June 200 - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
June 200 - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
June 200 - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
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The<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice<br />
A Publication <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Eparchies in the USA<br />
Volume III Issue No. VI <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Mothers, Fathers, Priests, the Reciprocity <strong>of</strong> Love,<br />
And the Meaning <strong>of</strong> Eucharist<br />
In her chaste person a mother gives herself<br />
completely to her spouse. Her children are a<br />
gift from God that requires the best in her<br />
personality to raise and educate. Being an image<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Church’s love for Christ, her spouse, it is<br />
not a service she renders, but a gift <strong>of</strong> her very<br />
self. This gratuitous gift helps make a house into<br />
a home, and creates love and life where there was<br />
none before.<br />
What is true <strong>of</strong> a mother, as co-creator with<br />
God to bring life and love into a home, is also true<br />
<strong>of</strong> a priest. He is not just a functionary, but also<br />
a co-creator. Through the Eucharistic table he<br />
sets, the guidance he gives, and the pardon he<br />
grants, the priest makes the Church not just a<br />
physical structure, a house to which we go on<br />
Sunday, but a home where Christ, the true spouse<br />
<strong>of</strong> every soul, is made flesh once again and dwells<br />
in our midst in the Eucharist.<br />
In his chaste person, meant only for his<br />
spouse, and committed to the children he begets<br />
through hislove for her, a father secures, protects,<br />
defends and builds his family. He does so by<br />
laying down his life for his spouse. Like a<br />
mother, a father is not a functionary; it is not just<br />
a role he plays. Rather through his very person,<br />
in fact, his very personality, made complete by his<br />
love for his spouse, as Adam was made whole by<br />
Eve, a father’s gift <strong>of</strong> self creates a family where<br />
there was none before.<br />
Likewise, what is true <strong>of</strong> a father, that he<br />
builds and secures his family, is also true <strong>of</strong> the<br />
priest. In his chaste and masculine gift <strong>of</strong> self,<br />
and through his very personality, the priest<br />
secures the foundation <strong>of</strong> the Church built upon<br />
the apostles. He protects Her integrity, defends<br />
Her Teaching and Tradition, and builds Her by<br />
governing wisely, teaching lovingly, and<br />
sanctifying Her through the Mysteries<br />
(Sacraments) and through his own personal<br />
example <strong>of</strong> holiness in imitation <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />
A priest is first and foremost in his very<br />
person, a father, beyond all the functions and<br />
roles he plays. He is also like a mother who<br />
makes a house a home. In a sense, the priest, by his faithful service to the Church, can relate quite well to the mothers and<br />
fathers he serves. He can learn much from them as well as encourage them in their vocations. (Continues on Page 20)
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Youth Conference <strong>200</strong>7<br />
T<br />
he<br />
annual <strong>Maron</strong>ite Youth Conference will take place at St. Louis University<br />
in St. Louis, Missouri, July 3-8, <strong>200</strong>7. The cost for the conference is $325 per<br />
person (double occupancy) and $375 (single occupancy-adults only). The<br />
registration form and a non-refundable deposit <strong>of</strong> $150 per person were due by<br />
April 20, <strong>200</strong>7. The balance <strong>of</strong> payment was due May 25, <strong>200</strong>7. Applications<br />
submitted after April 20, <strong>200</strong>7 were subject to a late fee <strong>of</strong> $50 per person. All<br />
application forms and documents are available online at www.maroniteyouth.org.<br />
For more information contact Fr. Gary George, Director <strong>of</strong> Eparchial Youth<br />
Office, at (330) 792-2371, by fax at (330) 792-3026, or by e-mail at<br />
abounag1@hotmail.com. <br />
Schedule <strong>of</strong> Bishop Robert Shaheen<br />
<strong>June</strong> 1-15, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Bishops’ Annual Meeting, Bkerke, Lebanon<br />
<strong>June</strong> 30, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Shaheen/Rask Wedding, St. Louis, Mo.<br />
July 3-8, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Youth Retreat, St. Louis, Mo.<br />
July 23-26, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Annual Clergy Conference, Richmond, Va.<br />
July 25-29, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Convention, Richmond, Va.<br />
August 10-12, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Assumption Celebration at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon National Shrine, North<br />
Jackson, Ohio.<br />
August 15, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Assumption Feast Day atOur Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon National Shrine, North Jackson,<br />
Ohio.<br />
August 19, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Memorial Liturgy, Danbury, Conn.<br />
Schedule <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gregory Mansour<br />
May 30 through <strong>June</strong> 19, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Leave for Lebanon to attend the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Bishops’ Annual Meeting, Bkerke,<br />
Lebanon<br />
<strong>June</strong> 9, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Ordination <strong>of</strong> Deacon Dominique Hanna to Priesthood, Lebanon.<br />
<strong>June</strong> 22-23, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Board Meeting <strong>of</strong> Catholic Schools for Lebanon, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.<br />
<strong>June</strong> 29-30, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
First Meeting <strong>of</strong> the Eparchial Leadership Council, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.<br />
July 5-6, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Youth Retreat, St. Louis, Mo.<br />
July 22- 29, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Annual Clergy Conference and <strong>Maron</strong>ite Convention, Richmond, Va.<br />
August 10-12, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Assumption Celebration at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon National Shrine, North<br />
Jackson, Ohio. <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice<br />
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Glen Allen, VA 23060<br />
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Fax: 804/273-9914<br />
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http://www.usamaronite.org<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice, (ISSN 1080-<br />
9880) the <strong>of</strong>ficial newsletter <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite 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 />
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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>Maron</strong>ite Convention <strong>200</strong>7<br />
July 25-29, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
At the Marriott Hotel<br />
in the heart <strong>of</strong> downtown<br />
Richmond, Va.<br />
For Reservation Call<br />
1- 800 -228 - 9290<br />
1- 804- 643 - 3400<br />
Deadline For Hotel Reservation is<br />
<strong>June</strong> 18, <strong>200</strong>7<br />
Special Convention rate is<br />
$102 (Sing/Dbl)<br />
National Apostolate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>ites<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 2 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Eparchial Assignments<br />
His Excellency Bishop Robert Shaheen, Bishop <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, has made the<br />
following Eparchial appointments:<br />
Rev. Msgr. Louis Baz, formerly Pastor <strong>of</strong><br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Parish, Fairlawn<br />
[Akron], Ohio, is assigned as Pastor <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
Anthony <strong>of</strong> Padua Church, Cincinnati, Ohio,<br />
effective on <strong>June</strong> 10, <strong>200</strong>7.<br />
Rev. Toufic Nasr, formerly Associate Pastor<br />
<strong>of</strong> St. <strong>Maron</strong> Parish, Cleveland, Ohio is<br />
assigned as Pastor <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Church, Fairlawn [Akron], Ohio, effective on<br />
<strong>June</strong> 10, <strong>200</strong>7.<br />
Rev. Anthony Salim, formerly Pastor <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
Anthony <strong>of</strong> Padua Parish, Cincinnati, Ohio, is<br />
released for service to the <strong>Maron</strong>ite <strong>Eparchy</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Australia effective on <strong>June</strong> 10, <strong>200</strong>7. <br />
St. Raymond Cathedral Blesses<br />
Outdoor Shrine,<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Louis<br />
Left to right: Deacon Lou Peters, Fr. Gebran Bou-Merhi,<br />
Bishop Robert Shaheen, and Fr. Andre Mhanna, Rector <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.<br />
by Jennifer Brinker, St. Louis Review Staff Writer<br />
Parishioners at St. Raymond Cathedral in St. Louis<br />
[Missouri] are continuing a tradition <strong>of</strong> publicly<br />
honoring the Blessed Mother.<br />
An outdoor Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> St. Louis was<br />
dedicated at Mass on Mother’s Day, May 13. It is located<br />
next to the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Pastoral Center at 1021 S. 10th St.,<br />
where it dead-ends at Lebanon Drive. Bishop Robert J.<br />
Shaheen, head <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon,<br />
presided at the Mass.<br />
The outdoor shrine is the second to be erected on the<br />
parish grounds, according to Bishop Shaheen. A small shrine<br />
was first established on the grounds in 1913 in honor <strong>of</strong> Our<br />
Lady <strong>of</strong> Lourdes. It was torn down in 1961 during<br />
redevelopment in the area.<br />
The original shrine, he said, was created "stone by stone"<br />
by immigrants who were the first parishioners. "It had<br />
always been my desire to replace the shrine, but there never<br />
was a place to do it," said Bishop Shaheen.<br />
The focal point <strong>of</strong> the new shrine is a 6-foot statue <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Blessed Mother holding the Christ child. It was crafted <strong>of</strong><br />
carrera marble and is imported from Italy.<br />
Bishop Shaheen noted that it is a tradition <strong>of</strong> the Eastern<br />
Church to depict the Blessed Mother with her Child and that<br />
it is rare to see her pictured without Him.<br />
In front <strong>of</strong> the statue is a stone altar, which Bishop<br />
Shaheen consecrated at last weekend’s Mass.<br />
The shrine also has two mosaics <strong>of</strong> Eastern Church<br />
saints, both <strong>of</strong> which were designed by liturgical artist and<br />
designer Angelo Gherardi <strong>of</strong> Chicago and constructed in<br />
Italy, according to Bishop Shaheen.<br />
A mosaic <strong>of</strong> St. Raymond hangs on the eastern wall. It<br />
is a replica <strong>of</strong> an image <strong>of</strong> the saint that was in the original St.<br />
Raymond Church in Hadchit, Lebanon. Another replica <strong>of</strong><br />
the image also is in St. Raymond Cathedral.<br />
The western wall includes a mosaic <strong>of</strong> three more recent<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite saints: St. Sharbel, canonized in 1977; St. Rafka in<br />
<strong>200</strong>1; and St. Nimatullah Kassab Al-Hardini in <strong>200</strong>4.<br />
Another tradition <strong>of</strong> the Eastern Church is to name the<br />
Blessed Mother after an individual community, said Bishop<br />
Shaheen. "She became Our Lady <strong>of</strong> that particular village,<br />
who protected that village," he said, adding he wanted "the<br />
people <strong>of</strong> today who helped build that shrine to have<br />
something they could feel part <strong>of</strong>." <br />
World Youth Day<br />
The next World Youth Day will be held in Australia July<br />
15-20, <strong>200</strong>8 with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.<br />
