LEBANON IN THE SOCCER WORLD CUP???

L E B A N O N I N T H E
SOCCER
WORLD CUP???
Lebanese flags spotted at World Cup games

Maronite
Catholic Church
Ou r La d y o f t h e Ce d a r s ,
Maronite
Wo o d m e a d
Tel: Catholic 011 805 1305 Church
Fax: 011 805 1306
Ou r La d y o f t h e Ce d a r s
Email:
,
Wo o d m e a d
maronite@netactive.co.za
Tel: 011 804 1305
Fax:
Ou r
011
La
804
d y o1306
f Le ba n o n,
Mu l b a r t o n
Email:
Tel: 011 432 5331
maronite@netactive.co.za
Fax: 011 432 5312
Email: Ou r La d y o f Le ba n o n,
Mu l b a r t o n
maroniteoll@hotmail.com
Tel: 011 432 5331
Fax: 011 432 5312
Email: Le ba n e s e Fa m i l y
maroniteoll@hotmail.com Clu b
d e dica t e d t o p r e s e r v i n g o u r
Le ba n e s e h e r i t a g e t h r o u g h
• Le ba n e s e Fa m i l y
M a r o n i t e Ma g a z i n e
OUR OWN UNIQUE SOCCER WORLD CUP
2010 IN SOUTH AFRICA
Finally the moment arrived, the long awaited
official opening of the Soccer World Cup on
South African grounds on the 10th June 2010!
What a momentous and exciting occasion for all
of us proud South Africans. We have welcomed
visitors from all over the world with warm
hearts, broad smiles and open hearts, inviting
them into our homes, our lives, our diverse
cultures and traditions and most importantly into
our own Lebanese Churches here in
Johannesburg. Without a doubt a great time is
being enjoyed by all, visitors and locals alike
(except for the devastating loss of Portugal to
Spain!)
f a m i l y d a y s
• f a m iClu l y t rb
e e s
• d e dica f a tm e d i l ty o p b r o e s o e k r s v i n g o u r
• Le ba f na em s e i l hy e rw i t ae gb e s t i h t r e o s u g h
We in our Maronite Community have had our own
•
f a m i l y h d a e y a s lt h
special experiences and celebrations. We
Tel: • 011
f a m
804
i l y
7566
t r e e s
Fax: • f 086 a m 666 i l y b 5412 o o k s
started off with a bang on Sunday 13th June
Email: • f a m i l y w e b s i t e s
when our Priests invited both congregations at
lebfamilyclub@webmail.co.za
• f a m i l y h e a lt h
info@lebanesefamilyclub.co.za Woodmead and Mulbarton to attend the
Tel: 011 804 1305
Email: Website:
morning mass clad in their soccer t-shirts to
www.lebanesefamilyclub.co.za
info@lebanesefamilyclub.co.za show our united support for the SA World Cup.
Postal Website: Address:
What a tremendous occasion. Old and young
www.lebanesefamilyclub.co.za
PO Box 76043,
alike responded enthusiastically donning their
Postal Wendywood, Address: 2144
favoured team t-shirts; from toddlers to
Office PO Box Hours: 76043,
Wendywood, 2144
Sittoo’s and Jidoo’s, all looking young and
8:30-4:30, Mon - Fri. Editor:
Office Hours:
sporty. The scene was mostly a sea of green and
Jeraldene 8:30-4:30, Coleman Mon - Fri. yellow in support of our own Bafana Bafana.
Fr. Family Nadim Club: Abou Zeid M.L.M Adding to the soccer mood, both churches were
Editor: Fa m i l y Clu b
decked with huge flags displaying all 32
Lauren Bakos Dos Santos countries participating in the 2010 World Cup.
Superior:
Fr. Badaoui Habib
M.L.M.
2
Mar o n i t e Me m o
To add to the excitement, our own Fr. Maurice
in Mulbarton received a call from the Mexican
Football Team Management requesting a special
mass. As Fr. Charbel is gifted with the ability
to speak Spanish he was asked to say the mass:
the Mass was celebrated on a saturday afternoon
at Thaba Ya Batswana, a venue a stone throw
from our Church. Fr. Charbel remarked on his
observation of the deep spirituality of the team
members. He also experienced their warmth and
hospitality when he was invited to join them for
lunch after the mass.
These past few weeks have undoubtledly been
one of the most magical and amazing moments in
the history of our new democracy, and long may
we live with our great memories, exciting
experiences, and magical moments.
In conclusion I would like to share with our
readers a beautiful World Cup Prayer -
“May all your penalties and offences be
overlooked, may your life never go offside, may
evil never tackle you, may your life go into extra
time, may you never get a red card out of Heaven
and may you win the trophy of Heaven in the
final.” AMEN
God Bless
L a u r e n B a k o s D o s S a n t o s
Editor
June 2010

