Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn

The
Maronite Voice
A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA
Volume III Issue No. VII July 2007
We Are Called to Live For Today And For Tomorrow In A World
That Desperately Needs To Be Evangelized
history and our beloved Lebanon with great fondness. But
we cannot forget that we are called to live for today and for
tomorrow in a world that desperately needs to be
evangelized. One of the primary ways we evangelize is
through our Liturgy and the beauty of our liturgical prayers.
Our traditional hymns and ancient Liturgy have been
translated into English, the primary language of the United
States and the language that is spoken by our young
generation. It is time to renew our efforts in celebrating our
Liturgy in a language that is understood by the people of our
future to whom we must minister in the present. Of course,
there are occasions when Liturgy can and should be
celebrated in Arabic, and thisis apastoral judgment that must
be made according to special circumstances. However, an
all-Arabic Liturgy cannot be the ordinary practice for normal
Sundays when we have visitors and when our young people
are present whose primary language may be English.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Both VaticanII and the more recent Maronite Patriarchal
Synod recalled our attention to the fact that all the
faithful of the Church have an obligation to spread the
Gospel. As Maronites, we are blessed to have our own
tradition as a means of making Christ present to the world.
PopeBenedict XVI emphasized the importance of our eastern
perspective when recently addressing the Congregation for
Oriental Churches he commented that “without a constant
relationship with the traditions of the origins, the Church of
Christ has no future.” As descendants of the first Christian
community founded in Antioch by Peter, and as custodians
of a land that touched the feet of Christ, we have a unique
obligation to pass on that which we have received with an
urgency equal to that of the first Disciples.
We have a commission and an obligation to teach all
nations as people of the Gospel and to develop practical
methods for making evangelization a priority in our parishes.
We must consider the norms for our liturgical celebrations
and the manner in which we invite others to share the great
mysteries of faith that we have been given. As we continue
to celebrate this great season of Pentecost, I encourage all of
our faithful and clergy throughout our Maronite communities
to open wide the doors to Christ and let Him breathe new
life into our parish communities.
Asking the Holy Spirit to enflame in us the zeal to carry
His Word to the ends of the earth, I remain,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Most Reverend Robert J Shaheen
Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
It is simple human nature that causes many of us to be
sentimental, having a tendency to look back at our Maronite

Schedule of Bishop Robert Shaheen
July 23-26, 2007
Annual Clergy Conference, Richmond, Va.
July 25-29, 2007
Maronite Convention, Richmond, Va.
August 10-12, 2007
Assumption Celebration at Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine, North Jackson, Ohio.
August 15, 2007
Assumption Feast Day at Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine, North Jackson, Ohio.
August 19, 2007
Memorial Liturgy, Danbury, Conn.
September 15-16, 2007
Lebanese Festival, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.
Schedule of Bishop Gregory Mansour
July 22- 29, 2007
Annual Clergy Conference and Maronite Convention, Richmond, Va.
August 10-12, 2007
Assumption Celebration at Our Lady of Lebanon National Shrine, North
Jackson, Ohio.
August 11, 2007
Evening Liturgy at Our Lady of Victory Maronite Church, Carnegie
(Pittsburgh), Penn.
August 12, 2007
Morning Liturgy at St. John the Baptist Maronite Church, New Castle, Penn.
August 14, 2007
Evening Liturgy with the Maronite Community of Aliquippa, Penn.
August 15, 2007
Evening Liturgy at Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine, North Jackson, Ohio
August 24-September 1, 2007
Annual eight day personal retreat
September 9, 2007
Visit to Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Washington, D.C.
September 10, 2007
USCCB Pro-Life Committee meeting, Washington, D.C.
September 16, 2007
Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Maronite Voice
4611 Sadler Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: 804/270-7234
Fax: 804/273-9914
E-Mail: gmsebaali@aol.com
http://www.stmaron.org
http://www.usamaronite.org
The Maronite Voice, (ISSN 1080-
9880) the official newsletter of the
Maronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.
(Eparchy of OurLady of Lebanon of
Los Angeles and Eparchy of Saint
Maron of Brooklyn), is published
monthly.
Send all changes of address, news,
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Voice at the above captioned
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are available upon request.
Publishers
• Most Reverend Bishop Robert
Joseph Shaheen
• Most Reverend Bishop Gregory
John Mansour
Editor Msgr. George M. Sebaali
Consultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,
M.L.M.
Editing and proofreading
Mary Shaia
Anne- Marie Condlin
Michael Maynes
Printed in Richmond, Virginia.
Maronite Convention 2007
July 25-29, 2007
Eparchial Condolences
Cecelia A. Yehl, age 84, the sister
of Reverend Donald Thomas
passed away on June 7, 2007 at
Olean General Hospital following a
long illness. Mrs. Yehl is survived by
two sons, William and Robin, and a
daughter, Kathleen. In addition to Fr.
Thomas she also leaves two brothers,
Edmund and Joseph and a sister, Rita.
The Funeral Liturgy was held on
June 18, at St. Joseph Church in Olean,
N.Y. Condolences can be sent to
Reverend Donald N. Thomas,
Middlesex Drive, Apt. 4A, Fredonia,
N.Y., 14063.
Bishops Gregory Mansour and
Robert Shaheen join the clergy and
faithful of the Eparchies of Saint
Maron and of Our Lady of Lebanon in
extending heartfelt sympathy and the
promise of our prayers to Fr. Thomas
and his family. May she rest in peace.
At the Marriott Hotel
in the heart of downtown
Richmond, Va.
For More Information
Visit
www.namnews.org
or
www.stanthonymaronitechurch.org
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 2 July 2007

Houston, Texas
Presidential Medal of Honor
Fr Milad Yaghi (left) receives the medal of honor from Dr.
Fadi Comair (center), special envoy of President Emile
Lahoud. Alberto Tohme (right), Parish Council President,
holds the medal box.
by Alberto G. Tohmé
In early May, parishioners of Our Lady of the Cedars in
Houston, Texas, were ecstatic at the news that Lebanese
President Emile Lahoud had bestowed the honor of the
Order of the Cedar, Knight Rank, upon their Pastor, Fr. Milad
Yaghi, for his sixteen years of exemplary service to the
Lebanese community in Houston. The Order of the Cedar
medal is the most prestigious order of medals for civilian
service in Lebanon.
In keeping with Fr. Milad’s tradition of reaching out to
all supporters and friends of the church, invitees included the
Roman Catholic Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishops of the
Galveston-Houston Archdiocese, representatives of all
Lebanesereligious organizations,Lebanese andArab medical
community membersand organizations, the HonoraryConsul
of Lebanon in Houston, and sister Maronite parishes in
Texas. The event was planned as a special Divine Liturgy
followed by a reception in the church hall on May 19, 2007.
The event was replete with emotion, pride, gratitude, and
joy. In his homily, Assistant Pastor Fr. André Estephan
praised Fr. Milad for his laudable accomplishments and
thanked him for many years of mentorship and brotherhood
in their joint mission in Houston. Following communion,
Alberto Tohmé, Parish Council President, expressed the
community’s deep gratitude for andpride in Fr. Milad’s longtime
service. In a heartfelt Lebanese-style poetic rendering
in Arabic, Joseph Rouhana, Choir Leader and long-time
friend to Fr. Milad, congratulated him on a successfulsixteen
year journey in Houston. In an emotional display of pride
and humility, Fr. Milad thanked all parishioners, friends, and
supporters who have helped him establish and grow a
Maronite parish in Houston.
The most special part of the event involved the medal
bestowal. Representing President Lahoud, Dr. Fadi Comair,
Director of the Lebanese Ministry of Water and Electrical
Resources, portrayed Fr. Milad’s accomplishments as a true
reflection of the Lebanese spirit of endurance and
perseverance. He urged all Lebanese immigrants to follow
Fr. Milad’s example of faith in and support for Lebanon and
everything Lebanese. Amid loud cheers and applause from
a packed church, Dr. Comair adorned Fr. Milad’s robe with
the Order of the Cedar, Knight Rank medal.
In a reception following the liturgy and medal ceremony,
parishioners and guests congratulated Fr. Milad for the
prestigious honor and wished him continued success in his
mission in Houston. You can reach Fr. Milad at 281-568-
6800 or at frmilad@usa.com.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Farewell Party For Fr. Salim
On Sunday, May 27, 2007, after the
Divine Liturgy a Farewell Party
and luncheon was held for Fr.
Anthony Salim, Pastor of St. Anthony of
Padua, Cincinnati, Ohio. Fr. Salim is
relocating to Sydney, Australia, to
assume the position of Director of Adult
Faith Formation for the Maronite
Catholic Eparchy of Australia.
Parishioners of St. Anthony wish Fr.
Salim good luck and happiness in his
new assignment.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Mission Makes Steady Progress
by Marie Shaheen Michael
On the last weekend of
May, Fr. Andre
Mehanna, Rector of
St. Raymond Cathedral in
St. Louis, Mo., celebrated
the Maronite DivineLiturgy
at St. Patrick Catholic
Church in Baton Rouge, La.
During the Liturgy he
blessed a Cross hand made
by Dr. Dani Mouawad of
Scott, La. The cross will be
placed on the vacant home
of Samira Abide, which the
visiting priest will use to
celebrate the Divine
Liturgy.
Dr. Dani Mouawad and Samira The Maronite Mission
Abide.
of Baton Rouge, La.,
continues to make steady
progress. Alex Harb will represent the Mission’s MYO at the
youth conference in St. Louis, Mo., and the Mission has six
members enrolled in the Order of Saint Sharbel.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 3 July 2007

