and respect God, he must also show this love and respect to the one whom God has given to him as a spouse, and with whom God has given him children. The third task of a father is to provide for his family. This is not easy, because there are many difficulties associated with work. A father has to work long hours, work with people that he may not like, put up with difficult working conditions, his work may be unstable, and his pay less than he deserves. These are among the many pressures on a man to provide well for his family. Thus, all of us must do our best to support and strengthen a father as he attempts to provide for his family. The fourth important task of the father is that he must protect his wife and children. He must put them first, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. At times he must defend their honor and dignity. He must also love them and advise them in such a way that keeps them from the temptations, the vulnerabilities, and the dangers of society. He must, like Christ, lay down his life for them. A good example and intercessor for the good Father is Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph, Patron of the Church, Great Helper for Man Ap s y c h o l o g i s t o n c e commented that Joseph’s respect and reverence, as well as his strong, attentive and loving involvement for a wife not his own, and a son not his own, was the primary human reason why Jesus could preach and live a life of unconditional and sacrificial love. The positive way that Joseph was a father and a husband made possible much of the inner strength and freedom that Jesus possessed. He was able to live in this world of many troubles without a paralyzing fear; and in His human nature, Jesus freely expressed a deep and yet chaste love for others, and a beautiful confidence. (Continues on Page 20)
- Page 2 and 3: Schedule of Bishop Robert Shaheen J
- Page 4 and 5: Anaheim Young Adults Share Spiritua
- Page 6 and 7: THE ORDER OF SAINT SHARBEL The Anto
- Page 8 and 9: Thanksgiving and Farewell Boston, M
- Page 10 and 11: Truth Or Fiction? by Bishop Gregory
- Page 12 and 13: Busy Season At St. George Church Un
- Page 14 and 15: First Holy Communion in The Maronit
- Page 16 and 17: First Holy Communion in The Maronit
- Page 18 and 19: St. Anthony Maronite Church Glen Al
- Page 20: The Maronite Voice St. Anthony’s
The<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong><br />
A Publication <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in the USA<br />
Volume II Issue No. 7 July 2006<br />
A Reflection on Fathers and on <strong>Saint</strong> Joseph, Foster Father <strong>of</strong> Jesus<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Joseph, foster father <strong>of</strong><br />
Jesus and respectful spouse<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Virgin Mary is also<br />
called “patron <strong>of</strong> the Church,”<br />
“friend <strong>of</strong> open hearts,” great<br />
“helper for men,” and “patron <strong>of</strong> a<br />
happy death.” Yet, before<br />
reflecting on these titles <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Joseph, I’d like to reflect on the<br />
four tasks <strong>of</strong> fatherhood.<br />
Fatherhood<br />
The first important task <strong>of</strong> a father<br />
is to love his children. He is an<br />
image <strong>of</strong> God for them, and so all<br />
that he does can either help them<br />
grow into loving persons, or<br />
because <strong>of</strong> selfish or dominant<br />
desires, harm their development.<br />
A father desires the best for his<br />
children, and sacrifices for this.<br />
Heimposes rules for the home that<br />
are fair and which advance the<br />
common and individual good. He<br />
helps each person discern his/her<br />
vocation from God so as to find<br />
themselves and their relationship<br />
with God.<br />
The second important task <strong>of</strong><br />
a father is to love his children’s<br />
mother. An old man who<br />
successfully raised a happy and<br />
healthy family <strong>of</strong> seven was asked<br />
what was his secret. He answered<br />
clearly and affectionately, “I loved their<br />
mother.” This secret is really no secret<br />
at all. If fathers want their children to<br />
respect women, to respect themselves,<br />
to respect the vocation <strong>of</strong> marriage, and<br />
to love and respect God, he must also<br />
show this love and respect to the one<br />
whom God has given to him as a<br />
spouse, and with whom God has given<br />
him children.<br />
The third task <strong>of</strong> a father is to<br />
provide for his family. This is not easy,<br />
because there are many difficulties<br />
associated with work. A father has to<br />
work long hours, work with people that<br />
he may not like, put up with difficult<br />
working conditions, his work may be<br />
unstable, and his pay less than he<br />
deserves. These are among the many<br />
pressures on a man to provide well for<br />
his family. Thus, all <strong>of</strong> us must do our<br />
best to support and strengthen a father<br />
as he attempts to provide for his family.<br />
The fourth important task <strong>of</strong> the<br />
father is that he must protect his<br />
wife and children. He must put<br />
them first, emotionally, socially,<br />
and spiritually. At times he must<br />
defend their honor and dignity. He<br />
must also love them and advise<br />
them in such a way that keeps them<br />
from the temptations, the<br />
vulnerabilities, and the dangers <strong>of</strong><br />
society. He must, like Christ, lay<br />
down his life for them.<br />
A good example and<br />
intercessor for the good Father is<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Joseph.<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Joseph, Patron<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Church, Great<br />
Helper for Man<br />
Ap s y c h o l o g i s t o n c e<br />
commented that Joseph’s<br />
respect and reverence, as<br />
well as his strong, attentive and<br />
loving involvement for a wife not<br />
his own, and a son not his own, was<br />
the primary human reason why<br />
Jesus could preach and live a life <strong>of</strong><br />
unconditional and sacrificial love.<br />
The positive way that Joseph was a<br />
father and a husband made possible<br />
much <strong>of</strong> the inner strength and<br />
freedom that Jesus possessed. He<br />
was able to live in this world <strong>of</strong><br />
many troubles without a paralyzing<br />
fear; and in His human nature, Jesus<br />
freely expressed a deep and yet chaste<br />
love for others, and a beautiful<br />
confidence.<br />
(Continues on Page 20)
Schedule <strong>of</strong> Bishop Robert Shaheen<br />
June 28-July 2, 2006<br />
Pastoral visit <strong>of</strong> His Beatitude Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir to the<br />
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.<br />
July 3-9, 2006<br />
Annual Clergy Conference and NAM Convention, Chicago, Ill.<br />
July 10-12, 2006<br />
St. <strong>Maron</strong> Church, Detroit and St. Sharbel Church, Warren, Mich.<br />
August 12, 2006<br />
Ordination <strong>of</strong> Deacon Tom Craven to priesthood, St. <strong>Maron</strong>, Youngstown, Oh.<br />
August 13 -15, 2006<br />
Annual Pilgrimage, National Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, North Jackson,<br />
Oh.<br />
August 20, 2006<br />
Anniversary Liturgy, Danbury, Conn.<br />
Schedule <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gregory Mansour<br />
June 28-July 2, 2006<br />
St. Louis, Mo., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit<br />
July 3-9, 2006<br />
Annual Clergy Conference and NAM Convention, Chicago, Ill.<br />
July 12-13, 2006<br />
St. Anthony Church, Lawrence, Mass., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit<br />
July 14-17, 2006<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit<br />
July 20- 21 , 2006<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Youth Organization (MYO) Retreat, Youngstown, Oh.<br />
July 30, 2006<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church, Easton, Penn., celebration in honor <strong>of</strong> Msgr.<br />
Sami Hayek for his years <strong>of</strong> priestly services<br />
August 4, 2006<br />
Raleigh, N. C., Installation <strong>of</strong> Bishop Burbidge<br />
August 5, 2006<br />
Ordination <strong>of</strong> Subdeacon Dominique Hanna to the Order <strong>of</strong> Deacon, St.<br />
Anthony Church, Glen Allen (Richmond), Va.<br />
August 12, 2006<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Victory Church, Pittsburgh, Penn.<br />
August 13, 2006<br />
St. George Church, Uniontown, Penn.<br />
August 14-15, 2006<br />
Feast <strong>of</strong> the Assumption, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Shrine, North Jackson, Oh.<br />
August 27, 2006<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y. <br />
Summer Break<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> wishes its readers an enjoyable, safe and God-filled summer.<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> will not be published in August. It will appear again in<br />
September. The deadline for the September issue is August 25, 2006. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong><br />
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Glen Allen, VA 23060<br />
Phone: 804/270-7234<br />
Fax: 804/273-9914<br />
E-Mail: gmsebaali@aol.com<br />
http://www.stmaron.org<br />
http://www.usamaronite.org<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>, (ISSN 1080-<br />
9880) the <strong>of</strong>ficial newsletter <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in the U.S.A.<br />
(<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> OurLady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon <strong>of</strong><br />
Los Angeles and <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><br />
<strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>), is published<br />
monthly.<br />
Send all changes <strong>of</strong> address, news,<br />
p i c t u r e s a n d p e r s o n a l<br />
correspondence to The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
<strong>Voice</strong> at the above captioned<br />
address. Subscription rates are<br />
$20.00 per year. Advertising rates<br />
are available upon request.<br />
Publishers<br />
• Most Reverend Bishop Robert<br />
Joseph Shaheen<br />
• Most Reverend Bishop Gregory<br />
John Mansour<br />
Editor Msgr. George M. Sebaali<br />
Consultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,<br />
M.L.M.<br />
Editing and pro<strong>of</strong>reading<br />
Mary Shaia<br />
Anne- Marie Condlin<br />
Michael Maynes<br />
Printed in Richmond, Virginia.<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Census<br />