Both <strong>Maron</strong>ite eparchies in the United States are<br />
forming a group <strong>of</strong> fifty people to participate in this historic<br />
event. Bishop Ad Abikaram <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Maron</strong>ite <strong>Eparchy</strong> in<br />
Australia is eager to host us.<br />
World Youth Day is for those age 18 to 35. Parental<br />
and pastor approval are required, as well as pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> parish<br />
involvement. Applications will be forthcoming. For more<br />
i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n s u l t with t h i s w e b p a g e :<br />
http://www.wyd<strong>200</strong>8.org, or call Father Elie Mikhael at<br />
(305)856-7449 or Father Jean Youness, M.L.M., at718-624-<br />
7228. <br />
International Eucharistic Congress<br />
The 49 th International Eucharistic Congress will be held<br />
in Quebec City, Canada, <strong>June</strong> 15-22, <strong>200</strong>8. The<br />
congress is for those age 18 and up. Applications will<br />
be forthcoming. For more information, consult with this<br />
webpage: http://www.cei<strong>200</strong>8.ca . <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 3 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral Celebrates Its 30 th Anniversary<br />
and Pays Tribute to Its Rector, Msgr. Ignace Sadek<br />
Left to right: Fr. Kamil Al-Chouefati, Msgr. Maroun Asmar, Fr. Jean Younnes,<br />
Msgr. Ignace Sadek, and Chorbishop Michael Thomas celebrated the Divine<br />
Liturgy at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral in <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y., on May 5, <strong>200</strong>7.<br />
by Mary Asmar Smith<br />
On May 5, <strong>200</strong>7 the Cathedral<br />
Parish <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
in <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y., celebrated its<br />
thirtieth anniversary as a Cathedral and<br />
honored its Rector, Msgr. Ignace<br />
Sadek. The Divine Liturgy was<br />
celebrated by Msgr. Ignace Sadek, and<br />
presided by His Excellency Bishop<br />
GregoryMansour; Chorbishop Michael<br />
Thomas,Vicar General and Chancellor;<br />
Chorbishop John Faris, Associate<br />
Secretary General <strong>of</strong> CNEWA; Msgr.<br />
Maroun Asmar, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel<br />
Church, Somerset, N.J.; Fr. Kamil Al-<br />
Chouefati, Administrator <strong>of</strong> Our Lady<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church, Easton, Penn.; Fr.<br />
Jean Younnes, M.L.M., Cathedral<br />
Assistant; Rev. George Faour, Pastor <strong>of</strong><br />
St. John’s Church, Orange, N.J., Rev.<br />
Guido Gockel, M.H.M., Assistant<br />
Secretary General <strong>of</strong> CNEWA<br />
concelebrated. Deacon Anthony<br />
Khoury <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Church in Easton, and Subdeacon<br />
Joseph Chebli, <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel Church,<br />
Somerset, N.J., assisted.<br />
Following the Divine Liturgy a<br />
capacity crowd <strong>of</strong> parishioners and<br />
friends from New York, New Jersey,<br />
Pennsylvania and Connecticutfilled the<br />
Cathedral Hall for a banquet.<br />
Following the singing <strong>of</strong> the Lebanese<br />
and American National anthems,<br />
Chorbishop Michael Thomas gave the<br />
innvocation. Mr. Tony Tannousis,<br />
Cathedral Council President, gave the<br />
welcoming remarks, and Master <strong>of</strong><br />
Ceremonies, George Jalinos, introduced<br />
the honored guests: Ms. Caroline Ziede,<br />
Charge D’affaire, Lebanese Mission to<br />
the United Nations; Mr. Antoine<br />
Azzam, Consul <strong>of</strong> Lebanon;<br />
Archimandrite John Faraj, Pastor <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Melkite Virgin Mary Church in<br />
<strong>Brooklyn</strong>; Mr. Frank Macchiarola,<br />
President <strong>of</strong> St. Francis College and his<br />
wife Mary; and Mr. Martin Golden,<br />
New York State Senator.<br />
Banquet Chairman and Cathedral<br />
Trustee Joe Shaia paid tribute to Msgr.<br />
Sadek and expressed the parish’s<br />
gratitude for the love, support and<br />
encouragement during his years as<br />
Cathedral Rector. New York State<br />
Senator Martin Golden presented Msgr.<br />
Sadek with a Proclamation from the<br />
State <strong>of</strong> New York in recognition <strong>of</strong> his<br />
service to the people <strong>of</strong> New York. This<br />
prestigious award recognizes an<br />
individual’s devotion, leadership,<br />
patriotism and service to the people <strong>of</strong><br />
New York.<br />
His Excellency Bishop Gregory<br />
Mansour then spoke and said “Msgr.<br />
Sadek is a true spiritual gentleman and<br />
a beautiful priest. He inspires holiness<br />
and goodness. Everything about him<br />
shows his love for Christ… I will miss<br />
his homilies at daily Mass. I will miss<br />
him at the Cathedral, but Iknow he will<br />
contribute even more in his new setting<br />
at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Seminary.”<br />
Msgr. Sadek then addressed the<br />
crowd and gave thanks to the Bishop<br />
for his love and support. He expressed<br />
his appreciation to all those present and<br />
to those responsible for putting together<br />
the banquet and journal. He went on to<br />
thank his brother clergy and friends<br />
who participated in the commemorative<br />
journal. He assured parishioners that,<br />
although he will be moving to the<br />
Seminary, they would remain in his<br />
heart and prayers.<br />
Fr. Jean Younnes gave the<br />
Benediction andexpressed his gratitude<br />
for the support and love extended to<br />
him from Msgr. Sadek since arriving in<br />
the U.S. He said “These two years that<br />
I have spent with him, I have never felt<br />
that I am a stranger in this country,<br />
because Msgr. Sadek worries about me<br />
more than a father would…He never let<br />
me feel that I am far from my<br />
family…” <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 4 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
y Mary Asmar Smith<br />
Who is Msgr. Sadek<br />
Paying tribute to Msgr. Sadek,<br />
Rector <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Cathedral, is a very special<br />
occasion, even though it is bittersweet.<br />
But at the same time we know he leaves<br />
us for some much deserved rest and for<br />
a new beginning. We are happy<br />
knowing he will still be there for us and<br />
welcome our calls and visits.<br />
Ever since his assignment as<br />
Cathedral Rector in 1997, he has been<br />
a pillar to our community. A rock who<br />
helped build up the foundation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Cathedral parish family. For the<br />
fortunate who had the opportunity <strong>of</strong><br />
being close to him it was like being at<br />
the center <strong>of</strong> God’s love through his<br />
spirituality, warmth and kindness.<br />
Msgr. Sadek touched the lives <strong>of</strong> many<br />
with great sensitivity and respect.<br />
Born in Lebanon in 1930, he was<br />
ordained to the priesthood for servicein<br />
the Patriarchial Diocese in Lebanon on<br />
April 15, 1956. Fluent in the Arabic,<br />
French, English, Latin and Syriac<br />
languages, Msgr.Sadekpursued studies<br />
not only in Philosophy and in<br />
Theology, but also received degrees in<br />
French Literature and Physics.<br />
In his pastoral ministry, he was a<br />
teacher <strong>of</strong> French, Latin, Physics,<br />
Mathematics and Music in Mar Abda<br />
Seminary (1956-64) in Lebanon;<br />
Financial Minister <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong><br />
Seminary in Ghazir, Lebanon (1964-<br />
74); Teacher <strong>of</strong> French Literature,<br />
Physics and Music in the Ghazir<br />
Seminary (1964-74); Confessor and<br />
Counsellor <strong>of</strong> the Besancon Nuns in<br />
Kfour, Kesrouan, Lebanon (1974-88);<br />
Teacher <strong>of</strong> French Literature and<br />
Physics in three colleges in Beirut<br />
Lebanon (1974-88); Pastor <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
GeorgeChurch, Kfour, Lebanon (1980-<br />
88); Member <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel<br />
Canonization Committee (1962-64);<br />
and Preacher <strong>of</strong> the Patriarchal Diocese<br />
(1960-62).<br />
Msgr. Sadek ends each liturgy with<br />
the same words “Thank you, May God<br />
Tribute to Msgr. Ignace Sadek,<br />
Rector <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral<br />
Msgr. Ignace Sadek, Rector<br />
<strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.<br />
bless you and may God bless America”.<br />
America was indeed blessed with his<br />
immigration to this great land. We see<br />
him as the “Lord’s Ambassador to<br />
America.” In 1988 he became Pastor <strong>of</strong><br />
St. Anthony <strong>Maron</strong>ite Church, Wilkes-<br />
Barre, Pennsylvania, and was appointed<br />
Chaplain to His Holiness Pope John<br />
Paul II in 1996 at the request <strong>of</strong> His<br />
Excellency Archbishop Francis M.<br />
Zayek.<br />
He was appointed to the Eparchial<br />
Presbyteral Council and College <strong>of</strong><br />
Consultors 1997 through <strong>200</strong>2. Msgr.<br />
Sadek also served on the Priestly<br />
Formation Board from 1994 through<br />
1997. He became Rector <strong>of</strong> Our Lady<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral in 1997.<br />
On September 11, when the World<br />
Trade Center came crumbling down,<br />
Msgr. Sadek rushed to the <strong>Brooklyn</strong><br />
Promenade helping New Yorkers<br />
through the worst attack in U.S. history.<br />
There were many articles written about<br />
him: how he consoled the distraught,<br />
prayed for the dying, how he was<br />
covered in debris from the falling<br />
towers. One article in particular<br />
described Msgr. Sadek’s role that day<br />
“Amid the Chaos, A Sign <strong>of</strong> Order.”<br />
He gave absolution to all those who lost<br />
their lives that day. He is first, foremost<br />
and always a priest.<br />
Personal Testimonies<br />
Manypeople have expressed their<br />
love and respect for Monsignor<br />
Sadek.<br />
“My best wishes to the Cathedral and<br />
Msgr. Sadek. God permitted that<br />
Monsignor Sadek came to visit his<br />
brother, so one or two years later, I<br />
thought <strong>of</strong> him and asked him to come<br />
and take care <strong>of</strong> St Anthony’s Church<br />
in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. He was truly a<br />
blessing for the parish and was a<br />
wonderful pastor”<br />
Archbishop Francis M. Zayek.<br />
“Monsignor Sadek is a true spiritual<br />
gentleman and a beautiful priest. He<br />
inspires holiness and goodness.<br />
Everything about him shows his love<br />
for Christ. His favorite spiritual<br />
mentors are St Theresa <strong>of</strong> the Little<br />
Child Jesus, and Pope Pius X, and he<br />
lives what he admires in them. I will<br />
miss his homilies at daily Mass, and I<br />
will miss him at the Cathedral. But I<br />
know he will contribute even more in<br />
his new setting at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Seminary.”<br />
Bishop Gregory J. Mansour<br />
Clergy from both Eparchies have also<br />
expressed their appreciation for his<br />
support and encouragement; some <strong>of</strong><br />
whom were his students at the<br />
Seminary in Lebanon.<br />
“In Lebanon, I looked upon Msgr.<br />
Sadek with respect and great honor for<br />
the way he dealt with us seminarians....<br />
He was and still is a man <strong>of</strong> many<br />
talents, he is a kid at heart with the kids,<br />
and man <strong>of</strong> wisdom with those who<br />
seek his advice.... In brief, a unique and<br />
special person. He touched me with his<br />
humility and big heart. Yes, he is a<br />
Monsignor, but you never see him in<br />
red.....”<br />
Msgr. Peter Fahed Azar<br />
“I consider myself very fortunate to<br />
have had him as a mentor and a teacher<br />
during my formative seminary years.<br />
His personality influenced my life, and<br />
his spirituality marked my priestly<br />
vocation with a stamp which will<br />
remain forever within the crevices <strong>of</strong><br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 5 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
my soul.<br />
Msgr. Sadek is truly “SADEK”<br />
which means honest… He is a priest in<br />