Westchester, N.Y.
First Picnic Pilgrimage to Marian
Shrine Stony Point
Glen Allen, Va.
Vacation Bible Camp At St.
Anthony Church
Members of Westchester Maronite Mission at their first
picnic pilgrimage.
by Rita Zihenni
What better way to startthe monthof June than bythan
taking the family for a picnic at a holy place paying
homage to the Virgin Mary. That is exactly what
Westchester Maronite parishioners did when the
Administrator of the Mission Fr. Jean Younes announced the
pilgrimage on Sunday June 3, 2007 to Marian Shrine in
Stony Point, N.Y.
Fr. Jean Younes celebrated an outdoor Divine Liturgy at
the Shrine. Following the Liturgy, Fr. Younes announced the
members of the Mission Advisory Council, the Stewardship
Advisory Council and the Fundraising committee. Diana
Fadel led the choir.
Next, a picnic took place in the park. Looking at the
scenery from distance, one might mistake it with a family
gathering at anyvillage in Lebanon. Folks were playing cards
and backgammon, smoking their Arguile and drinking the
Batroun-styleLemonade prepared by the zealous members of
the MYO. These young teenagers were extremely helpful
during the day. They prepared a bake sale and did a
fundraiser while selling raffle tickets for church. While
enjoying their day, they wandered around the park proudly
wearing their blue shirts with the MYO logo written right
next to their hearts. Special thanks go to the moderators of
this young group: Lina Abdo and Saloma Mounayer.
This picnic was arranged and put together by Antoine
Najjar, Roger Nassar, Hayat Barakat, and Leila Kalach. They
did a great job.
As the day ended, participants returned home as rain
started to fall as if God was announcing that after he had
healed our thirst for beautiful weather, it was now time to
heal the thirst of the holy soil.
Cathy George conducts one of the religion classes at St.
Anthony’s Vacation Bible Camp.
Eighty-five children, aged threeto twelve, attended Saint
Anthony’s Bible Camp in Glen Allen, Virginia during
the week of June 25-29. This year’s title was the
“Great Bible Reef” and the stories revolved around the theme
of water. The children learned about Moses floating down
the Nile in a basket, Naaman washing away his leprosy, Jesus
and the miraculous catch of fish and the house that
withstands the storm. The lessons focused on discipleship as
children learned that God’s people care, help, trust, believe
and listen to each other.
Parents and youth assisted as the children attended the
four centers of religion, music, arts and crafts and physical
activities. Snacks and a hot lunch were served each day. The
week culminated in a children’s liturgy. The oldest group of
campers read the readings and the petitions. They also served
at the altar, ushered for the Sign of Peace and communion.
The whole camp sang liturgical hymns at the liturgy. The
children andtheir parents celebrated the end of the camp with
a performance of their camp songs, displays of their art work,
a cookout and swimming.
Food For Thought
Holiness does not consist in not making mistakes
or never sinning.
Holiness grows with the capacity for conversion,
repentance, willingness to begin again, and above all with
the capacity for reconciliation and forgiveness.
Pope Benedict XVI
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 4 July 2007

St. Paul, Minn.
Holy Family Church Welcomes
Bishop Shaheen
by Jackie Gubash-Mueller
On May 19, 2007, Holy Family Parish in St. Paul,
Minnesota, had the privilege of hosting a pastoral visit
from His Excellency Bishop Robert Shaheen, Bishop
of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon and Chorbishop
Faouzi Elia, Vicar General. The visit began with a dinner
party hosted by Fr. Rodrigue Constantin, Pastor; the Parish
Council; and Stewardship Committee members at Joseph’s
Grill. Bishop Shaheen, a true charismatic leader, was very
approachable and down to earth, as was Monsignor Elia.
On Sunday, The Bishop Celebrated a Pontifical Divine
Liturgy and administered the First Holy Communion to a
group of four children. Msgr. Elia and Fr. Rodrigue
concelebrated. During hishomily, Bishop Shaheen addressed
directly the children on their level. Speaking their language,
he explained to them the importance of First Holy
Communion and the importance of the Eucharist. Following
the Liturgy the Holy Family Society and the MYO hosted a
brunch in the church Social Hall. Bishop Shaheen and Msgr.
Elia availed themselves to everyone for photos, conversation
and laughter. The children and youth fell in love with their
spiritual leaders as they got to know them!
Bishop Shaheen and Monsignor Elia spoke supportively
with us about the Parish’s future plans. A couple of years
ago, the community expressed a desire to relocate to a suburb
of St. Paul, closer to where most parishioners live, on a piece
of land big enough to allow for expansion and growth. The
process that started a couple of years agowill hopefully come
to fulfillment within a year. Even though the parish faces
many challenges, the parishioners are united in their quest to
flourish. God willing, they will realize their dreams for the
future of the parish, and most importantly, for future
generations! They look forward to another visit from the
Bishop in the near future!
Atlanta, Ga.
Young Adults Participate In
REVIVE
by Cecilia Romero
The Young Adults of St. Joseph
Maronite Church in Atlanta, Ga.,
had the great opportunity to
participate in REVIVE, a gathering
of young adults of the Young Adult
Ministry (YAM) of the Archdiocese
of Atlanta, which present dynamic
national speakers, inspirational music,
and Eucharistic Adoration.
The event was held on June
8, 2007 at the Georgia
International Convention
Center.
Our participation consisted in setting up a ministry table
in which information about the Maronite church was
distributed to the approximately four hundred young adults
came to this event.
The main speaker at REVIVE was Fr. Leo Patalinghug
a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and host at the TV
show, “Grace before Meals,” a program which helps
strengthen families. Fr. Leo is a big hit with young adults
because he draws a crowd when he breakdances or uses his
martial arts expertise to make his point – that in the battle of
good versus evil, we have supernatural assistance- God’s
grace
Music was performed by Matt Maher who is one of the
most popular and critically acclaimed Catholic recoding
artists in the country who currently lives in Meza, Arizona.
His albums include The End and the Beginning, Welcome to
Life and Overflow. His record label is Spirit and Song. Matt
is a talented musician who attracts young adults with his
inspirational and energetic music that truly touches their
soul.
The night ended with Eucharistic Adoration with Fr. Leo
followed by more music by Matt Maher.
World Youth Day
The next World Youth Day will be held in Australia July
15-20, 2008 with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.
Both Maronite eparchies in the United States are
forming a group of fifty people to participate in this historic
event. Bishop Ad Abikaram of the Maronite Eparchy in
Australia is eager to host us.
World Youth Day is for those age 18 to 35. Parental
and pastor approval are required, as well as proof of parish
involvement. Applications will be forthcoming. For more
i n f o r mation, c o n s u l t with t h i s webpage:
http://www.wyd2008.org, or call Father Elie Mikhael at
(305) 856-7449 or Father Jean Youness, M.L.M., at 718-
624-7228.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 5 July 2007