Register your family in the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Census<br />
www.maronitecensus.net<br />
email: usa@maronitecensus.net<br />
or call<br />
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Brooklyn</strong><br />
at 1-718-237-9913<br />
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Lebanon<br />
at 1-314-231-1021<br />
Leave your name and address and<br />
you will receive the Census form<br />
by mail.<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 2 July 2006
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Shrine<br />
North Jackson, Ohio<br />
41 st Assumption Pilgrimage<br />
August 13 – 15, 2006<br />
marks the 41 st Pilgrimage<br />
to the National Shrine <strong>of</strong><br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon in North<br />
Jackson, Ohio. “The years have<br />
passed quickly and many<br />
visitors and pilgrims have come<br />
to Mary’s home for many<br />
reasons. All have left with<br />
God’s blessings and graces,”<br />
said Monsignor Anthony S.<br />
Spinosa, Rector.<br />
Pilgrimage Schedule<br />
On Sunday, August 13, 2006<br />
ReverendAndrew Kolitsos <strong>of</strong> St. George RomanianCatholic<br />
Cathedral will celebrate “Parakleses to The Mother <strong>of</strong> God”<br />
at 4:00pm. The Most Reverend Basil M. Schott, O.F.M.,<br />
Metropolitan Archbishop for the Byzantine Catholic Diocese<br />
<strong>of</strong> Pittsburgh, Penn., will celebrate at 7:00pm an evening<br />
Byzantine Rite Liturgy followed by a candlelight procession.<br />
On Monday, August 14, 2006, from noon until 4:00pm<br />
there will be Hayrides to Martyr Trail; Rosary on the hour<br />
from 1:00 until 6:00pm; Childrens activities from 2:00 until<br />
5:00pm and <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Vespers chanted by the Antonine<br />
Sisters at 4:00pm. Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, Vicar<br />
General <strong>of</strong> the Diocese <strong>of</strong> Youngstown, Ohio, will celebrate<br />
at 7:00pm an evening Roman Rite Liturgy followed by a<br />
candlelight procession.<br />
On Tuesday, August 15, 2006, (Feast <strong>of</strong> the Assumption),<br />
additional liturgies during the day are scheduled. From Noon<br />
until 4:00pm there will be Hayrides to Martyr Trail; Rosary<br />
onthe hour from 1:00 until 6:00pm; Childrens activities from<br />
2:00 until 5:00pm; <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Vespers chanted by the<br />
AntonineSisters at 4:00pm and Confessions. His Excellency<br />
Gregory John Mansour, Bishop <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><br />
<strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, will celebrate the Noon Liturgy followed<br />
by the blessing <strong>of</strong> the sick. Bishops Robert J. Shaheen and<br />
Gregory J. Mansour will celebrate at 7:00pm an evening<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Rite Pontifical Liturgy followed by candlelight<br />
procession.<br />
The Cedars Dining Hall will be open all three days from<br />
11:00am until 11:00pm with many varieties <strong>of</strong> ethnic foods<br />
and deserts.<br />
The National Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon is located at<br />
2759 North Lipkey Road in North Jackson, Ohio. For further<br />
information on the Shrine call (330)-538-3351 or by email<br />
info@ourlady<strong>of</strong>lebanonshrine.org or website<br />
www.ourlady<strong>of</strong>lebanonshrine.org. <br />
Altar Servers Team Building and<br />
Appreciation Event<br />
Houston, Texas<br />
Group photo <strong>of</strong> the altar servers with (left to right) Assistant<br />
PastorFr. André Estephan, Altar Server Program Coordinator<br />
Alberto Tohmé, and Fr. Milad Yaghi after the First Annual<br />
Soccer Match event.<br />
by Alberto G. Tohmé<br />
The energetic altar servers at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church in Houston, Texas, worked very hard<br />
to serve the liturgies throughout the past year. The altar<br />
server program has grown to include over twenty dedicated<br />
members ranging in age from eight to fifteen years old. Altar<br />
service duties are scheduled on a rotational basis to provide<br />
everyone a chance to serve and to ease the burden on parents<br />
and children alike. More <strong>of</strong>ten than not, however, these<br />
children show great personal initiative by volunteering to<br />
serve masses as needed outside <strong>of</strong> regularly scheduled dates.<br />
To encourage team building, show appreciation to the<br />
altar servers, and just plain have fun, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the cedars<br />
Church organized a First Annual Altar Server Soccer Match<br />
followed by a pizza and ice cream party and appreciation<br />
gifts. The soccer match event was a huge success. Despite<br />
the stifling 90+ degree temperature, humidity just as high,<br />
and scattered rain showers that drenched and steamed up the<br />
playing field, the children (and parents alike) had lots <strong>of</strong> fun.<br />
Fr. André Estephan,Assistant Pastor,demonstrated hissoccer<br />
skills by helping his team score multiple goals. A pizza and<br />
ice cream party followed the match. Caps and shirts<br />
embroidered with the church building logo were <strong>of</strong>fered to all<br />
the children. Frs. André and Milad Yaghi, Pastor, thanked all<br />
the kids and wrapped up the event on a high “team spirit”<br />
note.<br />
This event was a great way to end the academic year for<br />
the children. Children and parents alike voiced their strong<br />
interest in having a similar event in the fall to kick <strong>of</strong>f the<br />
next academic year. And the priests better sharpen their<br />
soccer skills! <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 3 July 2006
Anaheim Young Adults Share Spiritual Awakening Over Email<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Young Adult<br />
Association (MYAA) <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><br />
John <strong>Maron</strong> Church in Anaheim,<br />
California, held a premier spiritual<br />
retreat for its members on April 28-30,<br />
2006. The group rented a large cabin in<br />
the mountains which served as a safe<br />
haven for those who wished to attend.<br />
Approximately two dozen young<br />
adults were present, all with different<br />
expectations ranging from fun activities<br />
to spiritual clarity. Some were unsure<br />
about what to expect as this was the<br />
first spiritual retreat for the majority.<br />
What in fact occurred that weekend<br />
between the young adults and the<br />
clergy was truly a spiritual experience<br />
that has had a residual effect on the<br />
entire group, including those not<br />
present. Since then, the entire<br />
experience has been documented via<br />
recurring daily emails. Apparently, the<br />
spiritual retreat, expected to only last<br />
one weekend, has spilled over to what<br />
many members hope to be for the rest<br />
<strong>of</strong> their lives, citing that they were<br />
forever bonded through their<br />
connection to the Lord. One young<br />
adult noted to the group via email that<br />
“[I hope] this feeling continues to grow<br />
and spread through all the young adults<br />
and our entire church community.”<br />
The MYAA had not participated in<br />
a spiritual retreat for a few years.<br />
However, with the arrival <strong>of</strong> Father<br />
Gaby Hoyek from Lebanon, came the<br />
revival <strong>of</strong> the MYAA and spiritual<br />
retreats. With the consent and support<br />
<strong>of</strong> Father Tony Bakh, presiding priest<br />
at <strong>Saint</strong> John <strong>Maron</strong> Church, Father<br />
Gaby Hoyek escorted the young adults<br />
to the mountains with hopes <strong>of</strong> bringing<br />
the MYAA members closer to each<br />
other and to the Lord. Accompanying<br />
Father Tony and Father Gaby’s insight<br />
to aiding the youth, Father Nabil<br />
Mouannes from <strong>Saint</strong> Ephrem in San<br />
Diego drove over two and a half hours<br />
each way to attend a portion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
retreat. From the onset, the retreat was<br />
fully supported by the clergy, leaving<br />
the young adults with the impression<br />
that what awaited them was something<br />
far more exciting than the fun preplanned<br />
activities.<br />
According to the emails wherein<br />
virtually all two dozen members have<br />
routinely participated in circulating, all<br />
<strong>of</strong> the attendees, enraptured by the Holy<br />
Spirit, learned to love and accept each<br />
other as brothersand sisters <strong>of</strong> the Lord.<br />
During one particular night, all <strong>of</strong> the<br />
members were circled around Father<br />
Gaby Hoyek. Throughout the lecture,<br />
the entire group started to embrace the<br />
teachings <strong>of</strong> our Lord and Savior Jesus<br />
Christ, and one by one their tears<br />
started to fall to the floor. After a<br />
seemingly religious silence, the group<br />
members started hugging each other,<br />
and referring to each other as brother<br />
and sister. That same evening, after all<br />
the successes that had already past, one<br />
member indicated that he had yet to<br />
receive his first communion. In a<br />
glorious but simple ceremony, Father<br />
Gaby Hoyek administered to Ron<br />
Trabousli his First Holy Communion.<br />
The spiritual retreat deeply touched the<br />
souls <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> the MYAA members who<br />
were in attendance, and those who read<br />
the subsequent emails (one <strong>of</strong> whom<br />
was so inspired felt that it should be<br />
shared with the entire community in the<br />
form <strong>of</strong> an article).<br />
The day after the conclusion <strong>of</strong> the<br />
retreat, members started sharing their<br />
own personal experiences via email,<br />
and confessing their renewed love for<br />
the Church and their brethren. Many<br />
emails congratulated Ron on receiving<br />
his first communion, sharing that they<br />
were honored to take part in such a<br />
religious experience. After reading the<br />
outpour <strong>of</strong> emails, Ron Traboulsi<br />
commented: “Not only did my First<br />
Communion bring me closer to God,<br />
but I'm happy to know that it has<br />
brought all <strong>of</strong> us closer to one another<br />
and to show how much we care for each<br />
other.”<br />
After reading all <strong>of</strong> the emails,<br />
Father Tony sent out a mass<br />
correspondence to all the members <strong>of</strong><br />
the MYAA advising that, “The next<br />
step is for the club to gain stamina<br />