Mass for the Mexican National Football Team
celebrated by Fr Charbel Habchi
Thaba Ya Batswana
12 June 2010

SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES THE RELICS OF
ST. THERESE of the little Flower
25 June - 27 September 2010
Who is Saint Therese of the child Jesus?
B o r n a t A l e n c o n i n F r a n c e i n t h e y e a r 1 8 7 3 , S t T h e r e s e e n t e r e d t h e C a r m e l i t e M o n a s t e r y a t L i s i e u x a t t h e y o u n g
age of 15. She achieved perfection through the daily renunciation of little things, and through prayer and
m e d i t a t i o n o n t h e l i f e o f C h r i s t . S h e p r a c t i s e d t h e v i r t u e s o f h u m i l i t y , s i m p l i c i t y a n d a f i r m c o n f i d e n c e i n G o d .
S h e w a n t e d t o b e a m i s s i o n a r y , a n d a s h e r h e a l t h m a d e t h i s i m p o s s i b l e , o f f e r e d h e r d a i l y l i f e w i t h i n t h e c o n v e n t
f o r t h e m i s s i o n o f t h e C h u r c h .
“I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth.
I w i l l n o t r e s t a s l o n g a s t h e r e a r e s t i l l s o u l s t o b e s a v e d .
But when the angel has said: ‘Time is no more; then i will rest.”
T h e r e s e w a s t h e y o u n g e s t o f 9 c h i l d r e n . H e r f a t h e r , M a r t i n , w a s a w a t c h m a k e r b y t r a d e a n d a t t h e a g e o f 3 5
married Therese’s mother, Zelie, then aged 27. They had 9 children, 2 boys and 2 girls died at an early age and
the remaining 5 girls all entered religious life. Mrs Martin died when Therese was only 4 years of age.
T h e r e s e w a s p l a c e d i n t h e c a r e o f o t h e r s u n t i l h e r f a t h e r d e c i d e d t o g i v e u p h i s w o r k t o l o o k a f t e r h e r .
T h e r e s e i n h e r s h o r t l i f e s u f f e r e d v i o l e n t l y , c o n s u m e d b y t u b e r c u l o s i s i n l a t t e r y e a r s a n d t o w a r d s t h e e n d o f h e r
life was in a state of complete exhaustion.
A great saint of modern times she had a sensitive and tender heart.
Asked by her Superior towards the end of her life:
Mother Agnes: “Are you afraid now that death is close?.”
Therese: “Ah! Less and Less!”
Mother Agnes: “Do you fear the thief? This time he is at the door!”
T h e r e s e : “ N o . H e i s n o t a t t h e d o o r , H e h a s e n t e r e d . B u t w h a t a r e y o u s a y i n g , l i t t l e M o t h e r ? H o w c a n I f e a r o n e
whom I love?.”

Why are the Relics of St Therese coming to South Africa?
The Relics visited England and Wales, a quarter of a million people venerated the Relics at 28 venues, including
Westminster Cathedral. Subsequently, communities in South Africa requested to host her Relics.
T h e R e l i c s o f S t T h e r e s e , v i r g i n a n d d o c t o r a r r i v e d a t O l i v e r T a m b o o n t h e 2 5 t h J u n e 2 0 1 0 a n d w e n t d i r e c t l y t o
the Carmelite Convent in Benoni.
The reliquary contains some of the mortal remains of St Therese to be venerated in South Africa.
Our Lady of the Cedars
Woodmead
3 July 2010
5:30pm Mass
Our Lady of Lebanon
Mulbarton
4 July 2010
8:00am & 10:00am Mass
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s
To our beloved Fathers who are celebrating next month
the Anniversaries of their Ordinations:
Fr Charbel Habchi - 2 July 2006
Fr George Kairouz - 5 July 1999
Fr Fadi Matni - 11 July 2009
F r M a u r i c e C h i d i a c - 1 3 J u l y 1 9 9 7
Fr Badaoui Habib - 21 July 1995