New Castle, Penn.
Graduate Sunday
quickly and many visitors and pilgrims have come to Mary’s
home for many reasons. All have left with God’s blessings
and graces,” says Monsignor Anthony S. Spinosa, Rector.
Pilgrimage Schedule
Friday August 10, 2007:
Archbishop Basil Schott, D.D.O.F.M., for the Byzantine
Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh will celebrate “Parakleses
to The Mother of God” at 4:00 and at 7:00 p.m., he will
celebrate the Byzantine Rite Liturgy followed by a
candlelight procession.
Saturday, August 11, 2007:
2:00 P.M.: A Melkite Divine Liturgy
2:00- 4:00 P.M.: Children’s Activities
2:00 - 5:00 P.M.: Rosary
7:00 P.M.: Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, Vicar
General of the Diocese of Youngstown
will celebrate a Roman Rite Divine
Liturgy followed by a candlelight
procession.
First row (left to right): Morina Joseph, Valedictorian; Kara
Joseph; Christina Riott; and Giovonna Fulena. Second row:
Ricky DeBlasio; Anthony Vanasco; Fr. Kevin Beaton; John
Demko; Michael Cuscino. Missing from photo is Joseph
Kanaan.
by Marcia Rudley
On June 10, 2007, St. John the Baptist Parish in New
Castle, Penn., honored its graduating seniors with
Graduate Sunday. The Seniors wore their cap and
gowns from their individual high schools during the Divine
Liturgy sat in the front pews. Parents, grandparents and
relatives and friends were present to support them in their
future endeavors. Fr. Kevin Beaton also gave the church’s
scholarship awards just before the homily.
On June 13, 2007, Fr. Kevin Beaton celebrated the
twentieth anniversary of his Ordination. A surprise dinner
washeld for him at the New Englander Restaurant with many
of the parishioners attending.
North Jackson, Ohio
Our Lady of Lebanon
Shrine
42 nd Assumption
Pilgrimage
August 10-15, 2007 marks the
42 nd Annual Pilgrimage to the
National Shrine of Our Lady of
Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. “The years have passed
Sunday, August 12, 2007:
10:00 A.M.: Maronite Divine Liturgy
12:00 - 4:00 P.M.: Hayrides
1:00 P.M.: Maronite Divine Liturgy and Anointing
of the sick
2:00 - 4:00 P.M.: Children’s Activities
2:00 - 5:00 P.M.: Rosary on the hour
7:00 P.M.: Maronite Pontifical Divine Liturgy
celebrated by Bishop Robert Shaheen,
Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon followed by a candlelight
procession.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 Feast of the Assumption
10:00 A.M.: Maronite Divine Liturgy
12:00 - 4:00 P.M.: Hayrides
2:00 - 5:00 P.M.: Rosary on the hour in the Prince of
Peace Chapel
4:00 P.M.: Antoine sisters 75 th Anniversary
Presentation - Prince of Peace Chapel
4:30 P.M. Maronite Vespers chanted by the
Antoine Sisters
7:00 P.M.: Maronite Pontifical Liturgy Celebrated
by Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, D.D.,
Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon and Bishop Gregory J.
Mansour S.T.L., Bishop of the Eparchy
of Saint Maron of Brooklyn followed by
Candlelight procession
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon will open
all three days at 9:00 am. The Cedars Dining Hall will be
open all three days from 11:00am until 11:00pm with many
varieties of ethnic foods and deserts.
The National Shrine is located at 2759 North Lipkey
Road in North Jackson, Ohio. For further information on the
S h rine call (330)-5 3 8 -3 3 5 1 o r b y email
info@ourladyoflebanonshrine.org or website
www.ourladyoflebanonshrine.org.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 6 July 2007

Deacon Anthony P. Khoury Celebrates His Silver Jubilee
Left to right: Deacon Anthony Khoury, Bishop Gregory Mansour, Fr. Kamil Al-
Chouefati and Msgr. Maroun Asmar.
On Saturday, April 21, 2007,
Deacon Anthony P. Koury of
Our Lady of Lebanon Church in
Easton, Penn., celebrated the Silver
Jubilee of his ordination to the
Diaconate. Deacon Anthony was
ordained a Deacon by Archbishop
Francis M. Zayek on July 11, 1982.
The celebration began with a
Pontifical Liturgy of Thanksgiving in
Our Lady of Lebanon Church. The
Most Rev. Gregory J. Mansour, Bishop
of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of
Brooklyn, was the main celebrant and
homilist. The Most Reverend Thomas
J. Welsh, retired Bishop of the Diocese
of Allentown, Penn.; Rev. Kamil Al-
Chouefati, Administrator of Our Lady
of Lebanon Church; Rev. Msgr. Sami
Hayek, Retired Pastor; Msgr. Maroun
Asmar, Pastor of St. Sharbel Church, in
Somerset, N.J., and Rev. Jean Younes,
Assistant Rector of Our Lady of
Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn, N.Y.,
concelebrated.
Msgr. Alfred A. Schlert, Vicar
General of the Diocese of Allentown;
Msgr. John Grabish; Rev. Robert
George; Rev. Robert Finlan; Rev.
Daniel Gambet, O.S.F.S.; Rev.
Alexander Pocetto, O.S.F.S.; Rev.
Wayne Killian; Rev. E. Michael
Camilli; Rev. John Mraz; and Rev.
Richard Delzingaro C.R.S.P.; all priests
of the Diocese of Allentown also concelebrated.
Deacon Anthony served as
Master of Ceremonies for the Liturgy.
Our Lady of Lebanon choir,
accompanied by a brass quartet of
students from Notre Dame High
School, provided the music for the
Liturgy. The Sisters of St. Paul,
Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters and
Sisters of St. Joseph were in attendance.
Seminarians, Tony Massad, Roger
AbouJaoude and Vincent Farhat
assisted at the altar.
Due to travel commitments, Msgr.
Sami spoke in the Church rather than in
the Hall. He spoke of the work he and
Deacon Anthony did together and of
Deacon Anthony’s dedication along
with his wife, Chafica, and their
children, Anthony, Jr. and Frances. He
also spoke of Ann Wilhelm, who
offered one of her kidneys to help
Chafica live a new life in a kidney
transplant on September 25, 2003. He
thanked the priests of the Diocese of
Allentown and in particular, Bishop
Welsh who celebrated the Latin Rite
liturgy in Msgr. Sam’s absence. He
also expressed his gratitude to Bishop
Edward P. Cullen, Bishop of
Allentown.
The Latin Rite priests in attendance
chanted the hymn SALVE REGINA, as
a thanksgiving after communion.
Following the Liturgy, close to five
hundred guests attended the Silver
Jubilee Banquet in the Church Hall.
Rev. Jean Younes, representing Msgr.
Ignace Sadek, Rector of Our Lady of
Lebanon Cathedral, who was unable to
attend, gave the invocation. Antionette
Elias led the singing of the American
National Anthem and Msgr. Maroun
Asmar led the Lebanese National
Anthem.
A video presentation, prepared by
Deacon Anthony’s daughter, Frances
and niece, Stacey Olson, was shown
prior to the dinner. It was a beautiful
depiction of Deacon Anthony’s life as
a father, a deacon and a teacher. The
dinner, prepared by the ladies and men
of the parish and served by some of
Deacon Anthony’s students at Notre
Dame High School, followed. Deacon
Anthony has been a member of the
faculty and also the Director of
Athletics at Notre Dame High School
for the last thirty-eight years.
AttorneyKeene Jabbour, alife-long
friend of Deacon Anthony, served as
Toast Master for the Banquet. Bishop
Welsh offered remarks. Msgr. Schlert
read a congratulatory letter from the
Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen,
Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown.
Both Bishop Welsh and Msgr. Schlert
spoke of the appreciation for Deacon
Anthony’s service to the students at
Notre Dame High School and the
faithful of the Diocese of Allentown.
Louise Jacob, President of the St.
Theresa Sodality, presented Deacon
Anthony with a gift as did Charlotte
Assise, representing the Lebanese
American Women’s Association.
District Judge Michael J. Koury, Jr.
spoke on behalf of the family and
detailed his uncle’s roots of service to
the Church which was inspired in part
by his cousins who are priests. Among
them most notably is the late Rev.
Wakim Moubarak, a Maronite priest
and renowned scholar. Also, Rev.
Francis Doumit, who has served in
Canada over thirty-five years, and who
just celebrated his 45 th Anniversary of
Ordination.
Bishop Gregory offered remarks at
the Banquet and spoke of the
association of the deacon to the bishop
and the priest, and the fact that he is
often a mediator in his work between
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 7 July 2007