through the day-to-day trialsthat pull us<br />
down. (I am speaking relationally, not<br />
in terms <strong>of</strong> activities.) This is the<br />
hardest part. Once there is continued<br />
inner strength and stability, the club can<br />
take part in activities that can motivate<br />
the rest <strong>of</strong> the parish. My most<br />
immediate concern is outreach to other<br />
young adults who do not come to<br />
church or feel apart from everyone<br />
else.” He appropriately ended his email<br />
with “I love you all.”<br />
As for the MYAA, nothing has<br />
changed in the weeks that have past.<br />
The energy and closeness between the<br />
group continues to grow and has<br />
manifested many friendships and even<br />
attracted newcomers, and members that<br />
had stopped coming to church. In fact,<br />
the President <strong>of</strong> the MYAA, Abdo<br />
Coury, has kept the fire burning by<br />
constantly planning meetings, bible<br />
studies, helping with the kid’s club,<br />
luncheons, and social events ever since.<br />
Abir Coury, who was at the retreat,<br />
summed up the overall experience by<br />
noting that the retreat demonstrated the<br />
work <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit that created an<br />
“Amazing bond that united us and<br />
brought us up to a new spiritual level.<br />
The connection born in us that day will<br />
never be broken. Each one <strong>of</strong> us found<br />
in the MYAA a new family for them.”<br />
The MYAA wishes to thank Father<br />
Tony Bakh, Father Gaby Hoyek, and<br />
Father Nabil Mouannes for all their<br />
support and assistance in helping the<br />
MYAA members bond socially and<br />
spiritually. Their unrelentingdedication<br />
to the youth has contributed to the<br />
familial bond that now exists between<br />
all the MYAA members. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 4 July 2006
St. Anthony’s Lebanese Food<br />
Festival Sets New Record<br />
Glen Allen, Virginia<br />
The<br />
22 nd<br />
a n n u a l<br />
Lebanese<br />
Food Festival<br />
held by St.<br />
A n t h o n y ’ s<br />
C h u r c h i n<br />
Glen Allen,<br />
Va., broke all<br />
r e c o r d s –<br />
becoming what<br />
o n e n e w s<br />
account called<br />
“Richmond’s<br />
biggest picnic”<br />
a n d i t i s<br />
certainly now<br />
one <strong>of</strong> Central<br />
V i r g i n i a ’ s<br />
largest ethnic<br />
festivals.<br />
A crowd<br />
o f n e a r l y<br />
23,000 people<br />
attended the<br />
t h r e e - d a y<br />
event, which<br />
was held May<br />
19-21, 2006 at<br />
St. Anthony’s<br />
Approximately 7,000 shawirma and falafel<br />
sandwiches were sold at the 22 nd annual St.<br />
Anthony’s Lebanese Festival.<br />
15-acre complex in Richmond’s westernsuburbs. The festival<br />
featured a wide variety <strong>of</strong> food, desserts and beverages as<br />
well as live Lebanese music and dancing.<br />
“The festival requires a lot <strong>of</strong> work on everyone’s part,”<br />
said Monsignor George Sebaali, St. Anthony’s pastor. “But<br />
fortunately, it is a labor <strong>of</strong> love. We love working together to<br />
build our parish community and welove sharing our foodand<br />
culture with everyone.”<br />
Preparations for the festival begin each year in February,<br />
when organizing meetings occur. Shortly after that, cooking<br />
begins two days a week. Volunteers from the 200-family<br />
parish also work on other preparations, such as lining up<br />
tents, lighting, seating and other items as well as publicity.<br />
During the week before the festival, preparations occur<br />
almost around the clock.<br />
About 130 dancers from age three on up participated in<br />
the festival, performing all three days. They rehearsed weekly<br />
for three months to get ready for the festival<br />
Other parish members comprised the two musical groups<br />
that performed traditional music.<br />
This year’s festival benefitted from three days <strong>of</strong> perfect<br />
weather as well as a growing tradition among Richmonders<br />
to attend the event. “The first event drew just 500 people, but<br />
word-<strong>of</strong>-mouth from happy attendees and an advertising<br />
campaign have caused the festival to grow each year” said<br />
Sandra Brown. Many attendees proudly proclaim that they<br />
attend all three days.<br />
Diners had a choice <strong>of</strong> either ala carte items sold at<br />
booths on the church grounds or a full dinner served in the<br />
social hall. Business was brisk all around. For example,<br />
approximately 7,000 shawirma and falafel sandwiches were<br />
sold.<br />
The event is held traditionally the weekend after<br />
Mother’s Day, so the dates for next year’s festival are already<br />
set – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18-20, 2007. <br />
Lebanese Culture celebrated in<br />
San Antonio, Texas<br />
St. George’s dance troupe performs at the Texas Folklife<br />
Festival sponsored by the University <strong>of</strong> Texas Institute <strong>of</strong><br />
Texan Cultures <strong>of</strong> San Antonio, Texas.<br />
For the past thirty-five years the parishioners and friends<br />
<strong>of</strong> St. George <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church in San Antonio, Texas,<br />
have been participating in the Texas Folklife Festival<br />
sponsored by the University <strong>of</strong> Texas Institute <strong>of</strong> Texan<br />
Cultures <strong>of</strong> San Antonio. The event, this year June 8-11,<br />
celebrates the various cultures <strong>of</strong> those ethnic groups who<br />
have settled in Texas through the showcasing <strong>of</strong> authentic<br />
foods, entertainment, and arts and crafts.<br />
Representing the rich and beautiful culture <strong>of</strong> Lebanon,<br />
St. George gave the public a taste <strong>of</strong> the old country by<br />
selling Lebanese food and pastries. But it is not just the<br />
delicious food or the famous Middle Eastern hospitality that<br />
keeps people coming year after year, it’s also our dancers.<br />
The Lebanese Folk and Mediterranean dancers under the<br />
joint direction <strong>of</strong> Mrs. Deborah Mery Fernandez and her<br />
daughter Yazmeen delight the standing room only crowds<br />
with breath-taking performances. The Troupe has been<br />
delighting crowds for over forty years with “an exiting<br />
tradition <strong>of</strong> combining the ageless culture and charm <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Mediterranean with the energy and spirit <strong>of</strong> modern-day San<br />
Antonio.” <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 5 July 2006
THE ORDER<br />
OF<br />
SAINT SHARBEL<br />
The Antonine Sisters Celebrate The Graduation<br />
<strong>of</strong> Two <strong>of</strong> Its Members<br />
NEW MEMBERS<br />
Perpetual Members<br />
Fr. Paul Mooradd<br />
St. Anthony Church,<br />
Danbury, Conn.<br />
Annual Members<br />
Timothy and Donna Marie<br />
Gamma<br />
St. Raymond Cathedral,<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Louis, Mo.<br />
***<br />
The Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel is an<br />
organization <strong>of</strong> lay people and<br />
clergy who have pledged their<br />
spiritual strength and financial<br />
support for Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Seminary and the retired <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
clergy <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies<br />
in the USA.<br />
For more information about the<br />
Order, ask your pastor or write to<br />
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong><br />
Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel<br />
109 Remsen Street<br />
<strong>Brooklyn</strong>, NY 11201<br />
Or<br />
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel<br />
1021 South Street<br />
St. Louis, MO 63104<br />
Left to right: Sr. Marie Madeleine Iskandar, Sr. Nisrine El-Najjar, Sr. Judith<br />
Haroun, and Sr. Grace Azoury.<br />
by Sr. Celine Nohra, A.S.<br />
On May 21, 2006, the Antonine Sisters’ Community in Youngstown, Ohio,<br />
was pleased to have an open house in honor <strong>of</strong> Sr. Grace Azoury and Sr.<br />
Nisrine El-Najjar. Sr. Grace graduated with a Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Science in<br />
Nursing from Youngstown State University and Sr. Nisrine with a Master’s Degree<br />
in Educational Administration from Ursuline College. They both graduated with<br />
honors.<br />
Priests, sisters, friends, neighbors, teachers and co-workers all gathered on that<br />
beautiful Sunday to celebrate the graduation <strong>of</strong> both Sisters while savoring a<br />
delicious meal prepared especially for the occasion. Also, the presence <strong>of</strong> Sr. Judith<br />
Haroun, Major Superior added to the beauty <strong>of</strong> the celebration. Sr. Judith traveled<br />
from Lebanon for the occasion and visited with the nuns for few weeks.<br />
Congratulations to all the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> graduates <strong>of</strong> 2006 as well. <br />
Chorbishop Joseph<br />
Abi-Nader Celebrates<br />
His 58 th Anniversary<br />
On June 28, 2006, Chorbishop<br />
Joseph Abi-Nader celebrated his<br />
58 th anniversary <strong>of</strong> priesthood.<br />
His Excellency Bishop Gregory J.<br />
Mansour joins the clergy and faithful <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong><br />
in extending heartfelt congratulations to<br />
Chorbishop Abi-Nader and the promise<br />
<strong>of</strong> our prayers. May the Almighty God<br />
grant him much peace, health and<br />
happiness. <br />
Chorbishop Joseph Abi-Nader with<br />
Bishop Gregory Mansour.<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 6 July 2006
Dinner Reception in Honor <strong>of</strong><br />
Father Larry Jensen<br />
Danbury, Conn.<br />
Danny Jowdy, representing Mayor Boughton and the city <strong>of</strong><br />
Danbury, presents Fr. Larry with a proclamation.<br />
by Ghassan Najm<br />
On June 23, 2006, Father Larry Jensen, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
Anthony <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Danbury,<br />
Conn., was honored for his almost eight years <strong>of</strong><br />
service and dedication at a testimonial dinner reception held<br />
at the Amber Room Colonnade. It was attended by<br />
parishioners, guest priests, and friends <strong>of</strong> St. Anthony, city<br />
and state <strong>of</strong>ficials and dignitaries. Mark Chory, a parish<br />
trustee, was the Master <strong>of</strong> Ceremonies, with Alan Raph, the<br />
parish organist providing dinner music.<br />
The evening program, which was opened with the<br />