OurTrip To Medugorje

Medjugorje 2010
by Michelle Michael (MIR Travel Group 2010)
E v e r y y e a r I a m a l w a y s a s k e d t h e q u e s t i o n , “ A r e y o u g o i n g t o M e d u g o r j e t h i s y e a r
and I always answer, “If Our Lady wants me there”.....
The trip was always on until the disastrous volcanic ash cloud erupted and
B r i t i s h A i r w a y s w e n t o n s t r i k e , b u t s o m e h o w o u r B l e s s e d M o t h e r a l w a y s w o r k s
things out for us and I am still learning to trust completely.
We departed for London on the 13th May - “ OUR LADY OF FATIMA”
Anniversary - and stayed overnight in London as we had to obtain
v i s a s f o r B o s n i a - H e r z e g o v i n i a . We d e p a r t e d t h e f o l l o w i n g d a y f o r t h e
w o n d e r f u l , b e a u t i u l , b r e a t h t a k i n g c i t y o f D u b r o v n i k . We v i s i t e d t h e o l d c i t y a n d S t
Blaise Church - in Croation its St Vlaho and He is the Patron Saint of
Dubrovnik.
M e d u g o r j e i s n e s t l e d b e t w e e n 2 m o u n t a i n s a n d w h e n O u r b l e s s e d M o t h e r s t a r t e d
a p p e a r i n g o n t h e 2 4 J u n e 1 9 8 1 i t t r a n s f o r m e d t h i s l i t t l e v i l l a g e . C o m m u n i s t s w e r e
t h e d o m i n a t i n g r u l e r s o f t h i s r e g i o n a n d t h e 6 v i s i o n a i r i e s e x p e r i e n c e d m a n y
d i f f i c u l t i e s , b u t s t i l l p e r s e r v e r e d i n t h e i r c o n v i c t i o n t h a t O u r B l e s s e d M o t h e r
(Gospa) was appearing to them and still is today.
3 o f t h e c h i l d r e n , ( n o w a d u l t s ) s t i l l s e e o u r M o t h e r a n d t h e o t h e r 3 h a v e t h e 1 0
“secrets” and see Her on special occasions such as Christmas.
M i r j a n a h a d a n a p p a r i t i o n o n t h e 1 8 t h M a r c h ( h e r b i r h t d a y ) a n d a l s o t h e 2 n d o f
e a c h m o n t h . A m e s s a g e f o r t h e w o r l d i s g i v e n o n t h e 2 5 t h o f e v e r y m o n t h t o
M a r i j a . O u r L a d y, Q u e e n o f P e a c e s ’ m a i n m e s s a g e i s p e a c e a n d p r a y e r ( f r o m t h e
heart), eucharist, confession, reading the bible and fasting on a wednesday on
bread and water.
A g r o u p o f p i l g r i m s y o u n g a n d o l d w e r e o n t h e p i l g r a m a g e . We a l l p a r t i c i p a t e d i n
d a i l y m a s s , c o n f e s s i o n , t a l k s g i v e n b y t h e F r a n c i s c a n p r i e s t s a n d w a l k s t o t h e
different Apparition sites (including late night walks up
A p p a r i t i o n H i l l s , v i z . K r i t z e v a c a n d B l u e C r o s s M o u n t a i n ) . We a l s o p a i d a v i s i t t o
“ M o t h e r s Vi l l a g e ” w h e r e w e l i s t e n e d t o v a r i o u s t e s t i m o n i e s ; A v i s i t t o S r
E m m a n u e l ; C e n a c o l o w h e r e w e l i s t e n e d t o t h e t e s t i m o n i e s o f N a n c y a n d P a t r i c k ; a
t a l k b y M i r j a n a , t h e v i s i o n a r y ; a n d a M a s s a t D i v i n e M e r c y C h u r c h w h e r e a m i r a c l e
o f h e a l i n g t o o k p l a c e s o m e y e a r s a g o .
A lot of time was spent in prayer as well as having fun including a birthday
celebration at the waterfalls outside Medugorje.
B l e s s e d M o t h e r, Q u e e n o f P e a c e w a s o u r G u i d e a n d i n s p i r a t i o n a n d o u r L o r d
J e s u s C h r i s t w a s T H E R E i n t h e m i d s t a m o n g s t u s .
ALL PRAISE AND GLORY TO OUR LORD. THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL
PILGRIMAGE. WE LOVE YOU...