the people and the priest, since he is
called from among them but also is a
member of the clergy.
Deacon Anthony responded by
thanking so many people, in fact, he
quotedthe words of the psalmist, “I will
thank the Lord in the assembly of His
people.” He began by thanking the
bishops he has served - Archbishop
Zayek, who although unable to attend
for reasons of health, sent a beautiful
letter congratulating Deacon Anthony,
his wife, and their children. Deacon
Anthony also thanked Bishop Stephen
Hector Doueihi. He thanked the
Maronite priests - Rev. Norman S.
Peter, Chorbishop Bernard Khachan,
Rev. Hares Zobheib, Msgr. Hayek, and
presently, Fr. Kamil Al-Chouefati, who
have either served the parish or are
currently doing so. He also offered
thanks to the many priests of the
Diocese of Allentown, who were
present and those who were unable to
be present.
Deacon Anthony mentioned how
grateful he was to his parents, Frank
and Catherine Koury and his brother,
Michael Koury, who have passed to
their eternal reward. He recognized his
sister, Frances, who was in attendance
after a serious car accident.
He thanked everyone who had a
share in the preparation and the actual
celebration of this milestone in his life
in service to God’s people. He also
thanked his nephew, Michael, his wife,
Elaine and their children, Josie and
Rebecca, his niece Cathy, andhis sisterin-law,
Josie for all their help. And
finally, he thanked his wife, Chafica,
his son, Anthony and his daughter,
Frances for all the sacrifices they made
for the last twenty five years in his
ministry as a deacon.
The program concluded with the
benediction given by Bishop Welsh,
after which Deacon Anthony had an
opportunity to greet each of his guests
and present them with a token of his
gratitude - a small stained glass shrine
of St. Anthony. It was truly a
memorable day in Deacon Anthony’s
life as well as in the life of the Parish
Family of Our Lady of Lebanon, in
Easton, Penn.
Uniontown, Penn.
St. George Church Kicks Off 80 th Anniversary
Celebrations
Brandy Risha, MYO member, plays the guitar while some of the parish children
watch.
St. George Church in Uniontown,
Penn., began a year of celebrations
to commemorate the parish’s 80 th
anniversary with a Divine Liturgy on
Saturday, April 21, 2007, the weekend
of the feast day of St. George, patron
saint of the parish.
Following the Liturgy, the
celebration continued in the church
social hall with a complimentary wine
and cheese social. A special display
featured archives of the church’s
history as well as a special tribute to all
former pastors.
All children in attendance were
introduced and recognized as the future
of the parish. Each received a gift as
the parishioners followed the theme
“Remember Our Roots, Celebrate Now,
Forward to the Future.” Other
festivities will continue throughout the
year to commemorate the 80 th
anniversary.
The church’s history began when
Maronites came from Lebanon to the
Uniontown area in the early 1900's.
They attended various Catholic
churches in the area. Under the
guidance of Chorbishop Paul Abi-Risk,
a place of worship for the Maronite
community was founded in 1922 in a
small house, but the people longed for
a real church where they could
celebrate their Maronite traditions.
In 1927, under the direction of the
Rev. Elias Basil of Pittsburgh, the first
church was built. It was named for the
St. George Church they had left in their
native Lebanon. Fr. Basil remained at
the church until Msgr. Nemetallah El
Hayek was named the first pastor in
1928. The old church still stands today
on a hillside overlooking the present
church which was built in 1967.
The new church is situated on a
large lot with a wooded area where
several memorial benches have been
arranged around a Garden of Prayer
that was created for prayer and
meditation. It features a rosary walk
and various statues including the
Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart.
A shrine in honor of St. Rafka, which
surrounds a brick patiocommemorating
many of the deceased ladies of the
parish, was built near the rectory.
Fr. Joseph David has been the
pastor of St. George since 1998.
Subdeacon Thomas R. George has
served the parish for the last fourteen
years. Other pastors from the past
include Msgr. Hayek, Fr. Elias G.
Nader, Fr. Joseph Shaheen, Fr. Peter J.
Mehfoud, Fr. (Now Bishop) Gregory
Mansour and Fr. Christopher J.
Henderson.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 8 July 2007

Danbury, Conn.
St. Anthony’s Scholarship
Breakfast
held the checkered flag was Ray Miller assisted by the
starters at the "Pole", Tim Kokinda and Matt Vaughan.
During the race refreshments were provided by ladies of the
Parish. The children are already looking forward to next
year's race.
Uniontown, Penn.
St. George Church Honors
Graduates
On Sunday, June 3, 2007, the parishioners of St.
Anthony Maronite Church in Danbury, Connecticut
honored their graduating High School seniors with a
Scholarship Breakfast. Samantha Zarrini, Mary Michael,
Gessika Al-Hayek, Rawan Hage, Claire Jabbour, Ryan
Ackell and Angelo Saba III were each presented with a
scholarship by Bishop Robert Shaheen, a native son of St.
Anthony’s, and Fr. Paul Mooradd, their pastor.
Bishop Shaheen reminded the parents that, the most
precious gift they can give to their children is the gift of faith
in God, especially our Maronite spirituality which has been
handed down from parent to child since Apostolic times.
Linda Nasser, Phillis Moses and Ralph Giuliano of the
Award Committee each praised the graduates’ outstanding
academic records, their commitment to community service,
and above all else their dedication to our Maronite heritage
through involvement in the spiritual life at St. Anthony’s
Church.
Abreakfast was prepared by Ferris Nasser, and served by
Donna Shaheen, who together with Nancy Michael are the
MYO Advisors. They had plenty of help from former MYO
graduates and parents.
by Kim McLamb
Fayetteville, N.C.
Annual Pine Car Derby
The youth of St. Michael the Archangel Maronite
Catholic Church in Fayetteville North Carolina held
their second annual Pine Car Derby on June 10, 2007.
Each of the sixteen cars were named after a Saint or a
Biblical character. After a seriesof elimination races,trophies
were awarded to Alex McLamb for first place, Frankie
Thomas for second place, and Jack Hurd for third place. The
trophy for best design went to Jessica Johns. Each entrant
was required to make his or her car. The car kit sponsors
were Carol Kannan and her son, Chris. The coordinator for
the race was Thomas McLamb, youth advisor.The judge who
Left to right: Fred David, representing the high school
graduates, Mrs. Ilona Fecek, guest speaker, and Phillip E.
Howard, representing the College graduates.
St. George Parish in Uniontown, PA recently honored
both the high school and college graduates of their
parish at Divine Liturgy, where they were presented
with recognition certificates. A luncheon, sponsored by the
MYO, followed in the church hall with Mrs. Ilona Fecek,
Gifted Program Teacher for the Uniontown Area School
District and a member of St. George Parish, as guest speaker.
Graduates honored included MYO President Anthony
Howard, Fred David, Cameron Chisler, and Brandon George
all from Laurel Highlands High School. College Graduates
included Brian John, a graduate of Miami University of Ohio,
with a degree in accounting and Phillip Elias Howard, who
graduated summa cum laude from California University of
PA with a B.S. in Education. Special gifts were presented at
the luncheon to the honorees. Members of the MYO were
also recognized with a certificate of appreciation.
Deadline for next month’s issue of The
Maronite Voice is June 25, 2007. Send
all changes of address, news, pictures
and personal correspondence to:
The Maronite Voice
4611 Sadler Road
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
Phone: (804) 270-7234; Fax: (804) 273-9914
Email: Gmsebaali@aol.com
Pictures have to be original. Digital pictures must be in
“JPG” format. The Maronite Voice is also available online,
in PDF format, at www.stmaron.org.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 9 July 2007

The Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Publishes Its
Financial Report For The Fiscal Year 2006
Prot. No. 403/1/07
Circ. No. 07.12
A Letter From Bishop Gregory Mansour
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Enclosed, please find the 2006 Eparchial Financial
Report, including the Balance Sheet and the Schedule
of Income and Expenditures. The Eparchial Finance
Council has reviewed this report and has done superb work
in making our financial situation stronger and more
transparent.
This year, we had the Chancery audited by an outside
firm and we had our Cathedral done as well. Currently, we
are in the process of having all parish financial statements
reviewed for the past five years. We hope this effort will
meet our obligations to be trustworthy stewards of that which
is entrusted to us.
The EparchialFinancial Reportshows a loss for the fiscal
year 2006 in Ordinary Income. This was due to the extra
expenses of the priest retirement fund and the extraordinary
renovations of the Seminary. Thankfully, this year it was
covered by Gains on Investments.
I want to thank each of you who have trusted your parish
and Eparchy with your time, talent and treasure. With God’s
grace, we improve every year in our ability to serve those
who invest so much love and material gifts for the work of
Christ’s Church.
With prayerful best wishes, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+Gregory J. Mansour
Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2006
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
General Operations 369,338.36
Health Checking 256,730.83
Priest Retirement Checking 38,654.79
Rafka Retreat Center Checking 1,027.50
Total Checking/Savings
Accounts Receivable
665,751.48
41,572.60
Total Current Assets 707,324.08
Fixed Assets
Buildings/Land 2,613,659.00
Chancery Auto (estimated value) 8,000.00
Total Fixed Assets 2,621,659.00
Other Assets
Restricted Funds
Bishop Retirement 252,818.84
Endowment 714,332.94
Hermits of Jesus 399,993.34
Joe Shaheen 718,215.88
Order of St. Sharbel 1,155,097.09
Pawtucket 1,584,040.02
Priests Retirement 2,171,496.53
Rafka Retreat Center 189,761.05
Woody & Webby Mass Fund 4,619.09
Total Restricted Funds 7,190,374.78
TOTAL ASSETS 10,519,357.86
EQUITY
Opening Bal Equity 10,264,618.62
Current Year's Additions 254,739.24
Total Equity 10,519,357.86
Ordinary Income/Expense
January-December 2006
Income
Bishop Appeal Income 151,859.00
Assessments of Parishes 375,300.35
Checking Account Interest 2,419.40
Donations 13,520.00
Exchange 10,026.94
Grant Writing Income (Br Simon) 6,300.00
Health Insurance Contributions 877,788.31
Home Missions Grant 104,500.00
Insurance Rebate 12,900.89
Lebanon Assistance Income 403,640.05
Liturgical Books 5,400.00
Maronite Voice Grant 8,000.00
Miscellaneous Income 1,456.20
Order of St Sharbel - Annual 52,395.00
Order of St Sharbel - Perpetual 31,250.00
Patriarch Visit 5,850.00
Priests Retreat 1,675.00
Restricted Funds Dividends 205,704.09
Retirement Account Income. 211,909.62
Second Collections
Catholic Charities Collection 8,856.78
Catholic Comm. Collection 6,892.68
Catholic University Collection 8,561.15
Holy Father Collection 9,751.36
Holy Land Collection 10,828.18
Home Missions Collection 7,859.25
Patriarchal Charities Collection 11,639.19
Pawtuckett Church
Shrine Collection
22,445.00
9,980.25
World Mission Sunday Income 10,601.50
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 10 July 2007

Seminary Renovations 237,873.45
Sisters of Christ the Light
Travel Reimbursement
500.00
1,537.18
Tribunal Income 985.00
Total Income 2,830,205.82
Expenses
Assistance. 17,100.00
Bishops' Conferences Expense
Eastern Catholic Encounter 3,189.51
Lebanon 5,996.00
NY STATE 1,400.00
USCCB 5,567.00
Capital Campaign 10,000.00
Catholic University Cedars Project 7,500.00
Chancery
Auto Gas Repair, Etc. 22,875.70
Clergy Salaries 62,400.00
Computer Software 1,269.30
Equipment Lease 7,233.00
Equipment Maintenance 1,539.94
FICA Reimbursement 4,612.00
Insurance 35,566.12
Liturgical Books 6,660.00
Liturgical Translation 2,500.00
Office of Ecumenism 500.00
Medical Expense 2,481.99
Miscellaneous Expense 2,148.39
Secretarial Net Payroll 37,857.70
Office Expense 9,638.26
Payroll Taxes 23,924.37
Pension Plan 4,500.00
Periodicals/Books 1,085.83
Postage & Shipping 9,488.53
Printing 2,750.00
Public Relations 3,973.19
Repair & Maintenance 5,565.35
Telephone 7,640.48
Total Travel 13,090.70
Utilities 11,241.10
Charter For Child Protection 7,084.10
Maronite Voice. 36,792.00
Donation To Others 2,230.00
Exchange 10,026.94
Grant Writing Exp. (Br. Simon) 5,090.40
Health Insurance Expenses 756,540.95
Hermit of Jesus Expense 46,970.95
Home Missions Grant Expense 43,500.00
Lebanon Assistance Expense
Maronite Census
383,545.05
8,418.42
Maronite Youth Office
Ministries Office
3,000.00
1,316.65
Patriarch Visit 2006 Expense 41,361.99
Professional Fees
Accountant 2,375.00
Immigration 875.00
Lawyer 22,337.19
Psychologist 6,560.00
Rafka Retreat Center Salary 26,400.00
Religious Supplies 1,750.80
Residence
Furnishings
Household Expense
8,899.99
28,884.78
Household Salary Net
Repairs & Maintenance
1,681.40
23,070.93
Subscription 1,024.58
Table Expense 6,160.14
Telephone 3,682.75
Utilities 11,190.14
Water Tax 1,683.66
Restricted Funds Expenses 32,464.73
Retired Bishops Residence 2,130.00
Retirement Account Expenses 362,109.10
Second Collections
Catholic Communications 3,227.84
Catholic University Expense 16,131.05
Holy Father 9,751.36
Holy Land 10,658.18
Home Mission 7,859.25
Maronite Patriarchal Expense 11,152.09
National Shrine 9,654.25
Pawtuckett Church Expense 44,787.30
United Catholic Charities 8,856.78
World Mission Sunday 19,325.19
Seminary Renovations Expense 248,985.00
Seminary Renovations from Investments
330,000.00
Seminary Expenses
Bishop Appeal Disbursement 63,705.12
Catholic Home Missions Grant 21,500.00
Order of St. Sharbel 63,250.98
Seminary Expense General Op. 47,550.00
Sisters of Christ the Light Exp 500.00
Special Events 3,351.77
Tribunal 115.00
Vocations Office 864.49
Total Expense 3,141,677.75
Ordinary Income -311,472.03
Extraordinary Gains on Investments 566,211.27
Excess of Income Over Expenses 254,739.24
The Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon will publish its own
financial report in the very near future.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 11 July 2007