Invocation by Fr. George Alberts, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. George<br />
Orthodox Christian Church in Danbury, and a solo<br />
performance by Margaret McKerrow, was followed with<br />
remarks, presentations and several performances bythe music<br />
ministries. Prior to the remarks, St. Anthony Choir opened<br />
with a song written and composed by Father Larry to honor<br />
his love for music. This was followed by the speakers, Shay<br />
Miller – representing the trustees, the Honorable Probate<br />
Judge Dianne Yamin - Conn., State President <strong>of</strong> Probate<br />
Judges, Tom Saadi - City councilman, Michaela Petrini -<br />
representing the Emmaus community for whom Father Larry<br />
was their spiritual leader, and Frank Cappiello who read a<br />
personal letter on behalf <strong>of</strong> his son, the State Senator David<br />
Cappiello. All speakers reflected on Father Larry’s positive<br />
impact on their personal lives as well as on St. Anthony<br />
parish, its ministries and the greater Danbury community.<br />
Father Larry was also presented with two proclamations,<br />
first by the city <strong>of</strong> Danbury representing Mayor Boughton,<br />
Danny Jowdy, the city Treasurer. The second by the State <strong>of</strong><br />
Connecticut legislative body. Representing State Senator<br />
David Cappiello was Tom Saadi, Danbury city councilman.<br />
Both emphasized many <strong>of</strong> Father Larry’s accomplishments<br />
that resulted in the renaissance <strong>of</strong> St. Anthony Parish, due to<br />
his empowering leadership, welcoming and caring spirit.<br />
Evelyn Ellis, who made the reception favors <strong>of</strong> Chocolate<br />
crosses, presented Father Larrywith a parish gift and a basket<br />
full <strong>of</strong> Chocolate Chip cookies, his favorite. This was<br />
followed by Father Larry gracious remarks which were filled<br />
with humor and emotions, as was the mood for much <strong>of</strong> the<br />
evening. A musical presentation was then lead by the Choir<br />
Director, Linda Gabordi, and the Revelation 12 musical<br />
group whom along with Father Larry, have lead the<br />
parishioners and other Catholics in the community with the<br />
Living Rosary ministry throughout the year. At closing,<br />
Nadia Najm performed the last song ‘Irish Blessing’ which<br />
was followed by the final blessing given by Father Larry.<br />
His Excellency Bishop Gregory John Mansour, Bishop<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, has reassigned<br />
Father Larry Jensen to St. Joseph Church in Waterville,<br />
Maine, effective July 23, 2006. Fr. Larry has been a blessing<br />
to St. Anthony Parish and to the greater Danbury community.<br />
St. Anthony Parish wishes him the best in his new pastoral<br />
assignment <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Faith, as it prepares to<br />
welcome Father Paul Mooradd, its new pastor. <br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Youth Conference<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Youth Conference will take place July 19-<br />
23, 2006 at Youngstown State University in<br />
Youngstown, Ohio. For more information, please call<br />
Fr. Gary George, Youth Director, at (330) 792-2371 or by<br />
email at abounag1@hotmail.com. <br />
73 rd Annual Lebanese Festival<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church,<br />
Wheeling, W. Va.<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church will hold its 73 rd annual<br />
festival (Mahrajan) on August 13, 2006, at the scenic<br />
Oglebay Park in Wheeling, West Virginia. The<br />
festival begins at 10:30 a.m. with an outdoor <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
Liturgy and all booths will open at Noon featuring Lebanese<br />
food and pastries, live Lebanese music and entertainment as<br />
well as games for adults and pony rides and games for<br />
children.<br />
The mahrajan will be held rain or shine and admission is<br />
free. This year a mahrajan eve dinner will be held on August<br />
12, 2006 at. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church hall. For<br />
additional information contact the parish website at<br />
www.ololwv.com or call the Church at (304) 233-1688. <br />
St. Anthony Annual “Mahrajan”<br />
Danbury, Connecticut<br />
St. Anthony’s Church in Danbury, Conn., will hold its<br />
annual festival“Mahrajan”Saturday (Noon-12AM) and<br />
Sunday (Noon-7PM) on August 19 - 20, 2006. The<br />
festival will feature Middle Eastern live music and folk dance<br />
performances by the youth <strong>of</strong> the parish; Lebanese foods and<br />
sweets; children’s games and activities; vendors and<br />
tournaments; free admission and parking. For more<br />
information call the co-chair, Ghassan Najm, at (860) 488-<br />
0074 or the church rectory at (203) 744-3372. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 7 July 2006
Thanksgiving and Farewell<br />
Boston, Mass.<br />
Local Scout Volunteer Attends<br />
National Catholic Committee On<br />
Scouting Biennial Meeting<br />
(Left to right) Altar Boys John Rodriguez and Charbel<br />
Laham; Fr. Bechara El-Khoury, Dean <strong>of</strong> Students at Notre<br />
Dame University (Louaize, Lebanon); Fr. Richard Clifford,<br />
S.J., Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Old Testament at the Weston School <strong>of</strong><br />
Theology; Fr. Hanna Karam, Assistant Pastor at Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
the Cedars; Fr. Leonard Basinow <strong>of</strong> West Palm Beach, Fla.;<br />
Chorbishop Joseph Lahoud, Pastor; Fr. Peter Fink; Fr. John<br />
Prodimore, S.J., a chaplain from Portland, Me.; Fr. Randy<br />
Sack, S.J., Dean <strong>of</strong> Students at the Weston School <strong>of</strong><br />
Theology; Fr. Charbel Batour, S.J.,from Boston College; and<br />
Fr. Paul Brouwers, S.J., Dean <strong>of</strong> Students at Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Consolata in Tanail, Lebanon.<br />
by Cborbishop Joseph Lahoud<br />
After twenty-five years <strong>of</strong> service at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Cedars <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church in Boston, Mass., Fr. Peter<br />
Fink is departing to assume a new responsibility in<br />
Manhattan, N.Y., where he began fiftyyears ago. A grateful<br />
parish celebrated his farewell with a Divine Liturgy,<br />
reception and banquet on June 4, 2006. Fr. Fink’s friends<br />
from the Weston School <strong>of</strong> Theology joined him at the<br />
Liturgy <strong>of</strong> Thanksgiving, along with clergy from Lebanon<br />
and locally.<br />
Fr. Fink was a Pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Liturgy at the Weston School<br />
<strong>of</strong> Theology in Cambridge, Mass. He is a graduate <strong>of</strong><br />
Fordham University with a degree in Physics as well as<br />
having a degree in Natural Science from Rensselaer<br />
Polytechnic Institute. He pursued his theological studies at<br />
Woodstock College and holds a doctorate in Systematic<br />
Theologyfrom Emory University. He is widely respected for<br />
his innovative thinking and clarity in his chosen fields.<br />
During his twenty-five years at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars,<br />
Fr. Fink made many friends whose lives have been enriched<br />
by his knowledge, experience, dedication and caring. He is<br />
a true priest with whom we are proud to be associated. He<br />
goes to Manhattan to become an associate pastor at St.<br />
Francis Church where, as a young Jesuit, he taught high<br />
school. <br />
Margaret Dillenburg with Fr. Nicholas Rachford, Ruthenian<br />
priest <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Parmam Ohio and Chaplain for<br />
Eastern Scouts, Region 15.<br />
More than 250 adult Boy Scout volunteers from across<br />
the United States attended the 39 th biennial meeting<br />
<strong>of</strong> the National Catholic Committee on Scouting<br />
(NCCS) from April 24 to April 29, 2006 in Schaumburg,<br />
Illinois. Among those attending were Margaret Dillenburg <strong>of</strong><br />
Scranton, Penn., representing the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Brooklyn</strong>.<br />
She attends St. Ann <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in<br />
Scranton, Penn., and is a member <strong>of</strong> the Executive Board <strong>of</strong><br />
NCCS and is Chairman <strong>of</strong> Region 15, serving the Eastern<br />
Churches in the United States.<br />
She joined with other Catholic Scouters in a week long<br />
program <strong>of</strong> training sessions, seminars and presentations<br />
focusing on Scouting as youth ministry in the Catholic<br />
Church. The conference featured twenty separate workshops<br />
focusing on various aspects <strong>of</strong> the NCCS program, as well as<br />
presentations from Robert Mazzuca, National Director <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Development Group <strong>of</strong> the Boy Scouts <strong>of</strong> America; Kevin<br />
Driscoll, Coordinator for the Office <strong>of</strong> Youth and Young<br />
Adults <strong>of</strong> the Diocese <strong>of</strong> Gary, Ind.; and Brian Gray, Director<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Boy Scouts <strong>of</strong> America Philmont Training Center.<br />
Keynote speakers were Rev. Dan Coughlin, Chaplain <strong>of</strong><br />
the United States House <strong>of</strong> Representatives and Chris Bury,<br />
ABC news correspondent, and an Eagle Sout.<br />
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting is a<br />
church committee <strong>of</strong> concerned Catholic lay people and<br />
clergy who see their mission as the constructive use <strong>of</strong> the<br />
program <strong>of</strong> the Boy Scouts <strong>of</strong> America as a viable form <strong>of</strong><br />
youth ministry with the Catholic youth <strong>of</strong> the United States.<br />
The committee, which is advisory to the Boy Scouts <strong>of</strong><br />
America (BSA), seeks to sustain and strengthen the<br />
relationship between BSA and the Catholic Church in the<br />
United States <strong>of</strong> America. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 8 July 2006
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 9 July 2006
Truth Or Fiction?<br />
by Bishop Gregory J. Mansour<br />
The days in which we live are<br />
baffling. Fiction trumps Truth,<br />
and hearsay replaces eyewitness.<br />
Who can we trust anymore? Some say<br />
without any doubt, surely not the<br />
Catholic Church – the well-known<br />
oppressor <strong>of</strong> people and the obstacle to<br />
scientific and cultural progress! Others<br />
say with even greater certainty, surely<br />