VISIT AT THE CATHEDRAL OF THE MARONITE CHURCH OF CYPRUS
GREETING OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
Nicosia
S u n d a y, 6 J u n e 2 0 1 0
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I a m v e r y p l e a s e d t o m a ke t h i s v i s i t t o t h e C a t h e d r a l o f O u r L a d y o f G r a c e s . I t h a n k A r c h b i s h o p Yo u s s e f
S o u e i f f o r h i s k i n d w o r d s o f w e l c o m e o n b e h a l f o f t h e M a r o n i t e c o m m u n i t y i n C y p r u s , a n d I c o r d i a l l y g r e e t
a l l o f y o u w i t h t h e w o r d s o f t h e A p o s t l e : “G r a c e t o y o u a n d p e a c e f r o m G o d o u r Fa t h e r a n d t h e L o r d J e s u s
C h r i s t ” ( 1 C o r 1 : 3 ) !
A s I v i s i t t h i s b u i l d i n g , i n m y h e a r t I m a ke a s p i r i t u a l p i l g r i m a g e t o e v e r y M a r o n i t e c h u r c h o f t h e i s l a n d . B e
assured that, moved by a father’s care, I am close to all the faithful of those ancient communities.
This Cathedral church in some way represents the very long and rich – and sometimes turbulent - history
o f t h e M a r o n i t e c o m m u n i t y i n C y p r u s . M a r o n i t e s c a m e t o t h e s e s h o r e s a t v a r i o u s t i m e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e
centuries and were often hard-pressed to remain faithful to their distinct Christian heritage. Nevertheless,
i n s p i t e o f t h e i r f a i t h b e i n g t e s t e d l i ke g o l d i n a f i r e ( c f. 1 Pe t 1 : 7 ) , t h e y r e m a i n e d c o n s t a n t i n t h e f a i t h o f
t h e i r f a t h e r s , a f a i t h w h i c h h a s n o w b e e n p a s s e d o n t o y o u , t h e M a r o n i t e C y p r i o t s o f t o d a y. I u r g e y o u t o
treasure this great inheritance, this precious gift.

T h i s C a t h e d r a l b u i l d i n g a l s o r e m i n d s u s o f a n i m p o r t a n t s p i r i t u a l t r u t h . S a i n t Pe t e r t e l l s u s t h a t w e
C h r i s t i a n s a r e t h e l i v i n g s t o n e s w h i c h a r e b e i n g “ b u i l t i n t o a s p i r i t u a l h o u s e , t o b e a h o l y p r i e s t h o o d , t o
o f f e r s p i r i t u a l s a c r i f i c e s a c c e p t a b l e t o G o d t h r o u g h J e s u s C h r i s t ” ( 1 Pe t 2 : 4 - 5 ) . To g e t h e r w i t h C h r i s t i a n s
t h r o u g h o u t t h e w o r l d , w e a r e p a r t o f t h a t g r e a t t e m p l e w h i c h i s t h e M y s t i c a l B o d y o f C h r i s t . O u r s p i r i t u a l
w o r s h i p , o f f e r e d i n m a n y t o n g u e s , i n m a n y p l a c e s a n d i n a b e a u t i f u l v a r i e t y o f l i t u r g i e s , i s a n e x p r e s s i o n o f
t h e o n e v o i c e o f t h e Pe o p l e o f G o d , u n i t e d i n p r a i s e a n d t h a n k s g i v i n g t o h i m a n d i n e n d u r i n g c o m m u n i o n w i t h
e a c h o t h e r. T h i s c o m m u n i o n , w h i c h w e h o l d s o d e a r, i m p e l s u s t o c a r r y t h e G o o d N e w s o f o u r n e w l i f e i n
C h r i s t t o a l l m a n k i n d .
C o m m e n d i n g y o u a n d y o u r f a m i l i e s , a n d e s p e c i a l l y y o u r b e l o v e d c h i l d r e n t o t h e i n t e r c e s s i o n o f S a i n t M a r o n ,
I w i l l i n g l y i m p a r t t o a l l o f y o u m y A p o s t o l i c B l e s s i n g .