First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.
Our Lady’s Church, Austin, Texas
St. John Maron Church, Williamsville, N.Y.
Jad Raad, Mouradi Raad, Nicholas Bashara, Jihan Raad,
Ayad Jbeili, Rawad Raad, Rita Gebara, Arman Rivera,
Tyler Blanchard and Phoebe Atkinson received their First
Communion on Sunday April 29, 2007 at our Lady’s
Maronite Church in Austin, Texas.
St Anthony Church, Lawrence, Mass.
Gabriel Issa, Margaret Moran, Kristina Roustum, Alex
El-Khoury, Elias Zinaty, Anthony Jreige, Ericca
Khoury, Rachel Khoury. Jessy Atallah, Mary Bitar,
Josephine Aldik and Alycia Yax received their First Holy
Eucharist on Sunday, May 20, 2007, at St. John Maron
Church in Williamsville (Buffalo), N.Y.
St. Maron Church, Youngstown, Ohio
Michael Abou-Ezzi, Crystal Abi-Moussa, Joseph
Abirached, Reagan Bistany, Corey Caddell, Leah El-
Hashem, Julie Fares, Gemma Francis, Jasmine
Francis, Kyle Hajj, Trevor Hajj, Anthony Hashem, Celine
Hashem, Isaac Hashem, Christina Hashem, Natasha Hashem,
Stephanie Korbani, Austin Khoury, Angela Matta, Matthew
Matta, Raymond Nammour, Celine Ramey, Wadad Ramy,
Kathryn Saade, Corey Sarkis, Tia Sfeir, Ryan Shepherd,
Salina Sahyouni and Camile Chamoun received their First
Holy Communion on Sunday May 6, 2007 at St. Anthony
Church in Lawrence, Mass.
Anthony Vross, Eli khoury, Sara Rogers, Anthony
Joseph, Bradley DeLambo, Mitchell DeLambo.
Second row: Youssef Sassya, Raeanna Hanna, Paul
Nakhley, AnthonyClendenin, Marissa Marzano, JacobRezek
and Paula Nakhley received their First Holy Communion at
St. Maron Church in Youngstown, Ohio.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 12 July 2007

First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.
Our Lady of Purgatory, New Bedford, Mass.
Our Lady of Lebanon, Waterbury, Conn.
William Akins, Molly Tobia, Kevin Boukheir and
Dunia Habboosh received their Holy Communion
on Sunday May 25, 2007 at our Lady of Purgatory
Church in New Bedford, Mass.
Victoria Haddad, Daniele Mennillo, Julianna Rodrigues,
Michael Atallah, Alyse Deluca and Peter Khachkhachian
received their First Holy Communion on Sunday May 6,
2007 at Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Waterbury, Conn.
St. sharbel Church, Portland, Ore.
Our Lady of the Cedars, Akron, Ohio
Tonnous Barakat, Lucia Boulos, Elia El Ashkar, Seth
Koellner, Sam Michael, Alexandria Nemer and Fares
Sabbagh received their First Holy Communion on
Sunday May 20, 2007 at Our Lady of Lebanon in Akron,
Ohio.
Anna Maria Samir Abouzeid, Gabriella Grace
Raab, Edmond Elias Shashati, and Lucy
Nora Koury received their First Holy
Communion on Sunday April 15, 2007 at St.
Sharbel Church in Portland, Ore.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 13 July 2007

First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.
St. John the Baptist, New Castle, Penn.
St. Maron Church, Minneapolis, Minn.
ariana Kanaan and Mathew Hudson received their First
MHolyCommunion on Sunday, April 29, 2007 atSt. John
the Baptist Church in New Castle, Penn.
Our Lady of the Cedars, Houston, Tex.
Joseph Demello, Barbara Favorite, Joseph Hitti, Sylvia
Rani, George Mefleh, Katie Nasser, Frank Gates and Joy
Zogheib received their First Holy Communion on
Sunday, May 6, 2007 at St. Maron Church in Minneapolis,
Minn.
St. Joseph Church, Atlanta, Ga.
Marc- Elie Comair, Christopher Sammour, Christina
Toumajian, George Feghali, Patrick Aana, Ryan
Daher, Christine Elkhoury, Christopher Jabbour,
George Touma, Joseph Asper, Edmon Bou-Saada,
Christopher Chaftari, Mike Elkhoury, Andrew Shureiqi,
Anna Estephan, Karl Issa, Zouheir Obeid, Marie Clare Salha,
Marian Wakim and Alexander Wehbe received their First
Holy Communion at Our Lady of the Cedars Church in
Houston, Texas.
Noor Mary Abi Rached, Jenna Noel Andrawos, Emily
Chebib, Sarah Dagher, Yasmina Dagher, Noor
Mackhool, Richard Murad, Oliver and Ralph Nourcy,
Joelle Osta, Maroun Sassine and Leah Jo Zarzour received
their First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at St.
Joseph Maronite Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 14 July 2007

First Holy Communion in The
Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.
St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River, Mass.
EL-Paso, Texas
Silver Massabki
and Faith of the Mountain Awards
John Massoud, Marie Heneine, Michael Maroon, Zachary
Martin, Patrick Crowley, Joseph Camara, Justin Karam,
Adam Correia, Jacob Moniz, Cole Beland, Tyler
Abdellah, Diana Carney, Marissa Carney and Jacob Faris
received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 6,
2007 at St. Anthony of the Desert in Fall River, Mass.
Our Lady of Victory, Carnegie, Penn.
Benjamin Romah, Joseph Fayad, Maya BouSamra,
Brittany Joseph, Christopher Joseph and Nathan
Marron received their First Holy Communion on
Saturday May 5, 2007 at Our Lady of Victory Church in
Carnegie (Pittsburgh), Penn.
Mrs. Madeline Jabor received the Silver Massabki Award
presented by Msgr. Victor Kayrouz at St. Anthony of the
Desert Maronite Mission in El-Paso, Texas.
by Michelle Amber Karam
On June 17, 2007, Msgr. Victor Kayrouz, Pastor of St.
Anthony of the Desert Maronite Mission in El Paso,
Texas, presented the Silver Massabki Award to Mrs.
Madeline Jabor and the Faith of the Mountain Award to John
Phillip (Johnny) Karam.
Mrs. Jabor has been active at St. Anthony of the Desert
since Msgr. Don Sawyer first started the mission back in
1994 at Loretto Chapel. Since then, Mrs. Jabor has helped St.
Anthony of the Desert by chairing many fundraising
activities with the goal of one day building our own church
facilities.
Johnny, now eighteen, has served St. Anthony of the
Desert as an altar boy since he was twelve years old. Johnny
has also been a dedicated member of the mission’s Maronite
Youth Organization.
Both Mrs. Jabor and Johnny have expressed great
gratitude to the National Apostolate of Maronites for being
recognized and honored in this way and to St. Anthony of the
Desert for the ability to serve God and their community.
St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Mission is
temporarily meeting at Holy Family Catholic Church located
at 900 W. Missouri in El Paso, Texas.
International Eucharistic Congress
The 49 th International Eucharistic Congress will be held
in Quebec City, Canada, June 15-22, 2008. The
congress is for those age 18 and up. Applications will
be forthcoming. For more information, consult with this
webpage: http://www.cei2008.ca .
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 15 July 2007