not the priests, well known for their<br />
<strong>of</strong>fenses! But have we lost something<br />
today?<br />
No one can accuse us <strong>of</strong> being too<br />
naive, too trusting. In fact the opposite<br />
is true. We are convinced today that<br />
whatever our grandparents trusted<br />
should be suspect. We are baffled.<br />
Who and what shall we believe?<br />
In the early Church there were four<br />
Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and<br />
John, which were acceptable to all <strong>of</strong><br />
the early Christians. There were also<br />
several others circulating a few<br />
centuries after these Gospels. The early<br />
Christians rejected these other<br />
“gospels” because they told too many<br />
legends <strong>of</strong> Jesus, introduced some<br />
strange teachings in the words <strong>of</strong> Jesus,<br />
or denied the truth about the Lord’s<br />
passion and death. Strangely enough,<br />
today people are more interested in<br />
these other later “gospels” than in the<br />
four accepted by the eyewitnesses!<br />
Below is a partial list <strong>of</strong> those<br />
gospels called apocryphal and rejected<br />
by the early Christians.<br />
The Infancy Gospel <strong>of</strong> Thomas<br />
An Arabic Infancy Gospel<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> James<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> the Nativity <strong>of</strong><br />
Mary<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> Mary (Magdalene)<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> Pseudo-Matthew<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> Nicodemus (Acts <strong>of</strong><br />
Pilate)<br />
The Gospel Bartholomew<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> Peter<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> Thomas<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> Phillip<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> the Lord (by<br />
Marcion)<br />
The Secret Gospel <strong>of</strong> Mark<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> Judas<br />
The Gospel <strong>of</strong> Barnabas<br />
It ought to be noted that the Da Vinci<br />
Code, which is found in the bookstores<br />
under the “fiction” section... yes,<br />
fiction, relies on some <strong>of</strong> these rejected<br />
texts. There are also groups today that<br />
claim they know the historical Jesus,<br />
not through the four accepted Gospels<br />
but from these other texts.<br />
In fact, some deny that Jesus was<br />
crucified at all, rather it was someone<br />
else who went to the cross and<br />
Christians were mistaken.Theirthought<br />
is reminiscent<strong>of</strong> the apocryphal Gospel<br />
<strong>of</strong> Barnabas, which purported that<br />
Judas was actually mistaken for Jesus<br />
and crucified!<br />
Thus, it is not surprising that<br />
elements <strong>of</strong> these “gospels” found their<br />
way into our modern times. People are<br />
eager to indulge their curiosity to know<br />
the “full picture” <strong>of</strong> Jesus. The<br />
translation and promotion <strong>of</strong> these<br />
“gospels” is a multi-million dollar<br />
business. Jesus was betrayed by 30<br />
pieces <strong>of</strong> silver; today he is betrayed by<br />
a dollar.<br />
It is worth noting, in conclusion,<br />
that there are common themes found in<br />
all these “gospels”. Some deny the<br />
suffering, death and resurrection <strong>of</strong><br />
Jesus. Others dilute our Lord’s difficult<br />
moral teachings on forgiveness, love <strong>of</strong><br />
enemy, the sanctity <strong>of</strong> marriage and<br />
sexual purity. Others deny the need for<br />
sacrificial love, for self-denial, and for<br />
unconditional love.<br />
If one were to read the true<br />
Christian Gospels – Matthew, Mark,<br />
Luke or John – and then compare them<br />
with any <strong>of</strong> these other “gospels”, it<br />
will take only a few minutes to realize<br />
why the Church decided on Her four,<br />
while rejecting the others. The Gospels<br />
<strong>of</strong> Matthew, Mark, Luke and John<br />
invite the reader to a pr<strong>of</strong>ound life with<br />
God, which has moral implications.<br />
These Gospels ask <strong>of</strong> the reader a<br />
commitment to a life based on sacrifice,<br />
forgiveness and love. The other<br />
“gospels” do nothing <strong>of</strong> the sort. Read<br />
for yourself and see. In the long run,<br />
truth is much more beautiful than<br />
fiction, and an eyewitness, more<br />
reliable than hearsay. <br />
Prayer For Priestly<br />
Vocations<br />
Father, in every generation You<br />
provide ministers <strong>of</strong> Christ and the<br />
Church.<br />
<br />
We come before You now, asking<br />
that You call forth more men to<br />
serve our eparchies in the<br />
ministerial priesthood.<br />
<br />
Give us priests who will lead and<br />
guide Your holy people gathered<br />
by Word and Sacrament.<br />
<br />
Bless us with priestly vocations so<br />
that we can continue to be a truly<br />
Eucharistic Church,<br />
strengthened in our discipleship <strong>of</strong><br />
Jesus Christ, Your Only Son.<br />
<br />
Raise up, we pray, men who are<br />
generous in their service,<br />
willing to <strong>of</strong>fer their lives and all<br />
their gifts for Your greater glory<br />
and for the good <strong>of</strong> Your people.<br />
<br />
We make our prayer in the<br />
presence and power <strong>of</strong> the Holy<br />
Spirit, through Christ, our Lord.<br />
Amen.<br />
Year <strong>of</strong> Prayer for Priestly<br />
Vocations<br />
November 4, 2005 – November 4,<br />
2006<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 10 July 2006
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Patriarchal Synod’s Conclusion Heralds<br />
A New Pentecost For <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s<br />
by Doreen Abi Raad<br />
The completion <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
Patriarchal Synod represents a “new<br />
Pentecost” for the approximately five<br />
million <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s around the world.<br />
In their concluding message on<br />
June 10, 2006 the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> bishops<br />
called for the Synod’s resolutions to be<br />
implemented in eparchies, religious<br />
orders and in all institutions <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church.<br />
“Thus,” the bishops said, “the<br />
Synod will produce its fruits in spiritual<br />
renewal and faith commitment for the<br />
glory <strong>of</strong> God and the achievement <strong>of</strong><br />
the mission entrusted to the church in<br />
the homelands” where <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s<br />
currently live.<br />
The three-phase <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Synod,<br />
begun in June 2003, was the most<br />
exhaustive reflection and examination<br />
<strong>of</strong> issues and suggested reforms related<br />
to the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church. It was the first<br />
synod to be held in Lebanon since<br />
1818.<br />
Of the 433 individuals who<br />
participated in the opening session three<br />
years ago, 255 were lay people. In<br />
addition, representatives from other<br />
religious communities – including<br />
Sunni and Shiite Muslims and Druze –<br />
attended as observers.<br />
Together, the participants hashed<br />
out the focus <strong>of</strong> twenty-four texts.<br />
Drafts were presented and voted on by<br />
the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> bishops in the Synod<br />
sessions <strong>of</strong> 2004 and 2005.<br />
The fruit <strong>of</strong> the Synod – an 850-<br />
page bound book – was presented<br />
during a Pontifical Liturgy on June 11,<br />
2006 celebrated by His Beatitude<br />
Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir<br />
at Bkerke to mark the Synod’s<br />
conclusion.<br />
What distinguishes the Synod book<br />
is that there are no doctrines or<br />
theology presented. The book includes<br />
the twenty-four texts produced as a<br />
result <strong>of</strong> the Synod, which cover three<br />
main areas: the identity <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
Church from a historical and<br />
theological perspective; the renewal,<br />
pastoral and spiritual structure <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church; and the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
church in the contemporary world,<br />
including its relationship with other<br />
churches and its relationship with<br />
Islam.<br />
Specific topics covered in the texts<br />
include the formation <strong>of</strong> priests;<br />
education; the role <strong>of</strong> lay people in the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, the family; the youth<br />
and the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> church’s relationship<br />
with politics, the media, social work<br />
and the economy.<br />
The book, now available in Arabic<br />
and French, is scheduled to be ready in<br />
September in English.<br />
Forty bishops attended the<br />
conclusion <strong>of</strong> the synod. In addition to<br />
Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, Bishop <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon,<br />
and Bishop Gregory J. Mansour,<br />
Bishop <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, bishops came from the<br />
eparchies <strong>of</strong> Syria, the Holy Land,<br />
Egypt, Cyprus, Europe, Canada,<br />
Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and<br />
Australia.<br />
Recognizing that the majority <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s live outside <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, one<br />
outcome <strong>of</strong> the synod is that the term<br />
“<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the Expansion” now<br />
replaces the term diaspora.<br />
“Despite the sad consequences” <strong>of</strong><br />
large numbers <strong>of</strong> <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s emigrating<br />
Lebanon, said Bishop Mansour, “we<br />
like to see the emigration as a more<br />
positive thing.”<br />
“We try to emphasize that the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s throughout the world are a<br />
source <strong>of</strong> strength and pride and a real<br />
support for the Christians <strong>of</strong> the Middle<br />
East,” Bishop Mansour explained.<br />
Of the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s around the world,<br />
and in particular the United States,<br />
Bishop Mansour said, “We should be a<br />
support for those in Lebanon who want<br />