the full sense <strong>of</strong> the word. His goal in<br />
life is not just to save his own soul but<br />
each and every soul he encounters. He<br />
is the genuine, kind, spiritual and<br />
devoted priest who is available 24/7 for<br />
advice, spiritual direction or<br />
confession”<br />
Rev. Georges El-Khalli, Ph.D.<br />
“As a young priest I always found a<br />
great inspiration in this great priest who<br />
manifests holiness and humility. He<br />
refers to his friends, including me as<br />
“shreek” or partner, and this gives us<br />
great encouragement and support,<br />
especially to the young priests. May<br />
God send many more holy priests such<br />
as Msgr. Ignace.”<br />
Msgr. Sharbel Maroun<br />
“These two years that I have spent with<br />
him, I have never felt that I am a<br />
stranger in this country, because Msgr<br />
Sadek worries about me more than a<br />
father would, and he is like a big<br />
brother to me. He never lets me feel<br />
that I am far from my family, because<br />
he has always shown me tenderness and<br />
generosity and opened his great heart to<br />
me.”<br />
Fr. Jean Younes M.L.M.<br />
“He was the inspiration for my<br />
priesthood,my spiritualadvisor. Ichose<br />
him for my pre-ordination retreat and it<br />
was a week to remember. He provided<br />
me with training on the <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
liturgy. I will never forget his<br />
hospitality, kindness, compassion,<br />
encouragement and love.”<br />
Msgr. Maroun Asmar<br />
“Msgr. Sadek and I came to the U.S.A.<br />
almost at the same time. He is a man <strong>of</strong><br />
commitment and prayer. I admire his<br />
dedication to the church, to the<br />
community <strong>of</strong> the faithful, and his<br />
devotion to the blessed Mother as you<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten see him praying the rosary. He is<br />
a true priest.”<br />
Fr. Abdallah Zaidan, M.L.M.<br />
“I know Monsignor as a pious priest.<br />
He always shows love and care to those<br />
who approach him. His commitment to<br />
the service to the Lord is quite<br />
remarkable. He projects peace to all<br />
those around him and spreads joy and<br />
harmony. He has a big heart, which is<br />
full <strong>of</strong> love and devotion to our blessed<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral,<br />
<strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.<br />
Mother <strong>of</strong> God. I wish him a long life<br />
and peaceful daysin good health. May<br />
the peace <strong>of</strong> Christ always accompany<br />
him. We love you, Monsignor.”<br />
Archimandrite John Faraj<br />
“The most spiritual man I have ever<br />
met”<br />
Subdeacon Crosby Sparks<br />
"An admirer <strong>of</strong> Pope Pius X, and <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Therese, Msgr. Sadekhas truly walked<br />
i n t h e e x a mp l e o f t h e m<br />
both. Simplicity. The best advice he<br />
gave me. "<br />
Subdeacon Joseph Chebli<br />
Whether in Lebanon, Pennsylvania or<br />
New York City, Msgr. Sadek has<br />
strived to provide a supportive and<br />
spiritual environment for the personal<br />
growth <strong>of</strong> his students, parishioners<br />
and friends. He refers to each <strong>of</strong> us as<br />
“My Beloved”… He is in fact the<br />
“Beloved <strong>of</strong> the Cathedral.” <br />
13 Ways That Increase<br />
Vocations in the Church!<br />
Become saints, especially as parents.<br />
Remember, your home is the first<br />
church, school and seminary for your<br />
children.<br />
Get the word out that there are still<br />
holy, God-centered priests and nuns<br />
and brothers who are on fire with<br />
love for God. Tell others that it<br />
would be an honor to your family, if<br />
your son or daughter is called to be a<br />
priest, nun, or brother.<br />
Take time to talk with your children<br />
about vocations. Have them add it on<br />
their list as a possibility to consider.<br />
Do not speak negatively to your<br />
children about priests and nuns;<br />
rather show them the positive side <strong>of</strong><br />
their special vocation.<br />
Say a special prayer once a day or<br />
once a week for your pastor or for<br />
other priests and nuns you may know<br />
in ministry.<br />
As parents, you have not only the<br />
right but also the duty to see to it that<br />
your children are taught Catholic<br />
truth.<br />
Priests, nuns and brothers, show<br />
young people the positive side <strong>of</strong><br />
your ministry that gives you joy,<br />
happiness and gratification.<br />
Pray always that the Lord <strong>of</strong> the<br />
harvest may give his Church saintly<br />
leaders.<br />
Become members <strong>of</strong> organizations<br />
that support vocations, such as the<br />
Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel, Serra<br />
International, Knights <strong>of</strong> Columbus<br />
and other worthy organizations.<br />
Show the young people the right<br />
example in life and pray with them<br />
and for them, that the Lord may<br />
show them the right call in their<br />
lives.<br />
When you see a young man or<br />
woman with some good qualities for<br />
the priesthood or religious life, tell<br />
him or her about them.<br />
Once in a while, write a short note to<br />
a priest or a nun to tell them how<br />
much you appreciate them, and that<br />
you are praying for them.<br />
Finally, pray and pray and pray, for<br />
prayer is the most powerful tool that<br />
you can use.<br />
Don’t nag and complain about the lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> vocations. Do something about it!<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 6 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Westchester, New York<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Mission Launches<br />
Its Junior MYO Group<br />
Fr. Jean Younes with members <strong>of</strong> Westchester <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
Mission and members <strong>of</strong> the newly formed Junior Youth.<br />
by Rita Zihenni<br />
Twenty-three members <strong>of</strong> Westchester <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
Mission’s new Junior MYO gathered at Haleem and<br />
Denise Zihenni’s house in Scarsdale for their first<br />
meeting on Sunday, April 29.<br />
Mrs. Zihenni, whoseown children are members <strong>of</strong> Junior<br />
MYO, welcomed children and parents to her house and<br />
invited everyone to eat and enjoy the food before theystarted<br />
a series <strong>of</strong> activities.<br />
For this special gathering, Fr. Jean and three moderators,<br />
Ms. Denise Zihenni, Ms. Sanaa Manassian, and Ms. Rania<br />
Hadchiti worked with the children. Ms.Manassian introduced<br />
a game in order for them to meet and get to know each other.<br />
After this game, Fr. Jean introduced St. Rafka, St.<br />
Charbel and St. Nimutallah El-Hardini for the kids in a very<br />
interactive way.<br />
Afterwards, everybody chanted one <strong>of</strong> the most beautiful<br />
hymns for the Virgin Mary “houbbouki ya mariam.” The<br />
chant was written in English letters to help children read it.<br />
Amanda Zihenni played the piano.<br />
Father Jean led the final prayer, blessed the crowd and<br />
wished for a future gathering. <br />
Lewisville, Texas<br />
Roman Catholic Bishop and Fr.<br />
Mitch Pacwa Administer the<br />
Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Reconciliation<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, Lewisville, Tex., received a<br />
singular honor and blessing during Holy Week with<br />
the presence <strong>of</strong> the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Bishop<br />
<strong>of</strong> Fort Worth, and Fr. Mitch Pacwa <strong>of</strong> EWTN.<br />
P ar i shioners were<br />
privileged to have Bishop<br />
Vann ad minister the<br />
Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Reconciliation<br />
from 10 P.M., on Holy<br />
Thursday evening until 2:30<br />
A.M., on Great Friday<br />
morning. Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Lebanon Parish is most<br />
grateful for Bishop Vann’s<br />
voluntary visit to assist Fr.<br />
Assaad El-Basha, Pastor, and<br />
for his love and solicitude for<br />
the spiritual welfare <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite people.<br />
Fr. Mitch Pacwa<br />
participated from Holy<br />
Thursday through Easter<br />
S u n d a y a n d h e a r d<br />
confessions throughout the<br />
night on Holy Thursday until<br />
5:30 A.M., on Great Friday.<br />
The Most Rev. Kevin W.<br />
Vann<br />
Bishop <strong>of</strong> Fort Worth,<br />
Texas.<br />
Fr. Pacwa shared with the parishioners his insight into the<br />
Passion <strong>of</strong> our Lord and His Glorious Resurrection. <br />
Western New York<br />
Lebanese Festival<br />
at<br />
St. John <strong>Maron</strong> Church<br />
in Williamsville, N.Y.<br />
The ninth annual Lebanese Festival will be held Friday,<br />
July 27 through Sunday, July 29, <strong>200</strong>7 on the grounds<br />
<strong>of</strong> St. John <strong>Maron</strong> Church in Williamsville, [Buffalo],<br />
New York. The highlight, as always, will be the authentic<br />
Lebanese cuisine and sweets. Continuous Lebanese music<br />
will be provided by Stars Of The East. The Lebanese Festival<br />
Dance Troupe will also perform throughout the weekend.<br />
The church will be open with a rich display <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Church and Lebanese Heritage. As always, there<br />
will be games <strong>of</strong> chance for adults and children, a raffle with<br />
cash and prizes and a backgammon tournament. For further<br />
information and directions, visit the church website at<br />
www.stjohnmaron.org . <br />
Deadline for next month’s issue <strong>of</strong> The<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>iteVoice is <strong>June</strong> 25, <strong>200</strong>7. Send<br />
all changes <strong>of</strong> address, news, pictures<br />
and personal correspondence to:<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice<br />
4611 Sadler Road<br />
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060<br />
Phone: (804) 270-7234; Fax: (804) 273-9914<br />
Email: Gmsebaali@aol.com<br />
Pictures have to be original. Digital pictures must be in<br />
“JPG” format.<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice is also available online, in PDF<br />
format, at www.stmaron.org. <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 7 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Phoenix, Arizona<br />
Second Annual Talent Show<br />
Committee Members presented a certificate and a small gift<br />
to all the participants. A pot luck dinner was served by the<br />
parishioners. <br />
San Francisco, California<br />
Young Adults <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Lebanon Convene Their First<br />
Meeting<br />
Fr. Ghattas Khoury, Pastor, with members <strong>of</strong> St. Joseph<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Church MYO and participants in the talent show.<br />
by Yara Boulos<br />
On Sunday, April 22, <strong>200</strong>7, the MYO <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Joseph<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Church in Phoenix, Ariz., planned and<br />
hosted the second annual talent show. Twenty-five<br />
memberspresented their talents. Marlene Boulos, who came<br />
up with the idea <strong>of</strong> a talent show, had much help and support<br />
in making it work.<br />
There were a variety <strong>of</strong> talents, from singing to dancing,<br />
from skits to musical instruments, from karate to jokes. The<br />
performers were amazing, and everyone appreciated them.<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> Joseph’s parishioners feel that their parish is a place <strong>of</strong><br />
prayers, and also a place where they can develop their talents<br />
and their friendships as they look towards a brilliant future.<br />
They feel that their parish is open to develop their culture<br />
with a spirituality that has been shaped in Lebanon and<br />
continuesto flourish in America. Many more generations will<br />
pass along through this church, and it is their job to start the<br />
way and lead a successful journey. St. Joseph <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
Church would like to thank all those who made this event<br />
possible. <br />
Chicago, Illinois<br />
Star Academy/Family Night<br />
by Lena Daou<br />
The parish <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon in Chicago, Illinois,<br />