Vatican Speaks Up on
Road Rage
Document Addresses
Facets of Ministry to
Travelers
Negligence on the road results annually in 1.2 million
deaths and 50 million injuries, a grim statistic that a
Vatican official noted as he presented the "Guidelines
for the Pastoral Care of the Road."
The document from the Pontifical Council for Migrants
andTravelers was released on June 19, 2007. Itsfour sections
cover issues ranging from road rage to ministering to
prostitutes. And the document includes a list of "ten
commandments" for drivers.
The document was published in English, French,
Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. The four sections are titled:
The pastoral care of road users, pastoral ministry for the
liberation of street women, the pastoral care of street
children, and the pastoral care of the homeless.
The guidelines seek to "create a coordination between all
the ecclesial realities of the world of the road and motivate
the episcopal conferences of the countries in which this
pastoral ministry does not exist, so that they organize one,"
Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council
for Migrants and Travelers, explained when presenting the
document.
The cardinal stressed a point from the document's first
section: that roads be "at the service of the human person, as
instruments to facilitate the life and integral development of
society."
The guidelines make a distinction between the use and
abuse of roadways and note the "particular psychology of the
driver" that, in a negative sense, can lead one to see as
"limitations the prohibitions that road signs designate." The
driver can also be led by a "dominating instinct," the
document explains.
Thus, Cardinal Martino said, "It is of fundamental
importance that the driver behaves responsibly and with selfcontrol
when he drives."
Moral Aspects
Cardinal Martino affirmed that driving also has a moral
aspect: "The capacity to exist together and enter into
relationships with others presupposed, on the part of
the driver, some specific qualities: self-control, prudence,
courtesy, an adequate spirit of service.
"We know that, as a consequence of transgressions and
the lack of discipline on the road, each year, on the roadways
of the world, 1.2 million people die, and 50 million are
wounded … a sad reality, and at the same time, a great
challenge both for society and for the Church."
In the face of this reality, the 74-year-old cardinal
encouraged both the Church and the state, each in their own
way, to "create a general and public awareness of that which
relates to security on the road and promote […] an adequate
education of drives, travelers and pedestrians."
The commandments
The document highlights four virtues to apply on the road
and offers the drivers' "ten commandments." The virtues are
charity, prudence, justice and hope.
The "Ten Commandments" for drivers, as listed in the
document, are:
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion
between people and not of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with
unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially
victims of accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and
domination and an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to
drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the
appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating
experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
Zenith.org, June 19, 2007
Pope Encourages Young People
To Prepare For World Youth Day
At the end of the general audience (On July 4, 2007), the
Pope addressed young people who are currently
preparing for the next World Youth Day (WYD), due
to be held in July 2008 in Sydney, Australia.
Speaking English, the Holy Father encouraged the young
people "to prepare well for this marvelous celebration of the
faith. ... Enter fully into the life of your parishes and
participate enthusiastically in diocesan events! In this way
you will be equipped spiritually to experience new depths of
understanding of all that we believe when we gather in
Sydney next July."
"World Youth Day is much more than an event," Pope
Benedict added. "It is a time of deep spiritual renewal, the
fruits of which benefit the whole of society."
"Some of you have friends with little real purpose in their
lives, perhaps caught up in a futile search for endless new
experiences. Bring them to World Youth Day too! In fact, I
have noticed that against the tide of secularism many young
people are rediscovering the satisfying quest for authentic
beauty, goodness and truth. Through your witness you help
them in their search for the Spirit of God."
The Holy Father concluded: "Be courageous in that
witness! Strive to spread Christ's guiding light, which gives
purpose to all life, making lasting joy and happiness possible
for everyone."
(VIS, July 4, 2007)
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 16 July 2007

Maronite Outreach Honors its Volunteers, (Part II)
Abir Coury
by Antoinette Balta and Michael Alti
From her roots in the Lebanese
mountains in Baskinta to her
home today in Orange County,
California, Abir Coury has dedicated
herself to the children of Lebanon: their
faith, survival, education, and success.
Those honored to know Ms. Coury
admire and respect her passion and
devotion to Lebanon, and particularly
its children.
Ever since she was a child herself,
Ms. Coury has held a special place in
her heart for children. At the young
age of ten, she started her own business
to serve the local children:a candy shop
on the slopes of Mt. Sannine
[Lebanon]. Ms. Coury later immigrated
with her family from Baskinta to attend
college in California. She double
majored in Electrical Engineering and
Computer Engineering at California
State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
After graduating recently, she now
works as a Control Systems Engineer
with Jacobs Engineering.
Despite her busy schedule, first as
a student and now as an engineer, Ms.
Coury has committed herself to service
and faith through the Maronite
Outreach and her parish at St. John
Maron Church in Anaheim, Calif. Ms.
Coury explained, “I am driven to
volunteer work and service because, as
apracticing Christian, Ibelieve that it is
my duty to help my Christian brothers
and sisters. I strongly believe that each
of us has a role to play, and I found my
personal role through the Maronite
Outreach. It is passion for Lebanon and
the children that truly drives me. As a
person who cares a lot about the
children of Lebanon, I would do
anything to help put a smile on a child’s
face.”
Indeed, Ms. Coury’s efforts have
helped put smiles on the faces of many
children. Not only is she the President
of the Maronite Outreach Chapter at St.
John Maron Church in Anaheim, but
she has also served as the National
Project Lead for the organization’s
Abir Coury
Maronite Outreach volunteer.
“Children Helping Children” project,
also known as the Piggy Bank program.
Through the Piggy Bank program, she
has overseen the distribution of piggy
banks to children in seven parishes
twice ayear. This has allowed hundreds
of American Lebanese children to raise
thousands of dollars for their brothers
and sisters in need in Lebanon. Over
$10,000 raised through thisproject over
the last five years have been dispensed
in the form of scholarships to children
in need attending Catholic schools in
Lebanon. At the same time, the Piggy
Bank program is vital for educating
American Lebanese children about the
struggles facing Lebanese Christians
and helping to create an everlasting
bond of knowledge and understanding
with Lebanon. This is accomplished
through the distribution of educational
materials about our faith and heritage to
the participating children in the USA,
an effort that Ms. Coury coordinates as
well.
Ms. Coury initially joined the
Maronite Outreachbecause shebelieves
in its goal to preserve Christianity in
Lebanon. Given the enormous
economic and political challenges that
continue to force thousands of
Lebanese Christians to seek a better life
elsewhere, Ms. Coury explained,
“Through all the Maronite Outreach’s
efforts, children are offered a decent
life and have the opportunity to stay in
school. Hopefully, this in turn helps the
families to stay in Lebanon.”
Ms. Coury’s heartfelt passion
extends to her numerous roles and
responsibilities at St. John Maron
Church, all of which she views as a
privilege and a joy. Several years ago,
she established the Kids Club program
at the church, through which the parish
children partake in activities and form
bonds and friendships every Sunday
after mass. Dedicated to putting her
strong faith into practice, she also
teaches Catechism to 5 th and 6 th graders
on a weekly basis. Well-recognized at
her parish for her zealous devotion to
the children, Ms. Coury also serves on
the church’s Charity Committee, often
participates in community service
activities, and sings on the choir.
While the sheer number of service
activities this full time engineer is
committed to is astonishing, even more
impressive are the energy and
enthusiasm she devotes to each activity
and to each child. Ms. Coury
recognizes that time management is the
ultimate challenge for a volunteer. Ms.
Coury explained her commitment:
“When one cares about what one is
doing, one naturally enjoys the work.
The fulfillment I experience after
accomplishing a project with the
Maronite Outreach has made this work
take priority in my life. It is my
passion to Lebanon and to my fellow
Christians, especially children, that
drives me to do the work and enjoy it at
the same time. Working with Outreach
has become more like enjoying a hobby
rather than work. For these reasons, I
am proud to be a volunteer for Maronite
Outreach, and encourage anyone
interested to do the same.”
To join Ms. Coury and become a
part of Maronite Outreach family of
volunteers, please visit
www.maroniteoutreach.org,
call (213) 458-0580,
or email info@maroniteoutreach.org.
Other ways to help include starting a
chapter in your parish or sending a
donation to Maronite Outreach, 1546
East La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA
92805.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 17 July 2007