to be a witness for the love <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />
And the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s outside <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
should take pride in the way the<br />
Christians <strong>of</strong> Lebanon have<br />
successfully lived in dialogue with<br />
others, including Protestants, Orthodox<br />
and Muslims. This is a source <strong>of</strong> pride<br />
and should be an inspiration to the rest<br />
<strong>of</strong> the world.”<br />
Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Sfeir,<br />
during his homily at the concluding<br />
Liturgy, attended by thousands, assured<br />
the faithful that “the providence has<br />
never abandoned the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> church.”<br />
Referring to the current situation in<br />
Lebanon, Patriarch Sfeir said it is “very<br />
critical and full <strong>of</strong> anxiety.”<br />
“We see people divided, leaders<br />
ignoring the suffering <strong>of</strong> their people<br />
and countries surrounding Lebanon at<br />
war. In the same way our Lord calmed<br />
the storm at sea for his disciples, he will<br />
do the same for us,” His Beatitude said.<br />
In their concluding message, the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> bishops said they expect a<br />
“total response” to the Synod’s<br />
instructions and resolutions “so that the<br />
spirit <strong>of</strong> dialogue will reign among all,<br />
renouncing disunion and antagonism,”<br />
especially among the youth. They<br />
added that such initiatives will “raise<br />
the cause <strong>of</strong> love and the culture <strong>of</strong> life<br />
to face the culture <strong>of</strong> violence and<br />
death.”<br />
“This is in accordance with the<br />
renewed call <strong>of</strong> His Holiness Pope<br />
Benedict XVI in his latest encyclical<br />
letter, ‘God is Love.’”<br />
Bishop Ad Abikaram <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />
proposed that <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> youth from<br />
Lebanon, the Middle East and around<br />
the world gather for the next World<br />
Youth Day (in the summer <strong>of</strong> 2008 in<br />
Australia). His suggestion was well<br />
received by the bishops. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 11 July 2006
Busy Season At St. George Church<br />
Uniontown, Penn.<br />
Altar-Rosary Mother-Daughter<br />
Breakfast<br />
The Altar-Rosary Society <strong>of</strong> St. George Church in<br />
Uniontown, Penn., held its annual Mother-Daughter<br />
Luncheon on May 13, 2006 at the 30-East Main Street<br />
Restaurant. Pins <strong>of</strong> the Blessed Mother with a miniature<br />
rosary attached were distributed to each attendee. This<br />
annual event names an honoree for the year. This year’s<br />
honoree was Sylvia Roger who was presented with a<br />
beautiful wall rosary by Devona Unice, President.<br />
Ladies Guild<br />
The annual memorial liturgyfor the deceased members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Ladies Guild was held on Sunday, May 21, 2006 at St.<br />
George <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, Uniontown, Penn., with Fr. Joseph<br />
R. David as celebrant. Prior to the liturgy, the group gathered<br />
at the outdoor St. Rafka grotto where Fr. David led the prayer<br />
for the deceased.<br />
Following the liturgy a committee <strong>of</strong> the men <strong>of</strong> the<br />
parish served a breakfast to the ladies. After the breakfast, a<br />
votive candle was lit by a relative <strong>of</strong> the deceased and a large<br />
candle was lit for all deceased ladies <strong>of</strong> the parish by George<br />
Mansberry, President.<br />
Graduates Recognized<br />
small prayer book during liturgy. Devona Unice, President <strong>of</strong><br />
the Altar and Rosary Society later presented them with finger<br />
rosaries.<br />
Courtney Sanner and Sandy Risha, both five years<br />
members, received the 2006 Angel <strong>of</strong> Light award for<br />
outstanding leadership, attendance and dedication to the<br />
MYO <strong>of</strong> St. George Parish.<br />
Following the Liturgy, a brunch was held in honor <strong>of</strong> the<br />
graduates at a local restaurant with Mrs. Patricia Joseph, a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the parish and discalced Carmelite, as guest<br />
speaker. <br />
The 2005 edition <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Qurbono in Arabic is<br />
now available from <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications.<br />
The Congregation text is available for $10. Shipping<br />
charges will be added.<br />
The threevolume CelebrantEdition (Volume One: Sundays<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Church; Season <strong>of</strong> Announcements; Birth <strong>of</strong> the Lord<br />
and Epiphany; Great Lent and Resurrection; Volume Two:<br />
Seasons <strong>of</strong> Pentecost and Holy Cross; and Volume Three or<br />
the Book <strong>of</strong> the Anaphorae) is available for $45. Shipping<br />
charges will be added.<br />
The Mystery <strong>of</strong> Baptism and Chrismation in Arabic is<br />
available for $5. Shipping charges will be added.<br />
The Mystery <strong>of</strong> Crowning in Arabic is also available for $5.<br />
Shipping charges will be added.<br />
ThePrayer <strong>of</strong> the Faithful in English (three volumes) is now<br />
available from <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications.<br />
Volume One (Sundays <strong>of</strong> the Church; Season <strong>of</strong><br />
Announcements; Birth <strong>of</strong> the Lord and Epiphany) is available<br />
for $40 plus $5 shipping<br />
Volume Two (Seasons <strong>of</strong> Great Lent and Resurrection) is<br />
available for $40 plus $5 shipping<br />
From left to right: High school graduates, Emily Brower,<br />
David Macar, Kate George, Fr. Joseph R. David, Pastor,<br />
Sandy Risha and Courtney Sanner.<br />
St. George <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church in Uniontown, Penn.,<br />
recently recognized nine high school, one college and<br />
two law school graduates at their monthly MYO Sunday<br />
Liturgy which is held the first Sunday <strong>of</strong> each month.<br />
Thegraduates processed into the church led byFr. Joseph<br />
R. David, Pastor, and accompanied by Subdeacon Thomas R.<br />
George and two MYO altar serves, Anthony Howard and<br />
Matthew Macar.<br />
Each graduate was presented with a certificate and a<br />
Volume Three (Seasons <strong>of</strong> Pentecost and Holy Cross) is<br />
available for $30 plus $5 shipping<br />
To order your copy (ies) please write to:<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications<br />
4611 Sadler Road<br />
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060<br />
For further information, call (804) 762-4301. For a complete<br />
listing <strong>of</strong> publications carried by <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications,<br />
please visit www.stmaron.org. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 12 July 2006
NAM Holds Its Spring<br />
Meeting In Buffalo, N.Y.<br />
St. John <strong>Maron</strong> Church in Williamsville (Buffalo), N.Y.,<br />
was privileged to host the Board <strong>of</strong> Directors' meeting<br />
<strong>of</strong> the National Apostolate <strong>of</strong> <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s (NAM) on<br />
April 21-23, 2006. Delegates from California, Texas,<br />
Atlanta, New England, Pennsylvania, and places in between<br />
gathered for their Spring meeting.<br />
The Directors met on Friday Night at the Church for an<br />
evening Vespers service, which was followed by a catered<br />
dinner in the Educational Center. About thirty people<br />
attended, including the <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>of</strong> the Holy Name and Altar<br />
and Rosary Societies, representatives <strong>of</strong> the MYO and the<br />
Religious Education program, as well as invited guests. The<br />
dinner was catered by Fouad and Sonya Badawy, active<br />
members <strong>of</strong> the parish.<br />
The dinner started out as an informal get-together to meet<br />
and greet and enjoy the meal, but it turned out to be a very<br />
lively discussion about NAM, the future <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
Church, the changes to be made at the NAM convention in<br />
July, the need to get and keep the young people active and<br />
involved, and especially the need to stay connected with<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s across this great nation. Saturday was filled with<br />
meetings andother business for the delegates, and on Sunday,<br />
they participated in all three Liturgies before returning to<br />
their respective homes. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Trilogy- The Glory<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Upon This Rock Ministry presents “The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
Trilogy-The Glory <strong>of</strong> Lebanon.” Host Jan Marie<br />
Halphen interviews Fr. Nabil Mouannes, PhD, Pastor<br />
<strong>of</strong> St. Ephrem <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, San Diego, California, on<br />
EWTN, July 24, 25, and 26, 2006.<br />
July 24, 2006 topic is St. <strong>Maron</strong> and the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Rite<br />
July 25, 2006 topic is The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Saint</strong>s<br />
July 26, 2006 topic is Contemplative prayer in the lives<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Saint</strong>s.<br />
Each program airs twice at 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (Eastern<br />
Time). Programs may also be viewed on the internet at<br />
www.ewtn.com. <br />
Happy 100 th Birthday<br />
Sheffia Thomas <strong>of</strong> Sterling Heights,<br />
Michigan celebrated her 100 th<br />
birthday on Sunday, June 4, 2006<br />
with Liturgy and lunch at St. Sharbel<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, Warren, Mich.<br />
Sheffia came to the United States<br />
from Serhel, Lebanon in 1920, and is the<br />
oldest <strong>of</strong> twelve children. She and her<br />
late husband were very active in the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic community in the<br />
Greater Detroit area. She is thought to be the oldest living<br />
Lebanese immigrant in the Midwest. <br />
Vacation Bible Camp<br />
in Glen Allen, Va.<br />
Children attending Vacation Bible Camp at St. Anthony<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church in Glen Allen (Richmond), Virginia.<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Anthony’s Church in Glen Allen (Richmond),<br />