held a Star Academy/Family Night on Saturday, April<br />
14, <strong>200</strong>7. The talent show was an exciting way to<br />
involve all the children from two up to sixteen years old.<br />
A total <strong>of</strong> twenty-seven children participated playing<br />
musical instruments, singing, painting, and showcasing arts<br />
and dancing.<br />
The Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Shaker Hall was filled with<br />
family memberswho watched, listened, cheered and clapped,<br />
enjoying the performances by the young <strong>of</strong> the parish. The<br />
Fr. JohnNahal, Pastor, with members<strong>of</strong> the Young Adults <strong>of</strong><br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church in Millbrae, California.<br />
by Joyce Marie Maroon<br />
Lots <strong>of</strong> exciting things seem to be stirring at Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Lebanon in Millbrae [San Francisco], Calif. About<br />
three weeks ago Fr. John Nahal became the new pastor,<br />
and since then he has been quite busy in getting to know his<br />
new parish and its dynamics.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the areas Fr. John wanted to focus` on was the<br />
young adults <strong>of</strong> the Parish. He invited about twenty-five<br />
people to meet at the Parish house to get to know him better<br />
and to see if there was any interest in forming a group that<br />
would formally represent the young adults in the parish.<br />
After many conversations and lots<strong>of</strong> food, the group was<br />
very excited about the idea and decided to name themselves<br />
Young Adults <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon.<br />
Already on the agenda for the next meeting is to discuss<br />
what kind <strong>of</strong> activities the group would like to do, activities<br />
such as hiking trips, feeding the homeless, discovering the<br />
Bay Area together, etc.<br />
If you are ever in the San Francisco area and are<br />
interested in getting to know the community better, please<br />
feel free to log onto our website at www.ololsf.org, or<br />
contact Fr. John at (650) 293-7306. <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 8 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Columbus, Ohio<br />
Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Mission<br />
Welcomes Bishop Shaheen<br />
personally thank him for his parish’s generosity to Our Lady<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lebanon Mission.<br />
A Grand Banquet was held immediately after the Liturgy<br />
at LaScala Restaurant in Dublin. His Excellency, the Most<br />
Reverend Frederick F. Campbell, D.D., Bishop <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Catholic Diocese <strong>of</strong> Columbus, greeted Bishop Shaheen and<br />
the parishioners warmly and welcomed the <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
Community to his Diocese once again. Bishop Campbell<br />
shared his pr<strong>of</strong>ound respect for the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Church as well<br />
as his enjoyment <strong>of</strong> Lebanese food and culture. Fr. Ignatius<br />
Harrington <strong>of</strong>fered the Invocation and Msgr. Bill Maroon<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered the Benediction. The Bishop, Fr. Mhanna and the<br />
parishioners concluded the evening by chanting a <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
hymn. For more information about Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Mission, visit their website at www.ourlady<strong>of</strong>lebanon.info;<br />
or email membership@ourlady<strong>of</strong>lebanon.info. <br />
New Castle, Pennsylvania<br />
May Crowning<br />
Left to right: Fr. Pierre Bassil, Bishop Robert Shaheen, and Fr.<br />
Andre Mhanna visit with children from Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Mission in Columbus, Ohio.<br />
by Adele Knieser Busch, Parish Council Secretary<br />
On Saturday, April 28, <strong>200</strong>7, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Mission in Columbus, Ohio, was privileged<br />
to welcome His Excellency Bishop Robert J. Shaheen,<br />
Bishop <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon; Fr. Andre<br />
Mhanna, Rector <strong>of</strong> St. Raymond Cathedral and Diocesan<br />
Mastr <strong>of</strong> Ceremonies; and Jonathan Kyser, Secretary to<br />
Bishop Shaheen. This was the first <strong>of</strong>ficial Pastoral visit to<br />
the Columbus Mission since it was established in <strong>200</strong>2. Dr.<br />
Tarek Chidiac, his wife S<strong>of</strong>ia and their children hosted a<br />
Lebanese luncheon at their home in Muirfield to welcome<br />
them.<br />
Bishop Shaheen also met with the Parish Council and<br />
parishioners to discuss their desire to have a church <strong>of</strong> their<br />
own in the near future. Several volunteers from the Mission<br />
have drafted a Business Plan which was also presented to the<br />
Bishop.He encouraged themto go forward with the Business<br />
Plan and shared ideas with the parish community on how to<br />
obtain their first church. This meeting was truly refreshing<br />
and affirming to many.<br />
The Pontifical Divine Liturgy was held at St. Margaret <strong>of</strong><br />
Cortona Roman Catholic Church in Columbus where the<br />
Mission currently meets for Liturgy and activities. Fr. Pierre<br />
Bassil, the Mission Administrator and also pastor <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
Ignatius <strong>Maron</strong>ite Church in Dayton, Ohio; Rev. Andre<br />
Mhanna, Diocesan Master <strong>of</strong> Ceremonies; Msgr. William<br />
Maroon <strong>of</strong> the Catholic Diocese <strong>of</strong> Columbus; and Fr.<br />
Ignatius Harrington, Pastor <strong>of</strong> Holy Resurrection Melkite<br />
Church in Columbus concelebrated. The Columbus Chapter<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Order <strong>of</strong> the HolySepulcher provided the Honor Guard<br />
for the Bishop. Joseph Karam and Steven Saliba, Mission<br />
parishioners, represented the Order the Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Sharbel. Prior to the Liturgy, Bishop Shaheen visited with<br />
Msgr. Frank Lane, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. Margaret <strong>of</strong> Cortona, to<br />
Left to right: Christina Riott, Breanna Beshero, and Caitlyn<br />
Doran (attendants). Mariana Kanaan and Michael Hudson<br />
(crown bearers ). Giovonna Fulena (May Queen) and Father<br />
Kevin Beaton, Pastor.<br />
by Marcia Rudley<br />
On Sunday, May 13,<strong>200</strong>7, St. John the Baptist <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
Church honored the Blessed Virgin Mary by having a<br />
procession led by Father Kevin Beaton, Pastor, and<br />
Deacon Dr. Richard Stone from the site <strong>of</strong> St. John’s old<br />
church (a block away) and reciting the Rosary. Beautiful<br />
songs and readings were done to honor the Blessed Mother.<br />
During the Divine Liturgy, the <strong>200</strong>7 May Queen, Giovonna<br />
Fulena, crowned the Blessed Virgin Mary. The May Queen’s<br />
attendants, Caitlyn Doran, Christina Riott and Breanna<br />
Beshero also presented bouquets <strong>of</strong> flowers during the<br />
service.<br />
Following the Liturgy, everyone was invited to the<br />
basement <strong>of</strong> the church for a Mother’s Day Breakfast,<br />
sponsored by the church, to honor all the mothers,<br />
grandmothers, godmothers and aunts. <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 9 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Ecumenical Evening Prayer at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Cathedral<br />
On May 23, <strong>200</strong>7, His Excellency Bishop DiMarzio and the Catholic Diocese <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>,<br />
New York, along with His Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour and the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><br />
<strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> hosted an Ecumenical evening prayer service at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Cathedral. The opening remarks <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gregory Mansour follow:<br />
Bishop Gregory Mansour<br />
Bishop DiMarzio and the Diocese<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, thank you for<br />
hostingthis ecumenical gathering<br />
<strong>of</strong> Christians from the Orthodox,<br />
Catholic and Protestant communities.<br />
It is so very important that, as Christ’s<br />
ambassadors, we gather to pray.<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> you were here last<br />
December when Christians, Muslims<br />
and Jews gathered to pray for peace in<br />
Lebanon. At that time, the parishioners<br />
<strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral felt<br />
that we must pray for Lebanon, not<br />
separately as Muslims, Christians, or<br />
Jews, but together as children <strong>of</strong> God.<br />
(We feel the same today, especially<br />
with the recent events in Lebanon. We<br />
pray for Lebanon and her people.) On<br />
that evening a common refrain was<br />
heard: “It is good for us to be here”<br />
(Mk9:5). These words, spoken byPeter<br />
himself, are quite familiar to us and<br />
also define our prayer tonight!<br />
In the light <strong>of</strong> Mount Tabor, “it is<br />
good for us to be here.” Between the<br />
Resurrection and Pentecost (which this<br />
year we celebrate together) we come to<br />
pray. We repent and lament that we do<br />
not pray and work together <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
enough. It is easier for us to stay within<br />
our own communities. We know our<br />
way around there; it is comfortable for<br />
us. But this is not acceptable to the One<br />
whoprayed to His Fatherjust before He<br />
died and was raised up:<br />
“Fatherthat they maybe one as<br />
we are one, I in them and you<br />
in me, that they may become<br />
completely one, so that the<br />
world may know that you have<br />
sent me and have loved them<br />
even as you have loved me”<br />
(Jn 17:22-23).<br />
Therefore, what kind <strong>of</strong> Christian<br />
must we be Should we be faithful to<br />
our own particular Churches or<br />
ecclesial communities Yes, indeed we<br />
have to say this, but we are also obliged<br />
to be faithful to the will <strong>of</strong> Christ, who<br />
in his priestly prayer for his disciples,<br />
prayed that “They may be one, Father,<br />
as you and I are one.”<br />
In reflecting on our need for one<br />
another we can say this about<br />
ourselves:<br />
The strength and beauty <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Catholic Communion <strong>of</strong> Churches<br />
is in her universality, her unity with<br />
the Pope <strong>of</strong> Rome and in the order,<br />
discipline and uniformity <strong>of</strong> her<br />
law.<br />
The strength and beauty <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Orthodox Churches is found in<br />
their love for Sacred Tradition,<br />
their Synodal (team) government <strong>of</strong><br />
the apostolic college <strong>of</strong> bishops,<br />
and in the epikia principle which<br />
allows bishops to accommodate to<br />
human need and weakness.<br />
The strength and beauty <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Protestant ecclesial communities is<br />
in their fervent love for the<br />
Scriptures, their evangelical zeal,<br />
their flexibility, and their desire to<br />
listen to the work and movement <strong>of</strong><br />
the Holy Spirit to witness Christ in<br />
every circumstance <strong>of</strong> life and<br />
society.<br />
Along with these strengths,<br />
however, come weaknesses as well.<br />
Those <strong>of</strong> us within and outside each<br />
community know these well. There is<br />
no need for us to elaborate here.<br />
However, what is needed here is the<br />
virtue <strong>of</strong> humility that together we may<br />
stand before God, as did Adam, and<br />
recognize that we are missing<br />
something, perhaps missing someone!<br />
For Adam it was Eve; for us it is a<br />
unified Church, fully herself: one,<br />
holy, catholic and apostolic; one flock<br />
with all her shepherds united in full<br />
communion. This is the true image <strong>of</strong><br />
the Body <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />
St. Augustine said, “The Holy<br />
Spirit is given in the measure that one<br />