The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 18 July 2007

44 th Annual Maronite Convention About to Start in
Richmond, Va.
Members of the National
Apostolate of Maronites are
headed to Richmond, Va., for
the 44 th annual convention, which willbe
held July 25-29 at the Marriott
Richmond Hotel.
The convention is sponsored by
NAM and hosted by Monsignor George
M. Sebaali and the parishioners of St.
Anthony Maronite Church in nearby
Glen Allen, Va. This is the third NAM
convention hosted by St. Anthony and
the first one on the East Coast in three
years.
The theme of this year’s convention
is “A Church of Hope.”
“Our parishioners have been
working very hard for many months and
we are ready to greet our Maronite
brothers and sisters,” said Arthur Zohab,
convention chairman. “We are excited
that the big event is finally here.”
Although the deadline for the
discounted convention pre-registration
was July 8, registration also is available
at regular prices up until the time of the
convention.
Because of the popularity of the
convention, rooms have been made
available in two hotels in addition to the
Marriott. To make reservations, mention
the NAM convention when you contact
the:
Marriott Richmond via the
worldwide reservation center at 1-
800-228-9290, the hotel directly at
1-804-643-3400, or on the Web site
http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/ric
dtrichmond-marriott.
Omni Hotel at 100 South 12th St. by
phone at 1-804-344-7000 or on the
Web at
www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/
Richmond.aspx .
Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel
at 901 Bank St. (across from the
Virginia State Capitol) by phone at
1-888-343-7301 or 1-804-343-
7300, or on the Web at:
http://www.commonwealthparksu
ites.com.
Once they get into their hotel rooms,
the first thing convention attendees
should do is check in at the registration
desk in the Marriott to receive their
convention identification, tickets,
schedule and other materials. The
registration table will be open in the
Hospitality Room from noon to 5 p.m.
on July 25; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on July 26
and 27; and from 9 a.m. to noon on July
28.
Attendees also need to go the
registration table to select their table for
Saturday’s Grand Banquet and Hafli. A
ticket for each person must be brought
to the registration table at the time the
table is selected. No seating
arrangements will be made without the
accompanying banquet ticket.
Divine Liturgy will be held at noon
Thursday, Friday and Saturday,
preceded by an opportunity for private
prayer and confession at 11:30 a.m.
The Pontifical Divine Liturgy will be
held at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Safro (Morning Prayer) will occur
each day at 8 a.m. and Ramsho
(evening prayer) will occur at 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, there will be a Divine
Liturgy at 5:30 p.m. for Sunday
travelers instead of the Ramsho.
Other schedule highlights include:
Wednesday, July 25
The NAM Board of Directors will
meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The hospitality room opens at
noon.
A special interest workshop on
religious education will be held at 3
p.m.
The welcome party with dinner and
music provided by a DJ will begin
at 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 26
The official opening of the
convention will be celebrated with
a Divine Liturgy at noon.
The NAM Board of Directors will
meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. There
also will be a board luncheon with
the bishops at 1 p.m.
“Family Feud,” a game that tests
knowledge of the Maronite Church
and Catholicism, will begin at 9:30
a.m.
Children’s Hours are scheduled for
10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
A special interest workshop on
Christian Sacred Art will begin at
9:30 a.m.
A workshop and panel discussion
led by members of St. Elias
Maronite Church in Birmingham,
Ala., on “The Laity in the Maronite
Church” will begin at 3 p.m.
Buses will begin leaving the
Marriott starting at 5 p.m. for the
ride to St. Anthony, where the
Ramsho, Cookout, Casino Night
and Hafli with live Lebanese music
will be held. Youths are invited to
enjoy the church’s swimming pool,
and other facilities.
Friday, July 27
The Order of Saint Sharbel
Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m.
Buses for the optional side trip to
Jamestown will leave from the
Marriott at 9 a.m. and return by
3:30 p.m.
Children’s hours will be held at 10
a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
A workshop and panel discussion
led by members of St. Anthony
Maronite Church of Glen Allen,
Va., on “Catechesis andContinuing
Adults Faith Formation” will begin
at 10 a.m.
A workshop and panel discussion
led by members of St. Maron
Maronite Church in Minneapolis,
Minn., on “The Family” will begin
at 3:30 p.m.
The “Welcome to Virginia” dinner,
Silent Auction, dance with live
Lebanese music will begin at 8
p.m. at the Marriott.
MYA “time together” is scheduled
for 1 to 2 a.m. at the Marriott.
(Continues on page 20)
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 19 July 2007

The Maronite Voice
St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church
4611 Sadler Road
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6108
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 1370
GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA
44 th Annual Maronite
Convention About to
Start in Richmond,
Va.
(Continued From Page 19)
Saturday, July 28
The NAM/Clergy breakfast and
General Assembly will begin at
8:30 a.m.
A workshop and panel discussion
led by members of the Office of
Young Adults on “Youth in the
Maronite Church” will begin at
9:30 a.m.
A Children’s Hour will begin at 10
a.m.
A presentation by “Maronite
outreach” on the Church in
Lebanon will begin at 3:30 p.m.
A cash-bar cocktail reception will
run from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The Grand Banquet and Hafli with
live Lebanese music will begin at 8
p.m.
Sunday, July 29
The Pontifical Divine Liturgy will
begin at the Marriott at 10 a.m.
The “Farewell Brunch” will begin
at noon.
Displays and exhibits will be open
throughout the convention.
Maronite Young Adults
(MYA)
In addition to the Convention’s
schedule, special activities have been
prepared for the young adults.
On Wednesday, July 25, at 6:00
p.m., there will be a “Meet and greet”
time where young adults from across
the nation will have the opportunity to
meet each other and to network among
themselves.
A special workshop, presented by
Tarek Saab, will begin at 2:30 p.m., on
Thursday, July 26.
Tarek Saab was a popular
contestant on Season 5 of Donald
Trump's "The Apprentice". A devout
Maronite Catholic, Tarek is the founder
and CEO of Lionheart Apparel, a
Christian Men's clothing line, and he is
the author of the forthcoming book,
GUT CHECK: Confronting Love,
Work, & Manhood in Your
Twenties (Spence Publishing).
Currently, Tarek is a professional
speaker and Pro-life activist, and he
travels extensively speaking to
audiences of all ages about being
Catholic in modern culture.
“A Welcome to Richmond Hour”
where young adults will enjoy time out
in Richmond’s famous ShackoeBottom
will take place on Friday, July 27, from
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
A town hall meeting with Bishops
Gregory Mansour and Robert Shaheen
will take place at 1:00 p.m. on
Saturday, July 28.
MYA “time together” will be held
at the Marriott from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
To register for the convention, use
the form printed in this issue of The
Maronite Voice or register online at
www.namnews.org. There are
packages ranging from two days to the
full convention, and with reduced
prices for youths (ages 11-17) and
children (5-10). There is no charge for
children under 5.
Checks or Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are gladly accepted.
To donate an item for the auction,
contact Ed Yesbeck, Jr. at 330-0711 or
at ed.yesbeck@vamllc.com.
More information about the
convention is available at the NAM
Website (http://www.namnews.org) or
the St. Anthony’s Web site
www.stanthonymaronitechurch.org.
Summer Break
T
he Maronite Voice wishes its
readers an enjoyable, safe and
God-filled summer. The Maronite
Voice will not be published in August.
It will appear again in September. The
deadline for the September issue is
August 25, 2007.
The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. VII Page 20 July 2007