Virginia held its annual Summer Bible Camp from June<br />
26 through June 30, 2006. Ninety-five children, ages 3<br />
to 12, attended the camp. Each day the children participated<br />
in activities related to music, religion, arts and crafts, and<br />
outdoor games. Donna Goodman, the Bible Camp<br />
coordinator assembled parents and teenagers to shepherd the<br />
children, run one <strong>of</strong> the centers, or fix snacks and lunches.<br />
This year’s camp theme was “Treasure Hunt.” They<br />
explored the way to Jesus through trust, love, and prayer.<br />
They used the stories <strong>of</strong> Peter walking on water to Jesus on<br />
the Sea <strong>of</strong> Galilee, Jesus washing the feet <strong>of</strong> the disciples,<br />
Jesus praying for his disciples, and Jesus’ crucifixion,<br />
resurrection and appearance to Mary Magdalene to find the<br />
path to Jesus. The children learned songs and practiced<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> hymns. They also made treasure bags, footprint<br />
crafts, praise drums, and cross boxes throughout the week to<br />
represent the themes found in the Bible stories.<br />
Msgr. George M. Sebaali, Pastor, assisted by Subdeacon<br />
Dominique Hanna celebrated a children’s Liturgy on Friday.<br />
The young people sang the responses and hymns, read the<br />
first reading and intercessions, and participated in other parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Liturgy. Afterwards, the children proudly performed<br />
the many songs they learned during the camp and showed<br />
their parents their arts and crafts. The camp ended with a<br />
cookout and swimming. <br />
Food For Thought<br />
God’s love for us in heaven is not greater than it is now.<br />
St. Thomas Aquinas<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 13 July 2006
First Holy Communion in The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in The U.S.A.<br />
St. George in Uniontown, Penn.<br />
St. Anthony/St. George in Wilkes-<br />
Barre, Penn.<br />
Ashley Michael, Justine Gillen, Rachel Rogers, Arianna<br />
Haky and Myra Edde received their First Holy<br />
Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. George<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Uniontown, Penn. <br />
St. Sharbel Church in Newtown<br />
Square, Penn.<br />
Parker Dorsey, Brianna McGovern, Jacob Khalife,<br />
Michael Koury, Mallory Ellis and Joseph DeMace<br />
received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May<br />
7, 2006 at St. Anthony/St. George <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church<br />
in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. <br />
St. Ann Church in Scranton, Penn.<br />
Fadi Naser received his First Holy Communion on<br />
Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. Sharbel <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic<br />
Church in Newtown Square, Penn. Fadi also carried the<br />
crown for the Blessed Mother while Maya Alsaigh and Julia<br />
Stilwell were the angels in Attendance. <br />
Robert Rade, Jr., and Angelina Hazzouri received their<br />
First Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. Ann<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Scranton, Penn. At the<br />
end <strong>of</strong> the Liturgy, Robert carried the crown and Angelina<br />
crowned the Blessed Mother. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 14 July 2006
First Holy Communion in The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in The U.S.A.<br />
St. Louis Gonzaga Church in Utica, N.Y.<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church in<br />
Chicago, Ill.<br />
Joseph Abidib, Anthony Coppola,Brianna Schafer, Alexis<br />
Carey, Eddie White, Lindsay Hayduk, Joseph Costello,<br />
Natalie Ciaccia, Kaitlyn Gozy, Aneesa Lewis, Erica<br />
Cornmire, Frank Alesandro, John Lloyd, Paige Baird, Trina<br />
Baird, Isabella Donatello, Tiana Lewis, Salvatore Ferrone<br />
and Kyle Kuty received their First Holy Communion on<br />
Sunday, May7, 2006 atSt. Louis Gonzaga<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic<br />
Church in Utica, N.Y. <br />
St. Anthony <strong>of</strong> the Desert in Fall River,<br />
Mass.<br />
Bashir Zakhem, Tiffany Roumi, Maria Antoon, Sharbel<br />
Dawalibi, Gergeis Hattar, Matthew Dandan, Christian<br />
Naddaf, Justin Dawalibi and Calvin Lebbos received<br />
their First HolyCommunion on Sunday, May 14, 2006 atOur<br />
Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Lombard<br />
(Chicago), Ill. <br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Purgatory Church in<br />
New Bedford, Mass.<br />
Sarah Abdow, Marc Akouri, Katherine Boustany,<br />
Priscella Chedid, Jenna Farias, Cameron Filipe,<br />
Christelle Houeiss, John Karam, Leona Karam, Zachary<br />
Mahfouz, Katherine Moniz, Christine Nasiff, Shawn Nasiff,<br />
Ambre Richard, Cassidy Shaker, Quincy Sears, Hannah<br />
Whritenour and Andrew Wolstenholme received their First<br />
Holy Communion on Sunday, June 7, 2006 at St. Anthony <strong>of</strong><br />
the Desert <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Fall River, Mass. <br />
Tyler Desjardins, Marc Zaknoun, Samantha Hakeem,<br />
Lilly Reynolds, Thomas Reynolds and Jacob Barbour<br />
received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May<br />
7, 2006 at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Purgatory <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church<br />
in New Bedford, Mass. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 15 July 2006
First Holy Communion in The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in The U.S.A.<br />
St. John <strong>Maron</strong> in Williamsville, N.Y.<br />
St. Anthony <strong>of</strong> Padua in Cincinnati, Oh.<br />
Georgio Khoury, Wesley Michael, Steven Khoury,<br />
Anthony Atallah, Jonathon Harris, Brooke Saffire,<br />
Michelle Cheaib, Selena Khoury, Samuel Khoury,<br />
Thomas J. Marron, Michael Kessler, Thomas Evans, and<br />
Matthew Saleh received their First Holy Communion on<br />
Sunday, May 21, 2006, at St. John <strong>Maron</strong> Church in<br />
Williamsville, N.Y. <br />
St. Sharbel Church in Portland, Ore.<br />
Anthony Chemaly, Mark Ghastine and Andrew<br />
Samaan received their First Holy Communion on<br />
Sunday, May 14, 2006 at St. Anthony <strong>of</strong> Padua<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Oh. <br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars In Akron, Oh.<br />
Lina Kaldawi, Dietrich Lachmann, Cameron<br />
Markwell, Nathaniel M<strong>of</strong>fitt, Jessica Karam,<br />
Contessina Scuderi, Jenna Koury and Alan<br />
Ghossein received their First Holy Communion on<br />
Sunday, April 23, 2006 at St. Sharbel <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
Catholic Church in Portland, Ore. <br />
Tony Abou-Elias, Melissa Abou-Toma, Celine Akiki,<br />
Mariam Boulos, Vanessa El Ashkar, Edward (E.J.)<br />
Hamad, Jennifer Jesser and Alexander (Alex) Michael<br />
received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 28,<br />
2006 at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in<br />
Akron, Oh. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 16 July 2006
First Holy Communion in The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in The U.S.A.<br />
St. Anthony Church in Danbury, Conn.<br />
St. George Church in Pawtucket, R.I.<br />
Michael Buenaventura, Steven Buenaventura,<br />
Georgette Michael–Duncan, Sabrina Michael–<br />
Duncan, Michael Gaboardi, Griffin Henley, Ryan<br />
Ramey, Jared, Shakro and Christina Shoushani received their<br />
First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 14, 2006 at St.<br />
Anthony <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Danbury, Conn. <br />
John Paul Imad, Jennifer Kalbourji, Sarah Marie Khoury,<br />
Adam Samir Khoury, Jonathan Pierre Saker, and<br />
Christian Nicholas Stufano received their First Holy<br />
Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. George <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
Catholic Church in Pawtucket (Providence), R.I. <br />
St. Joseph Church in Olean, N.Y.<br />
St. <strong>Maron</strong> Church in Cleveland, Oh.<br />
Derek Heath, Kylie Pleakis, Bridget Havens, Leah Sitter<br />
and Madelyn Hamed received their First Holy<br />
Communion on Sunday, May 28, 2006 at St. Joseph<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Olean, N.Y. <br />
Mona Roufaeil, Issam Roufael, Sara Koussa, Ziad<br />
Roufael, Nicolette Estephan, Charbel Elias, Carla<br />
Diab, Smara Lahoud, Bassel Lahoud, Yara Saad,<br />
Anthony Barakat, Rachel Nin, Joshua Lahoud, Kaitlin<br />
Salloum, Nicholas Daher, Delilah Kirallah, Joseph Lahoud<br />
and Marie Louise Hatm received their First HolyCommunion<br />
on Sunday, May 14, 2006 at St. <strong>Maron</strong> <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic<br />
Church in Cleveland, Oh. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 17 July 2006
St. Anthony <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church<br />
Glen Allen, Va.<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral in<br />
<strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.<br />
Marah Bourret, Emily Condlin, Darian Flammia,<br />
Mallorie Fodill, Christine Ghoussoub, Caroline<br />
Harik, Justin Little, Katherin Meadows, Tyler<br />
Shebelski, Anthony Shulleeta, Leanna Webb and Abbie<br />
Zohab receivedtheir First Holy Communion on Sunday, May<br />
14, 2006 at St. Anthony <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Glen<br />
Allen (Richmond), Va. <br />
Chrismation Class At St. Anthony<br />
Of The Desert <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church<br />
Fall River, Mass.<br />
Valentina Malouf, Murielle Malouf, Alexandra<br />
Kadamani, Sarah Bassile, Isabella Jazrawi, James<br />
Haddad, Michelle Sahlani, Celeste Azzi, Celine<br />
Moarkech, Noor Njeim, Elizabeth Dahan, Melissa Safi,<br />
Taylor Jazrawi, Ellis Noun, Michael Abi-habib and Cynthia<br />
Sarkis received their First Holy Communion on May 21,<br />
2006 at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral in <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y. <br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Mount Lebanon Cathedral<br />
in Los Angels, Calif.<br />
On May 7, 2006, Christopher Azar, Maya Karam,<br />
Johanna Khoury, Evan Massoud, Sadie Rose<br />
Massoud, Christina Michaels and Giselle Youssef<br />
reaffirmed their faith and pledged their loyalty to the Church<br />
at a Chrismation Liturgy celebrated by Chorbishop Joseph F.<br />
Kaddo, Pastor, at St. Anthony <strong>of</strong> the Desert <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church<br />
in Fall River, Mass. At the same time Chorbishop Kaddo<br />