loves the Church.” In these days spent<br />
in anticipation <strong>of</strong> Pentecost we pray<br />
that we will love the Church, already<br />
existing in tremendous unity, but still in<br />
need <strong>of</strong> that greater unity which one<br />
day will allow all <strong>of</strong> her children to<br />
share the one loaf and the one cup.<br />
In the reading from the Old<br />
Testament tonight, we hear the story <strong>of</strong><br />
the giving <strong>of</strong> the Ten Commandments,<br />
a second time! They were given twice,<br />
because the first time the anger <strong>of</strong><br />
Moses rendered the first set <strong>of</strong><br />
Commandments “defective.” They<br />
were broken! So Moses had to “return”<br />
them to the Almighty to get a “refund.”<br />
We are glad he did, because not only do<br />
we see once again the need for an<br />
objective standard <strong>of</strong> morality, beyond<br />
relativism, but wealso see the awesome<br />
encounter between a leader <strong>of</strong> God’s<br />
people and the living God. We can take<br />
notice here and benefit.<br />
During his mystical encounter with<br />
God, Moses mentions the “stiff necked<br />
people” he serves (sounds familiar)<br />
But he has the courage to pray thus: “If<br />
I find favor with you, O Lord, do come<br />
along in our company.” Is this not what<br />
we pray as we gather today Sure <strong>of</strong><br />
our “stiff neckedness” we pray, as the<br />
leaders <strong>of</strong> God’s people, “O Lord, do<br />
come along in our company.”<br />
And just as Moses stood in awe<br />
before the Majesty <strong>of</strong> God, so do we.<br />
Just as Moses asked for the “pardon <strong>of</strong><br />
our wickedness and sin,” so do we; and<br />
just as Moses prayed “Receive us as<br />
your own,” so do we. We recall our sad<br />
divisions <strong>of</strong> the years 431, 451, 1054<br />
and the Protestant-Catholic divisions <strong>of</strong><br />
the late Middle Ages. We pray for<br />
restoration and unity in Christ.<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 10 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
The path to that unity which Jesus<br />
willed for us is based partially on<br />
intellectual dialogue, partially on<br />
prayer, and even moreso on love. Love<br />
is the greatest <strong>of</strong> virtues says St. Paul; it<br />
is the name for God Himself, says St.<br />
John; and as Jesus said, love is the way<br />
that all people will come to know that<br />
we are his disciples.<br />
Love fulfills the law and love is the<br />
heart <strong>of</strong> “spiritual ecumenism.” In his<br />
first address to the youth <strong>of</strong> the world in<br />
Cologne, Germany,Pope Benedictsaid:<br />
“Spiritual ecumenism, prayer,<br />
conversion and the sanctification <strong>of</strong><br />
life, constitute the heart <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ecumenical movement. It could be said<br />
that the best form <strong>of</strong> ecumenism<br />
consists in living in accordance with the<br />
Gospel.”<br />
If we cannot enter into an <strong>of</strong>ficial<br />
theological dialogue, which is<br />
important, if we cannot work together<br />
in ecumenical service projects, which<br />
are also important, if we cannot further<br />
the common date for Easter or the<br />
receiving <strong>of</strong> the one cup and one loaf,<br />
or the hierarchical unity <strong>of</strong> all<br />
Christians, which are all important, we<br />
can “love one another.” A gathering<br />
like this one helps us do just that.<br />
By our love and sincere interest in<br />
one another, we come to be known as<br />
Our Lord’s disciples, so that “the world<br />
maybelieve.” The Mother <strong>of</strong> Jesus, our<br />
faithful teacher and guide, who was<br />
present with the apostles at the first<br />
Pentecost, accompanies us on our<br />
Ecumenical journey together. Lord<br />
have mercy on us. <br />
The Behavior <strong>of</strong> Some Men<br />
by<br />
The Most Reverend Gregory J. Mansour<br />
Several months ago I wrote an<br />
article “that I never thought in a<br />
million years I would write.” I<br />
entitled it “The Evening Behavior <strong>of</strong><br />
Christians”, and addressed it equally to<br />
men and women. Some people<br />
interpreted it as a strong exhortation<br />
against the immodest dress <strong>of</strong> some<br />
women; it was, but it was also much<br />
more. It was about modesty for men<br />
and women.<br />
Some women were upset that I did<br />
not sufficiently address certain<br />
behaviors <strong>of</strong> men. Although I did<br />
address the harm that both women and<br />
men do against purity, to even the<br />
score, I would like to share a few<br />
thoughts especially,but not exclusively,<br />
for men with regard to pornography.<br />
What are we thinking when we say<br />
that this is a harmless or victimless sin<br />
Do we know just how destructive this<br />
habit really is On our televisions, over<br />
the Internet, downloaded on I-pods, in<br />
magazines, advertisements and<br />
everywhere we look – the more<br />
tantalizing the better, there it is, and<br />
unfortunately we are “getting used to<br />
it”!<br />
But if the eye is the window to the<br />
soul, and our eyes are filled with all<br />
this, what will become <strong>of</strong> our souls If<br />
people are just bodies to be used and<br />
discarded, what kind <strong>of</strong> people will we<br />
become If we start, feed and<br />
rationalize habits that bring us less<br />
freedom and less peace <strong>of</strong> mind, what<br />
kind <strong>of</strong> compulsive people will we<br />
become<br />
Yes, in fact, some women dress<br />
immodestly, but the sad reality is that<br />
men also contribute more than their fair<br />
share to immodesty and to our hypersexualized<br />
environment. It may not be<br />
in the way they dress, but it is in their<br />
habits, especially what they look at and<br />
look for.<br />
We should not be deceived by<br />
making light <strong>of</strong> this destructive trend.<br />
To be pure in thought, word and deed is<br />
to be a true person, a mature person.<br />
Everything else makes us less a man<br />
and less a woman.<br />
The Gospel is clear:<br />
“The lamp <strong>of</strong> the body is your eye.<br />
When your eye is sound, then your<br />
whole body is filled with light, but<br />
when it is bad, then your body is in<br />
darkness. Take care, then, that the light<br />
in you may not become darkness. If<br />
your whole body is full <strong>of</strong> light, and no<br />
part <strong>of</strong> it is in darkness, then it will be<br />
as full <strong>of</strong> light as a lamp illuminating<br />
you with its brightness" (Lk 11:34-36).<br />
Men are just as responsible as are<br />
women in our Lord’s call to modesty.<br />
Men and women can do much more to<br />
make this world modest and pure, a<br />
place where adults and children can<br />
enjoy together. Jesus said, “Blessed are<br />
the pure <strong>of</strong> heart, for they shall see<br />
God” (Mt 5:3).<br />
How can the same eyes that<br />
worship the Host at the Divine Liturgy<br />
or search in prayer for the face <strong>of</strong> God,<br />
also look at that which leads to sin<br />
Chastity, modesty, and purity, “old<br />
fashioned” concepts If so, men and<br />
women alike need to become more “old<br />
fashioned” so that our children can live<br />
better and happier lives. <br />
Prayer For Priestly<br />
Vocations<br />
Father, in every generation You<br />
provide ministers <strong>of</strong> Christ and the<br />
Church.<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 />
Give us priests who will lead and<br />
guide Your holy people gathered<br />
by Word and Sacrament.<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 />
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 />
We make our prayer in the<br />
presence and power <strong>of</strong> the Holy<br />
Spirit, through Christ, our Lord.<br />
Amen.<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 11 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Waterbury, Connecticut<br />
Blessed Mother Statue<br />
On Sunday May 6, <strong>200</strong>7, Fr. Charbel T. Semaan, Pastor,<br />
and the parishioners <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church<br />
<strong>of</strong> Waterbury, Conn., gathered outside the Church for<br />
the dedication <strong>of</strong> the new statue <strong>of</strong> the Blessed Mother. The<br />
First Communicants led the procession and the choir sang a<br />
Mariam song (Picture by Vola Karam). <br />
San Diego, California<br />
Women’s Retreat At St. Ephrem<br />
Church<br />
Fr. Nabil Mouannes, Pastor, and Jason Evert with a few <strong>of</strong><br />
the ladies who attended the retreat at St. Ephrem Church.<br />
The Second Women’s retreat at St. Ephrem Church in<br />
San Diego, Calif., was a great success. Seventy-five<br />
ladies attended the event on April 21, <strong>200</strong>7. A spiritual<br />
and informative half day was spent with two speakers, Jason<br />
Evert and Sister Carlotta Dilorenzo.<br />
Jason spoke about Marriage and Family in today’s life.<br />
There are five P’s for the families; Prayers (Pray with your<br />
family and pray for them), Praise (Praise your loved onenothing<br />
like the human touch), Protect (Protect your family<br />
i.e. internet), Purity (God is interested in your conversion)<br />
and Preparation (Prepare your family for what is to come, do<br />
not neglect holy writing). Pope John Paul II said it is never<br />
too late to be a saint. He introduced the idea to adopt a nun to<br />
pray for you and spoke about the power <strong>of</strong> prayers.<br />
While Sister Carlotta spoke about how the Holy Family<br />
on earth, Jesus Mary and Joseph, reflected the uncreated<br />
Trinity in Heaven, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. She<br />
explained how Joseph was a father figure for Jesus. We could<br />
meditate on the mystery <strong>of</strong> Christ through the eyes <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Joseph. His Litany is very important and she invited everyone<br />
to pray it. She used icons to illustrate her presentation. <br />
by Fr. Larry Jensen<br />
Waterville, Maine<br />
Delayed Celebration<br />
David Elias, Lenore Boles, Dan Casavant, Lauraine<br />
Mansur, Maria Bouchard, Rosanna Joseph. Fr. Larry, and<br />
Judy Mitchell.<br />
St. Joseph <strong>Maron</strong>ite Church <strong>of</strong> Waterville, Maine,<br />
celebrated the Feast <strong>of</strong> St. <strong>Maron</strong> by prayer and worship<br />
in February, but waited for warmer weather to celebrate<br />
socially. This decision proved again to be a wise one based<br />
on the amount <strong>of</strong> snow the area had right up to the end <strong>of</strong><br />
April.<br />
On Sunday April 29, <strong>200</strong>7 parishioners prepared and<br />
served an evening Lebanese Dinner. One patron commented,<br />
"It might be raining out there, but once you come in here, it<br />
is all sunshine and laughter ... and you get a great meal."<br />
With the last meal served and the cleaning crew almost<br />
done, there were some tired workers satisfied with another<br />
great turnout and the success in sharing a tradition with the<br />
surrounding area. <br />
Food For Thought<br />
You can’t help feeling the fascination <strong>of</strong> a soul that knows<br />
what it wants and lives by faith.<br />
Pope John XXIII<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 12 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Waterbury, Connecticut<br />
Silver Massabki Award<br />
Utica, New York<br />
Parish Awards At St. Louis<br />
Gonzaga Church<br />
Fr. Charbel T. Semaan, Pastor, presents the Silver Massabki<br />
Award to Mr. Camille Atallah.<br />
On April 21, <strong>200</strong>7, Mr. Camille Attalah received the<br />
Silver Massabki Award for his outstanding service<br />
rendered to Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Parish in Waterbury,<br />
Conn. Fr. Charbel T. Semaan, Pastor, presented him with the<br />
award during the parish’s third annual hafli. <br />
Minneapolis, Minnesota<br />
Golden Wedding Anniversary<br />
<strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, honored<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Elaine Jacob on their fiftieth<br />
wedding anniversary.<br />
Albert and Elaine have been a great inspiration to all<br />
those around them. St. <strong>Maron</strong> Parish congratulates them and<br />
prays for them and for all married couples. <br />
Fr. Bassam Saade, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. Louis Gonzaga Church in<br />
Utica, N.Y., recognized the efforts <strong>of</strong> his parishioners at<br />
a covered dish dinner held in the Church hall on<br />
February 10, <strong>200</strong>7.<br />
James P. Salamy received the Faith <strong>of</strong> the Mountain<br />
Award. James is a Junior at Utica College. He is an acolyte,<br />
religious education teacher, MYA member, lector, as well as<br />
a member <strong>of</strong> the Parish Council. Son <strong>of</strong> Deacon Paul A.<br />
Salamy and the late Susan Salamy, James has been an active<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the parish since he was a young child.<br />
Rose Crigger received the Silver Massabki Award. Over<br />
the course <strong>of</strong> many years, Rose and her late husband, Boyd,<br />
have given generously <strong>of</strong> their time and treasures. A<br />
perpetual member <strong>of</strong> the Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel, Rose also<br />
taught religious education.<br />
Andrew Rahme, son <strong>of</strong> Kamil and Carole Rahme, as well<br />
as John Paul Salamy (brother <strong>of</strong> James) received the<br />
outstanding acolyte award for their commitment and service<br />
as altar servers. <br />
Uniontown, Pennsylvania<br />
Mother/Daughter Luncheon<br />
St. George Altar & Rosary Society <strong>of</strong> Uniontown, Penn.,<br />
held its annual Mother/Daughter Luncheon celebrating<br />
its fortieth anniversary and also the eightieth<br />
anniversary <strong>of</strong> the church. In keeping with the theme chosen<br />
at the 80 th kick-<strong>of</strong>f celebration, “Remember Our Roots,<br />
Celebrate Now, Forward in the Future,” the Altar & Rosary<br />
Society chose to honor several matriarchs <strong>of</strong> the parish who<br />
attended the event.<br />
The luncheon was held at Mt. St. Macrina House <strong>of</strong><br />
Prayer followed by recognition <strong>of</strong> honored guests: Pauline<br />
Habit, Peggy Williams, Mary Thomas, and Liz Molnar. <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 13 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
North Jackson, Ohio<br />
Feast <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
The morning <strong>of</strong> May 6<br />
b r o u g h t w a r m<br />
temperatures and bright<br />
sunshine to Northeast Ohio as<br />
the National Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our<br />
Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon prepared for<br />
the celebration <strong>of</strong> its yearly<br />
patronal feast day.<br />
Busses arrived early from<br />
Pittsburgh, Penn., as pilgrim<br />
groups, some <strong>of</strong> whom have<br />
come for over thirty years,<br />
began to arrive for the<br />
morning Divine Liturgy<br />
celebrated by Msgr. Anthony<br />
Spinosa, Rector.<br />
The celebration consisted<br />
<strong>of</strong> recitation <strong>of</strong> the Joyful,<br />
Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries <strong>of</strong> the Holy Rosary and<br />
climaxed with the crowning <strong>of</strong> Our Lady’s statue and<br />
procession.<br />
The day concluded with a Divine Liturgy celebrated by<br />
Fr. James Root, Pastor <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Victory in Carnegie<br />
(Pittsburgh), Penn. Msgr. Anthony Spinosa and Fr. Claude<br />
Franklin concelebrated. Deacon Dennis Lapuchansy<br />
assisted. The Choir <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Victory Church provided<br />
the music for the Divine Liturgy. The Antonine Sisters sang<br />
a Marian hymn, “Ya’Ouum Allah” followed by the blessing<br />
with the icon <strong>of</strong> Our Lady and special individual blessings for<br />
the sick.<br />
The pilgrims and visitors enjoyed a dinner in the Cedars<br />
Hall and a cake was presented to Fr. Root as he prepared for<br />
his new assignment as Rector <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<br />
Cathedral in <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y. The shrine’s volunteers and<br />
staff presented the cake to Fr. Root as a humble “thank you”<br />
for all his support to the National Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Lebanon. <br />
by Anthony ElKhoueiry, M.D.<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
Outreach Focuses<br />
its Scholarship<br />
Project on<br />
Catholic Schools<br />
in Lebanon<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Outreach has been actively engaged in<br />
several projects aimed at the preservation <strong>of</strong><br />
Christianity in Lebanon. These projects are focused on<br />
helping families and individuals in need with the goal <strong>of</strong><br />
allowing them to remain in Lebanon to continue to be<br />
witnesses to Christ and His teachings in that part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
world.<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Outreach’sScholarship Project has been in<br />
existence for more than eight years. Initially, the project was<br />
focused on families that had been displaced during the war<br />
and returned to their hometowns. It was designed to ease the<br />
financial burden on the returning families by covering the<br />
tuition <strong>of</strong> their children. As a consequence, the families were<br />
able to stay in their hometowns, rather than leave again due<br />
to economic hardship. As the economic situation in Lebanon<br />
worsened and the rate <strong>of</strong> unemployment rose, more families<br />
became in need and unable to cover the tuition <strong>of</strong> their<br />
children, especially those in Catholic Schools.<br />
In response to these changes, the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Outreach<br />
expanded its scholarship project to benefit any child <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Christian family in need. The goals <strong>of</strong> this project are to:<br />
1. Offer assistance to children in need whose families are<br />
unable to pay the tuition<br />
2. Preserve the valuable access to education which has<br />
characterized the Christians in Lebanon<br />
3. Offer support to Catholic Schools in Lebanon since<br />
tuition allow teachers to get paid and schools to stay<br />
open.<br />
The project has been funded from individual donations<br />
from <strong>Maron</strong>ite parishes that have a <strong>Maron</strong>ite Outreach<br />
chapter and from the “piggy banks” project. The latter<br />
encourages children to save some <strong>of</strong> their allowance money<br />
in piggy banks which is then collected and pooled to fund<br />
scholarships.<br />
Since <strong>200</strong>6, the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Outreach has engaged in a<br />
close collaboration with the General Secretariat <strong>of</strong> Catholic<br />
Schools in Lebanon in order to dispense the scholarships to<br />
the students who are in most need and ensure efficiency and<br />
transparency in the process. This collaboration is facilitated<br />
by the Catholic Schools Assistance Fund Board established<br />
in the U.S.A., under the blessing and supervision <strong>of</strong> His<br />
Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour.<br />
To date, 110 scholarships have been awarded ranging in<br />
amount from $<strong>200</strong> to $1000. All recipients had a detailed<br />
socioeconomic review by a social worker to document the<br />
need. The money was given to the school directly and<br />
receipts obtained from the school and the family. Letters and<br />
pictures from the children have made the impact more<br />
tangible for the donors.<br />
We invite you to join us in supporting the Scholarship<br />
Project. You can do this by <strong>of</strong>fering a donation or by starting<br />
a chapter <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Outreach in your parish and<br />
launching the “piggy banks” project. Together, we can keep<br />
our Catholic Schools in Lebanon flourishing and ensure that<br />
our children get a high quality education. For more<br />
information, visit us at www.maroniteoutreach.org or call<br />
(213) 458-0580. <br />
For the latest information on the<br />
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> and<br />
the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon;<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite publications; and teachings <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Church visit the eparchial<br />
websites at www.stmaron.org (<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>) or www.usamaronite.org<br />
(<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon). <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 14 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
<strong>Maron</strong>ites Deep in the Heart <strong>of</strong><br />
Texas Hold A Regional<br />
Convention<br />
Left to right: Fr. Andre Estaphan, Eliana and Chuck Abou-<br />
Jaoude, recipients <strong>of</strong> the Massabki Award, and Fr. Milad<br />
Yaghi.<br />
by Emely Salemie-Shay and Alberto G. Tohmé<br />
Under the leadership <strong>of</strong> Fr. Milad Yaghi, Pastor, and Fr.<br />
André Estephan, Assistant Pastor, the Parish <strong>of</strong> Our<br />
Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars in Houston, Texas, hosted the<br />
National Apostolate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>ites (NAM) Southern Regional<br />
Convention on March 23-25, <strong>200</strong>7. Chorbishop Richard<br />
Saad, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. Elias Church in Birmingham, Alabama,<br />
represented His Excellency Bishop Robert Shaheen, Bishop<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, at this event. Mike<br />
Naber, NAM Executive Director; Maroon Boohaker, Vice<br />
President, NAM Southern Region; and several parishioners<br />
from other NAM Southern Region parishes, including San<br />
Antonio and Austin, attended this convention. All enjoyed a<br />
weekend <strong>of</strong> warm southern hospitality, brotherhood, and<br />
celebration <strong>of</strong> our common <strong>Maron</strong>ite heritage.<br />
The convention began with a Lenten retreat on Friday,<br />
which consisted <strong>of</strong> a 4-hour workshop <strong>of</strong> meditation,<br />
reflection and prayer. Fr. André organized this event with the<br />
support <strong>of</strong> Fr. Leon Streider, a local Roman Catholic priest<br />
who is a strong and regular supporter <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Cedars spiritual events. On Friday evening, a casual dinner<br />
at the church hall focused on family and fun “Lenten village<br />
style” with members <strong>of</strong> the choir and the Daughters <strong>of</strong> Mary,<br />
the women’s organization, showcasing their talents on the<br />
stage, as well as in the kitchen.<br />
On Saturday, Fr. André <strong>of</strong>fered a workshop for the youth<br />
which consisted <strong>of</strong> multiple day-long activities, with<br />
assistance from Fr. Christopher Shackelford, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
Andrew Catholic Church in Channelview, Texas.<br />
Chorbishop Saad conducted a workshop for adults on the<br />
challenges <strong>of</strong> leading a Christian life in our modern world.<br />
On Saturday afternoon, tours to NASA and a<br />
waterfront/boardwalk experience for the youth in Kemah,<br />
Texas,proved fun and memorable.<br />
By Saturday night, it was time to “put on the ritz” and<br />
attend the grand banquet that had a record number <strong>of</strong><br />
attendees for the parish with 492 present! The evening was<br />
enchanted with a silent auction and Arabic music. Bishop<br />
Vincent M. Rizzotto <strong>of</strong> the Galveston-Houston Roman<br />
Catholic Archdiocese attended the event as a special guest.<br />
The evening had two highlights. The first highlight was Fr.<br />
Milad’s announcement <strong>of</strong> an upcoming construction project<br />
<strong>of</strong> a school on the continuously expanding property <strong>of</strong> Our<br />
Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars. The second highlight was the bestowing<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Silver Massabki Award to Eliana and Chuck Abou-<br />
Jaoude, both <strong>of</strong> whom are long-standing and active members<br />