administered the Mystery <strong>of</strong> Chrismation to Lindsley Hetzler,<br />
Danielle Grimo and Mikala Grimo. The class was prepared<br />
by Deacon Donald Massoud and Richard Capuano. <br />
Amanda Gores, Catherina Gores, Brandon Hawi,<br />
Celine Habalrih, James Joukhadar, Jean Paul<br />
Marlow, Khalil Simaan, Sabrina Simaan,<br />
Gabrielle Sfeir, StephanoWatchi and Daisy Zaarour<br />
received their First HolyCommunion on Sunday, May<br />
21, 2006 at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Mount Lebanon Cathedral in<br />
Los Angeles, Calif. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 18 July 2006
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Outreach Holds Its Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizonia<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Outreach<br />
dedicated to the<br />
preservation <strong>of</strong> Christianity<br />
in Lebanon<br />
by Dr. Anthony El Khoueiry<br />
The St. Joseph <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church in<br />
Phoenix, Arizona,hosted the third<br />
annual national meeting <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Outreach on Saturday May<br />
27, 2006. <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Outreach members<br />
representing their chapters came from<br />
Arizona, Washington D.C., and<br />
Southern and Northern California.<br />
Other chapters from Texas and<br />
Pennsylvania could not send<br />
representatives but submitted their<br />
reports and input prior to the meeting.<br />
The attendees sacrificed their time and<br />
money to engage in a day-long series <strong>of</strong><br />
planned sessions focused on reviewing<br />
the current status <strong>of</strong> the organization<br />
and drafting a course for the future.<br />
After a heartfelt introduction and<br />
prayer filled with well-wishes, praise,<br />
and advice led by Father Ghassan<br />
Matar, M.L.M, the group started their<br />
structured meeting. Executive<br />
Chairman, Dr. Anthony El-khoueiry,<br />
presented a “big picture” overview on<br />
behalf <strong>of</strong> the executive and advisory<br />
boards. His presentation focused on the<br />
steady growth <strong>of</strong> the organization<br />
manifested by the activities <strong>of</strong> the seven<br />
local chapters, the amount <strong>of</strong> money<br />
raised and spent on charitable projects<br />
in Lebanon, and the continuing<br />
coordination with multiple non-pr<strong>of</strong>it<br />
organizations. This was followed by<br />
project specific updates presented by<br />
the lead project coordinators. In<br />
addition, each chapter gave an<br />
overview <strong>of</strong> their activities,<br />
accomplishments and challenges.<br />
In the afternoon, the attendees<br />
engaged in simultaneous project<br />
specific workshops. During the<br />
workshop sessions, they conducted a<br />
detailed and organized review <strong>of</strong> each<br />
project, its impact, and its importance<br />
to the overall mission <strong>of</strong> the<br />
organization. Taking into consideration<br />
the successes and challenges <strong>of</strong> the<br />
previous year, they formulated specific<br />
goals for the coming year, drafted a<br />
strategy and an itemized list <strong>of</strong> action<br />
items.<br />
In the course <strong>of</strong> the day, three<br />
awards were presented on behalf <strong>of</strong> the<br />
advisory board. The “Service and<br />
Dedication Award” went to Linda Srour<br />
from the St. John <strong>Maron</strong> (Anaheim,<br />
Calif.) chapter, who has led the<br />
“sponsorship project” at the national<br />
level. The “Leadership Award” went to<br />
Marc Suidan from the Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Lebanon (Millbrae, Calif.) chapter for<br />
his contributions and innovative ideas<br />
at the level <strong>of</strong> the advisory board. The<br />
“Model Chapter Award” went to the St.<br />
Joseph Church chapter in Phoenix for<br />
their organization andaccomplishments<br />
during the past year.<br />
Over the last six years, the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Outreach has successfully<br />
grown from a small committee at St.<br />
John <strong>Maron</strong> Church in Anaheim into a<br />
national organization active in seven<br />
parishes across the United States under<br />
the blessing and support <strong>of</strong> their<br />
Excellencies Bishops Robert Shaheen<br />
and Gregory Mansour. Thus far,<br />
through the contributions <strong>of</strong><br />
parishioners and friends at all seven<br />
chapters, the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Outreach has<br />
provided over a hundred scholarshipsto<br />
the students in need in Lebanon,<br />
assisted in the rebuilding <strong>of</strong> six<br />
churches in Lebanon and linked over<br />
300 Lebanese-American children to<br />
children in Lebanon through the piggy<br />
bank project. During the previous year,<br />
the “sponsorship project” has witnessed<br />
tremendous growth allowing the<br />
<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Outreach to double the<br />
number <strong>of</strong> children in Lebanon who are<br />
sponsored by individuals and families<br />
in the U.S.A. to more than 120.<br />
Other highlights <strong>of</strong> the meeting<br />
included the unveiling <strong>of</strong> a remodeled<br />
website and <strong>of</strong> a new web-based<br />
program designed to manage the<br />
sponsorship project. This program has<br />
been made possible by the generous<br />
contribution <strong>of</strong> Mr. and Mrs. Mario and<br />
Lana Boustani and the technical<br />
expertise <strong>of</strong> Mr. Fady Garabet from Our<br />
Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon/St. Peter Cathedral in<br />
Los Angeles.<br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Outreach leadership<br />
and members would like to thank every<br />
parish with an active chapter for their<br />
support and guidance. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><br />
Outreach is grateful to its members for<br />
their silent volunteer work which they<br />
perform with pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism,<br />
selflessness and dedication to the cause<br />
<strong>of</strong> the less fortunate members <strong>of</strong> our<br />
community in Lebanon. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 19 July 2006
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong><br />
St. Anthony’s <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church<br />
4611 Sadler Road<br />
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6108<br />
NON-PROFIT ORG.<br />
U.S. POSTAGE PAID<br />
PERMIT NO. 1370<br />
GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA<br />
A Reflection on<br />
Fathers and On <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Joseph, Foster Father<br />
<strong>of</strong> Jesus<br />
Continued From Page 1<br />
In finding human words to describe his<br />
eternal and mystical relationship with<br />
God, He called God “Father”. This<br />
could only have been due in great part<br />
to the positive “father” experience that<br />
Jesus had with Joseph, his own foster<br />
father.<br />
Thus, Joseph is called the “Patron<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Church” because he was first<br />
patron, provider, protector, and care<br />
giver to the holy family. Like the<br />
Joseph <strong>of</strong> the Old Testament, he too<br />
was the faithful steward <strong>of</strong> all that was<br />
entrusted to him<br />
Joseph is also called the great<br />
helper <strong>of</strong> men. This is because <strong>of</strong> his<br />
ability to relate well with a son not his<br />
own. All men can take pride in the way<br />
Joseph related to Jesus and to Mary,<br />
with respect and honor.<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Joseph, Friend <strong>of</strong><br />
Open Hearts, Patron <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Happy Death<br />
Joseph is also referred to as “friend<br />
to open hearts.” This is because<br />
Joseph, like his namesake <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Old Testament, learned to listen to God<br />
speak to him in a variety <strong>of</strong> ways, even<br />
in his dreams. He listened to God in<br />
prayer.<br />
Joseph had originally reasoned that<br />
to spare Mary shame because she was<br />
pregnant, he would divorce her quietly.<br />
This was the honorable thing to do for<br />
her and for him. But God appeared to<br />
him in a dream and said, Joseph have<br />
no fear in taking Mary for your wife.<br />
Joseph listened, and like Mary, not<br />
understanding everything that was<br />
happening, he wanted all to be done<br />
according to God’s will. Because<br />
Joseph was willing to change his well<br />
reasoned plans for his life, and because<br />
Joseph was a man <strong>of</strong> prayer, he is called<br />
friend <strong>of</strong> open hearts.<br />
Joseph is also called the patron <strong>of</strong> a<br />
happy death, for tradition holds that<br />
Mary and Jesus were present when<br />
Joseph closed his eyes to this world.<br />
Who could want for more, to have<br />
Jesus and Mary at one’s bedside?<br />
A Concluding Word For<br />
Fathers And For All<br />
Who Seek The<br />
Intercession Of <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Joseph<br />
Sometimes we are stuck in our own<br />
plans, even our righteous and just<br />
plans. Sometimes we cannot be<br />
bothered to really pray, which means<br />
listening to God. Sometimes we need<br />
the extra help <strong>of</strong> a saint, in times <strong>of</strong><br />
difficulty, and even at the hour <strong>of</strong><br />
death. Sometimes men need a man they<br />
can turn to. Sometimes we are selfish,<br />
demanding and harmful to those<br />
entrusted to our care; and sometimes,<br />
by a pr<strong>of</strong>ound gift <strong>of</strong> the Holy Spirit,<br />
we live a self-less, sacrificial love for<br />
others – without owning or possessing<br />
them. In all <strong>of</strong> these ways we not only<br />
rely on, but hopefully we also become<br />
like our open-hearted patron, St.<br />
Joseph.<br />
O patron <strong>of</strong> the Church, O friend <strong>of</strong><br />
open hearts, O foster father <strong>of</strong> Jesus,<br />
respectful spouse <strong>of</strong> the Virgin Mary,<br />
helper <strong>of</strong> fathers, patron <strong>of</strong> a happy<br />
death, St. Joseph, pray for us.<br />
+ Gregory J. Mansour<br />
Bishop <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>. <br />
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume II Issue No.7 Page 20 July 2006