<strong>of</strong> NAM and the parish. Eliana has served as President <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Daughters <strong>of</strong> Mary and as co-chair for the convention.<br />
Chuck has served the parish and NAM in many ways over the<br />
years, including his current position on the building<br />
committee for the church rectory, which is under<br />
construction, as well as on the NAM Executive Board.<br />
On Sunday, the convention was concluded with a Divine<br />
Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Galveston-Houston Archdiocese, followed by a farewell<br />
reception in the church hall. The eventful weekend proved<br />
that there is a thriving community <strong>of</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>ites deep in the<br />
heart <strong>of</strong> Texas. <br />
The Prayer <strong>of</strong> the Faithful, three volumes <strong>of</strong> morning and<br />
evening prayer <strong>of</strong> the faithful in English, is available from<br />
<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)<br />
is available for $40 plus $5 shipping.<br />
Volume Three (Seasons <strong>of</strong> Pentecost and Holy Cross) is<br />
available for $30 plus $5 shipping.<br />
The Prayer <strong>of</strong> the Faithful (in Arabic), also three volumes <strong>of</strong><br />
morning and evening prayer <strong>of</strong> the faithful, is now available<br />
from <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications for $75 plus $10 shipping.<br />
Come to the Wedding Feast: An Eight Session Course for<br />
Training Catechists: Written by Chorbishop Dominic<br />
Ashkar, this eight session program helps lead catechists into<br />
becoming more spiritually effective. Using the text <strong>of</strong> the<br />
wedding at Cana story as a base, this guidebook serves as an<br />
invitation to a journey that connects your catechists with<br />
Jesus and the disciples.<br />
This 96 page book is available from <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong><br />
Publications for $29.95 (40% discount will be granted to<br />
buyers).<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<br />
complete listing <strong>of</strong> publications carried by <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong><br />
Publications, please visit www.stmaron.org. <br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 15 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
NAM Board Meeting and Annual Spring Raffle Held in Memphis<br />
Members <strong>of</strong> NAM Board <strong>of</strong> Directors on the steps <strong>of</strong> St. Jude Research Center.<br />
by Margot Karam and Maroun J.<br />
Boohaker, NAM Board Members<br />
The National Apostolate <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ites Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
held their spring board meeting in<br />
Memphis, Tennessee, the weekend <strong>of</strong><br />
April 27-29. While storms with<br />
tornadoes in the surrounding areas<br />
preceded our arrival, sunshine and<br />
beautiful weather prevailed over our<br />
stay. Since NAM’s Board usually<br />
meets in cities with existing <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
communities, you may be looking for<br />
an updated NAM Parish Directory<br />
searching for Memphis. No need to,<br />
you won’t find Memphis listed. What<br />
you will find in Memphis is something<br />
very dear to every <strong>Maron</strong>ite’s soul: St.<br />
Jude Children’s Research Hospital.<br />
For many years, the boards <strong>of</strong> the<br />
American Lebanese-Syrian Associated<br />
Charities (ALSAC)/St. Jude have<br />
extended an invitation to NAM through<br />
Special Events Committee Chair and<br />
member Raymond Zoghby and Charles<br />
(Chuck) Hajjar to hold its board<br />
meeting on the hospital campus.<br />
Current NAM President, Richard<br />
Coury, approached the Board with<br />
ALSAC/St. Jude’s invitation, and the<br />
NAM Board eagerly agreed to it.<br />
ALSAC / St. Jude Children’s<br />
Research Hospital is the labor <strong>of</strong> love<br />
<strong>of</strong> Danny Thomas, a fellow <strong>Maron</strong>ite,<br />
who passed away in 1991. He was an<br />
example <strong>of</strong> a person <strong>of</strong> faith who made<br />
a vow and saw it through. The arm<br />
bands representing St. Jude have words<br />
on them, “Give Thanks.” This is what<br />
Danny did in 1960 when the hospital<br />
was built, and it is the same legacy <strong>of</strong><br />
love and thanks that his children,<br />
Marlo, Terre, and Tony, the ALSAC<br />
Board, all the staff and volunteers toil<br />
with today. While physically departed<br />
for sixteen years, Mr. Thomas’ spirit<br />
remains in every corner <strong>of</strong> St. Jude, in<br />
the sparkle <strong>of</strong> the children’seyes, in the<br />
laugh <strong>of</strong> his son,Tony, and even in the<br />
cashiers at the gift shop, who greeted<br />
everyone with “shoukrun” and “maa<br />
salaami.” The work for children in the<br />
scientific search for cures has made<br />
remarkable strides in childhood<br />
catastrophic diseases. The support for<br />
these tremendous efforts come from<br />
many arenas today: an average<br />
individual donation <strong>of</strong> $25.00 per<br />
month, small business with coin drops,<br />
and corporate sponsorship <strong>of</strong> events<br />
across the country.<br />
Kay Jewelers is donating the cost<br />
for expansion <strong>of</strong> the hospital cafeteria,<br />
the only cafeteria on campus. This is<br />
shared by doctors, patients, nurses,<br />
families, staff and visitors. McDonald’s<br />
and the Ronald McDonald Foundation<br />
bear the name <strong>of</strong> the home for shortterm<br />
patients. While the hospital holds<br />
sixty-two inpatient beds, most patients<br />
are treated on an outpatient basis. The<br />
Ronald McDonald House serves<br />
patients and their families whoare there<br />
less than ninety days. The Target<br />
House serves as home for long-term<br />
care patients. Target Corporation funds<br />
this, and its three spokespersons, Amy<br />
Grant, Tiger Woods and Scott<br />
Hamilton, have all donated portions <strong>of</strong><br />
the home.<br />
Danny Thomas and his wife, Rose<br />
Marie, now rest in a memorial garden<br />
on the hospital grounds site. A quote<br />
from Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet,<br />
marks the crypt. This is a fitting place<br />
for them to be, the serenity and beauty<br />
found there gives respite to the visitor,<br />
and affords one a moment <strong>of</strong> quiet<br />
reflection. The work that continues at<br />
this hospital founded by DannyThomas<br />
and his band <strong>of</strong> ALSAC volunteers is<br />
truly awe-inspiring. The Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors <strong>of</strong> ALSAC and the Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Governors <strong>of</strong> St. Jude have a daunting<br />
task in the oversight <strong>of</strong> this magnificent<br />
legacy, yet they all do it with the same<br />
spirit as Danny Thomas, with great<br />
love, commitment, dedication and<br />
devotion.<br />
NAM Board <strong>of</strong> Directors gathered<br />
on Thursday evening at the Downtown<br />
Marriott on Danny Thomas Boulevard.<br />
St Jude Hospital provided all <strong>of</strong> the<br />
transportation, and the meetings began<br />
on Friday morning on the St. Jude<br />
campus. We first attended a memorial<br />
service for Carmie Mehrlander, who<br />
had recently died. Ms. Mehrlander was<br />
the Executive Director <strong>of</strong> Corporate<br />
Alliances for ALSAC. As a backdrop<br />
for this memorial, we enjoyed a twelve<br />
foot wood carving <strong>of</strong> “The Last<br />
Supper” that formerly hung in the<br />
Thomas’ Beverly Hills home. Our<br />
meetings were conducted in a state-<strong>of</strong>the-art<br />
conference room in the Danny<br />
Thomas Research Tower.<br />
While we were already taken by the<br />
gracious hospitality <strong>of</strong> the ALSAC/St.<br />
Jude Boards, we could not have<br />
imagined the “<strong>of</strong>ficial” greeting <strong>of</strong> their<br />
Boards over Friday night dinner. We<br />
were their guests for Friday night<br />
dinner at a restaurant called “The<br />
Butcher Shop Steakhouse” on the edge<br />
<strong>of</strong> Beale Street, Memphis’ most famous<br />
entertainment district. The ambiance<br />
was rustic; the food was tremendous,<br />
both in flavor and quantity. Once we<br />
were in our dining area, we felt the<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 16 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
immediate bond between relatives, old<br />
neighbors, long-time friends and true<br />
soul mates working for good. With<br />
names like Abraham, Thomas,<br />
Shadyac, Gattas, Aboussie, Haggar,<br />
Zoghby, Soma, Barkate, Moses, Simon,<br />
Karam, in our midst, we could have<br />
created a whole other NAM Board!!!<br />
There were no strangers in this room<br />
after the first hello; inclusiveness was<br />
the word for the evening.<br />
As we were seated for dinner, we<br />
were “<strong>of</strong>ficially” welcomed by John<br />
Moses, CEO <strong>of</strong> ALSAC, Joyce<br />
Aboussie, Chairperson/President <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ALSAC Board, and George Simon,<br />
Chairperson <strong>of</strong> the St. Jude Board. One<br />
<strong>of</strong> the most touching remarks came<br />
from Mr. Moses. He told us that they<br />
had wanted us to hold our meetings<br />
there for a while. He reminded us that<br />
St. Jude was the fruit <strong>of</strong> labor and love<br />
<strong>of</strong> our grandparents and parents. He<br />
encouraged us to beat our chests<br />
proudly whenever anyone spoke <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
Jude. Richard Coury answered with his<br />
own greeting and introduced our board<br />
members to them one-by-one.<br />
Saturday morning brought us an<br />
experience that will stay with us the rest<br />
<strong>of</strong> our lives. We were greeted by their<br />
combined Board <strong>of</strong> Directors and<br />
Governors and joined them for<br />
breakfast before they continued with<br />
their meetings. We were invited into<br />
their board room and Richard Coury,<br />
on behalf <strong>of</strong> the NAM Board <strong>of</strong><br />
Directors and all <strong>of</strong> the NAM<br />
Membership, presented to them a<br />
plaque <strong>of</strong> the Blessed Massabki<br />
Brothers in appreciation <strong>of</strong> their hosting<br />
our meeting.<br />
Raymond Zoghbyled us away from<br />
the meeting to begin a private tour <strong>of</strong><br />
the facilities. In the staging area, he<br />
presented the ladies <strong>of</strong> our Board with<br />
a souvenir scarf from St. Jude, and the<br />
men were given a necktie. Each<br />
depicted the latest logo, the word<br />
“HOPE” displayed all over them.<br />
ThuZar Lwin, Ph.D., Postdoctoral<br />
Research Associate in Molecular<br />
Biotechnology, conducted our tour.<br />
While our time was limited, she very<br />
capably led us through significant parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> the hospital. John Moses was<br />
correct; we could feel our connection to<br />
this monument in every hallway. The<br />
thrill <strong>of</strong> seeing our parish and<br />
ancestors’ names on the walls <strong>of</strong><br />
founders and pioneers memorials was<br />
only surpassed by the bright colors and<br />
beautiful artwork and writings <strong>of</strong> the<br />
children who come to St Jude full <strong>of</strong><br />
hope and faith. It is noted that<br />
construction is continual on campus.<br />
We can’t wait for our next visit to see<br />
the expansion.<br />
Our final stop on the campus tour<br />
was the Gift Shop. We encourage you<br />
to visit the virtual gift shop at<br />
h t t p : / / w w w . a l s a c . o r g / o r<br />
http://www.stjude.org. Needless to<br />
say, after being in meetings for an<br />
entire day, the ladies <strong>of</strong> the NAM<br />
Board wasted no time showing the men<br />
how to shop! It is funny how our strict<br />
schedule suddenly evaporates when<br />
shopping is involved. Our ten minute<br />
shopping spree was much closer to<br />
forty-five minutes.<br />
Our tour continued several miles<br />
away at the Target House. Our<br />
weekend at St Jude Children Research<br />
Hospital concluded with a Saturday<br />
afternoon liturgy in the Danny<br />
Thomas/ALSAC Pavilion. How fitting<br />
it was to have our Spiritual Director, Fr.<br />
John Paul Kimes, celebrate our liturgy<br />
on a make-shift altar under the<br />
inscription from Gibran, “He who<br />
denies his heritage, has no heritage.”<br />
Surely all Board members could feel<br />
their spiritual and cultural heritage be<br />
absorbed in the dome above us.<br />
Once the altar was stripped, we<br />
presented St. Jude a monetary gift and<br />
held the Annual Spring Raffle.<br />
Members <strong>of</strong> the ALSAC/St. Jude Board<br />
drew the winners under the supervision<br />
<strong>of</strong> our board. A special thanks to all<br />
who participated in the raffle. <br />
Spring Raffle<br />
The Board <strong>of</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong> the<br />
National Apostolate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>ites<br />
(NAM) announces the winners<br />
for its Spring Raffle:<br />
Adele Mazloom (daughter <strong>of</strong> Albert<br />
and Eunice) <strong>of</strong> Utica, N.Y., won the<br />
$10,000 first prize (Ticket No. 178).<br />
Fr. James Root, <strong>of</strong> Carnegie<br />
(Pittsburgh), Penn., won the $3,000<br />
second prize (Ticket No. 059).<br />
Beverly Mike-Nard <strong>of</strong> Poland, Ohio,<br />
won the $2,000 third prize (Ticket No.<br />
300).<br />
Rose Abi Radi <strong>of</strong> Cincinnati, Ohio,<br />
won the $1,500 fourth prize (Ticket No.<br />
229).<br />
Issam and Catherine Awad <strong>of</strong><br />
Glencoe, Illinois won the $1,000 fifth<br />
prize (Ticket No. 349). <br />
The Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><br />
Sharbel<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 support<br />
for Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Seminary and<br />
the retired <strong>Maron</strong>ite clergy <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Eparchies in the USA.<br />
For more information about the Order,<br />
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 />
Driving Time to Richmond<br />
City Miles No. <strong>of</strong><br />
Hours<br />
Atlanta 511 9.5<br />
Baltimore 142 3<br />
Boston 538 10<br />
Charlotte 276 5<br />
Cincinnati 509 9.5<br />
Cleveland 419 8<br />
Jacksonville 602 11<br />
New York 340 6.5<br />
Philadelphia 236 4.5<br />
Pittsburgh 298 5.5<br />
Raleigh 175 3<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 17 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
Interest High in NAM ’07 Convention<br />
Set for<br />
July 25-29 in Richmond, Va.<br />
Final preparations are underway for<br />
the 44 th Annual <strong>Maron</strong>ite<br />
Convention in Richmond, Va. The<br />
convention, sponsored by NAM and<br />
hosted by St. Anthony Church <strong>of</strong> Glen<br />
Allen, Va., will be held July 25-29 at<br />
the Richmond Marriott Hotel.<br />
“We are extremely pleased by the<br />
number <strong>of</strong> people who have registered<br />
already,” said Arthur Zohab,<br />
convention chairman. “It looks like it<br />
will be a large turnout.”<br />
He suggested that anyone wishing<br />
to register, place an ad in the journal or<br />
donate an item to the auction is<br />
encouraged to do so quickly.<br />
“The program <strong>of</strong> events is in place<br />
and the people <strong>of</strong> St. Anthony’s<br />
continue to be hard at work,” Zohab<br />
continued. “We can’t wait to say<br />
‘welcome’ as everyone makes his or<br />
her way to Richmond. It promises to be<br />
a great time for everyone.”<br />
Many families plan to extend their<br />
stay in the Richmond area to take in<br />
some <strong>of</strong> nearby attractions. These<br />
include the Busch Gardens Europe and<br />
King’sDominion amusement and water<br />
p a r k c o m p l e x e s , C o l o n i a l<br />
Williamsburg, a variety <strong>of</strong> Civil War<br />
historical and visitors’ attractions, St.<br />
John’s Church with the Patrick Henry<br />
speech re-enactment, and nearby<br />
Washington, D.C., and Virginia Beach.<br />
Thetheme <strong>of</strong> thisyear’s convention<br />
is “A Church <strong>of</strong> Hope.” The theme and<br />
programs will explore the recently<br />
released text <strong>of</strong> the <strong>200</strong>3-<strong>200</strong>6<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>itePatriarchal Synod. The Synod<br />
was the first for the <strong>Maron</strong>ite Church in<br />
nearly <strong>200</strong> years.<br />
Parishioners from four churches –<br />
St. Elias <strong>of</strong> Birmingham, Ala.; St.<br />
<strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> Minneapolis; Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Lebanon <strong>of</strong> Miami; and St. Anthony’s<br />
– will lead workshops on topics based<br />
on the Synod’s text. Also participating<br />
in the workshops will be Bishop<br />
Gregory Mansour <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> St.<br />
<strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> and Bishop Robert<br />
Shaheen <strong>of</strong> <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong><br />
Lebanon <strong>of</strong> Los Angeles.<br />
Also planned are workshops on<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Sacred Art and religious<br />
education. For youths, there is an<br />
optional trip to visit Historic<br />
Jamestown, which is celebrating its<br />
400 th anniversary, and a workshop on<br />
moral decision-making. Children’s<br />
hours are planned for Thursday, Friday<br />
and Saturday.<br />
There will be morning and evening<br />
prayer services Wednesday through<br />
Saturday. The Pontifical DivineLiturgy<br />
will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Sunday,<br />
followed by the farewell brunch.<br />
Liturgies for those who must leave the<br />
convention early will be celebrated on<br />
Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m.<br />
On the social side, there also is a<br />
full slate <strong>of</strong> events. On Wednesday,<br />
there is a “Welcome to Virginia” dinner<br />
at the Marriott with music following.<br />
Thursday’s social event will be a<br />
Casino Night and Lebanese Cookout<br />
and hafli at St. Anthony’s grounds and<br />
a pool party for youths at the church<br />
pool. Friday night will be a dinner and<br />
dance at the hotel. A cocktail hour will<br />
precede Saturday’s Grand Banquet and<br />
Hafli.<br />
Hotel space is filling up fast.<br />
Attendees should contact the Marriott’s<br />
worldwide reservation center by calling<br />
1-800-228-9290 or call the hotel<br />
directly at 1-804-643-3400. Or, go to<br />
the Web site at<br />
http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/ricdtr<br />
ichmond-marriott. To get the special<br />
convention rate, mention the National<br />
Apostolate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>ites<br />
Rooms have also been booked in<br />
two more hotels: The Omni in the<br />
historic section <strong>of</strong> Richmond and the<br />
Commonwealth Park Suites,adjacent<br />
to the State Capitol building. You can<br />
contact the Richmond Omni at 1-804-<br />
344-7000, by fax at 1-804-648-6704;<br />
and the Commonwealth Park Suites at<br />
1-804-343-7300 and request NAM<br />
Annual Conference.<br />
To register for the convention, use<br />
the form printed in this issue <strong>of</strong> The<br />
<strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice or register online at<br />
www.namnews.org. There are<br />
packages ranging from two days to the<br />
full convention, and with reduced<br />
prices for youths (ages 11-17) and<br />
children (5-10). There is no charge for<br />
children under 5. Checks or Visa,<br />
MasterCard and American Express are<br />
gladly accepted. The deadline for<br />
advance registration is July 8.<br />
To place an ad in the<br />
commemorative journal, call NAM at<br />
(914) 964-3070 or visit<br />
http://www.stanthonymaronitechurch.<br />
org/nam<strong>200</strong>7.<br />
To donate an item for the auction,<br />
contact Ed Yesbeck, Jr. at 330-0711 or<br />
at ed.yesbeck@vamllc.com.<br />
More information about the<br />
convention is available at the NAM<br />
Website (http://www.namnews.org) or<br />
t h e S t . A n t h ony’ s website<br />
(http://www.stanthonymaronitechurch<br />
.org). <br />
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., is<br />
a short driving distance from the<br />
Convention’s hotel.<br />
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 18 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 19 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7
The <strong>Maron</strong>ite Voice<br />
St. Anthony’s <strong>Maron</strong>ite 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 />
Mothers, Fathers,<br />
Priests,<br />
the Reciprocity <strong>of</strong><br />
Love,<br />
And the meaning <strong>of</strong><br />
Eucharist<br />
Continued From Page One<br />
In his masterful series <strong>of</strong> talks on<br />
human love called The Theology <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Body, the late Pope John Paul II<br />
d e s c r i b e d t h e a w e s o m e<br />
complementarity <strong>of</strong> love and the<br />
meaning <strong>of</strong> gender. He said that every<br />
person is made to receive God fully and<br />
so to respond in love to God’s gift <strong>of</strong><br />
self. Thus, in a sense, all persons are<br />
feminine in relationship to God, being<br />
that all receive Him and are called to<br />
give life in return. In this way we can<br />
say with all the Syriac tradition that<br />
Christ is the true spouse <strong>of</strong> every soul.<br />
But God made us male and female. We<br />
are different and complimentary to one<br />
another.<br />
The late Pope describes the<br />
masculineand feminine “give and take”<br />
in this way: man gives in a receiving<br />
sort <strong>of</strong> way, and a woman receives in a<br />
giving sort <strong>of</strong> way. This is seen in their<br />
very bodies. Reciprocal love is the<br />
pattern for marriage, which by its very<br />
nature describes the truth about love<br />
and the meaning <strong>of</strong> life. Since we were<br />
all created for love, whether we are<br />
married or not, we can benefit much<br />
from this truth about ourselves and<br />
about our bodies. Pope John Paul II<br />
describes this as the “nuptial meaning”<br />
<strong>of</strong> the body.<br />
Pope Benedict takes us the next<br />
step. In his first encyclical entitled God<br />
is Love, and in his subsequent Post-<br />
Synodal Exhortation entitled Eucharist,<br />
the Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Love, he states that<br />
the most perfect love is found in selfsacrifice<br />
and this truth is made most<br />
clear for us in Christ’s self-giving on<br />
the Cross. Moreover, since we were<br />
created to love and be loved, in the<br />
Eucharist, we find that for which we<br />
most long in this life: “the truth about<br />
love” (n.2). Mothers, fathers and<br />
priests know this well. Love is a<br />
reciprocal givingand receiving; life and<br />
love are gifts for us to share, not<br />
possessions to be owned. Each person<br />
is a gift to be honored not possessed.<br />
Every Eucharist, Pope Benedict says, is<br />
an opportunity for us to renew Christ’s<br />
love in us and for us, as well as our love<br />
for one another.<br />
What is the lesson herefor mothers,<br />
fathers, priests andall people Whether<br />
our calling is that <strong>of</strong> marriage,<br />
fatherhood, motherhood, consecrated<br />
life, generous single life or priesthood,<br />
the Eucharist helps us enter more<br />
freely, consciously and courageously<br />
into the love that God has for us. In<br />
turn, by our mindful and willful<br />
entrance into the mystery <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Eucharist, and our willingness to “lay<br />
down our lives” (Jn 15:13), the Holy<br />
Spirit helps us give a generous love to<br />
others.<br />
All vocations in the Church are<br />
affirmed in this full understanding <strong>of</strong><br />
the Eucharist as the Sacrament <strong>of</strong> Love.<br />
Through the prayer <strong>of</strong> Mary, who<br />
received Him first in her heart and then<br />
in her womb, may we too come to a<br />
deeper understanding <strong>of</strong> just how<br />
wonderfully God has made us, male<br />
and female, and calls us mothers,<br />
fathers, priests and faithful to love and<br />
bear abundant fruit for Him in love.<br />
Sincerely yours in Christ,<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>Maron</strong>ite Voice Volume III Issue No. VI Page 20 <strong>June</strong> <strong>200</strong>7