When did the Lebanese arrive in Brazil?
(by Roberto Khatlab)
N o b o d y k n o w s e x a c t l y . W h a t w e k n o w f o r s u r e i s t h a t t h e r e a r e r e c o r d s o f A r a b s i n C a b r a l ’ s c r e w , i n 1 5 0 0 ,
b e f o r e t h e A r a b s p r e s e n c e i n t h e c o l o n i a l p e r i o d i n B r a z i l . M a n y w e r e a l m o s t a n o n y m o u s , w h i l e o t h e r s s t o o d
o u t i n h i s t o r y , s u c h a s M a n u e l S a i d A l i , t h e p h i l o l o g i s t , b o r n i n P e t r o p o l i s , i n R i o d e J a n e i r o i n 1 8 6 1 , w h o
was Said Ali’s son, an Arab who passed away two years after his son was born.
This is a remarking proof that they were already in Brazil before 1861. Recently, it was published the
t r a n s l a t i o n o f t h e b o o k “ F o r e i g n d e l i g h t i n a l l t h a t i s s u r p r i s i n g a n d m a r v e l o u s : a s t u d y o f a B a g h d a d i t r i p ”
( D e l e i t e d o e s t r a n g e i r o e m t u d o o q u e é e s p a n t o s o e m a r a v i l h o s o : e s t u d o d e u m r e l a t o d e v i a g e m b a g d a l i ) ,
w r i t t e n b y I m a m A b d u r r a h m á n A l - B a g h d á d i , A r a b b o r n i n B a g d a d . T h e I m a m l i v e d i n B r a z i l f r o m 1 8 6 5 t o 1 8 6 8 ,
l i k e m a n y o t h e r s , p a r t i c u l a r l y , f r o m 1 8 8 0 o n , n i n e y e a r s a f t e r D o m P e d r o I I t r i p t o t h e E a s t , i n 1 8 7 1 t o E g y p t ,
a n d i n 1 8 7 6 t o S y r i a , L e b a n o n , P a l e s t i n e , a n d E g y p t . T h e E m p e r o r t r i p p r o b a b l y c a u s e d t h e i n t e r e s t f o r t h e
Arab immigration to Brazil due to his passage through the Levant.
T h e A r a b i m m i g r a t i o n h a s e a s i l y c r o s s e d m o r e t h a n f o u r c e n t u r i e s . A s h i s t o r i a n a n d r e s e a r c h e r a b o u t t h e
L e b a n e s e i m m i g r a t i o n t o B r a z i l , a n d w i t h p u b l i s h e d b o o k s a n d s t u d i e s a b o u t t h i s t o p i c , I b e l i e v e t h a t
celebrating only 130 years of the Arab arrival in the country means to lessen the importance of these
p e o p l e ’ s c o n t r i b u t i o n f o r t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e B r a z i l i a n n a t i o n , a n d c o m m i t a u n p r e c e d e n t e d h i s t o r i c a l
m i s t a k e , b e c a u s e i t f o r g e t s t h e A r a b s w h o h a d a r r i v e d h e r e b e f o r e 1 8 8 0 , t h e p i o n e e r s w h o w e r e t h e
foundation for the later immigration on a larger scale.

T h e A s s o c i a ç ã o C u l t u r a l B r a s i l - L í b a n o ( A C B L ) ( B r a z i l - L e b a n o n C u l t u r a l A s s o c i a t i o n ) w a s t h e f i r s t t o
c e l e b r a t e t h e 1 2 5 y e a r s o f L e b a n e s e I m m i g r a t i o n t o B r a z i l , i n 2 0 0 5 . B r a z i l i a n p r e s i d e n t , L u i z I n á c i o L u l a
d a S i l v a , w h o w a s p r e s e n t a t t h e c e r e m o n y , r i g h t f u l l y m e n t i o n e d t h a t , p r o b a b l y , t h e L e b a n e s e h a d b e e n
h e r e m u c h b e f o r e t h e o f f i c i a l b e g i n n i n g o f t h e I m m i g r a t i o n , i n 1 8 8 0 . “ I a m n o t s u r e i f t h a t i s a l l , i f t h e r e
w e r e n ’ t a n y L e b a n e s e h i d d e n a m o n g c r e w m e m b e r s i n C a b r a l ’ s s h i p w h e n h e a r r i v e d h e r e , ” s a i d t h e
P r e s i d e n t .
T h e A C B L c e l e b r a t e s t h e e v e n t t h i s y e a r , i n A p r i l , e m p h a s i z i n g t h i s i s s u e i n i t s l o g o a d d i n g t h e + s i g n
“ + 1 3 0 y e a r s o f t h e L e b a n e s e i m m i g r a t i o n i n B r a z i l ” , h o n o r i n g t h e f i r s t L e b a n e s e i m m i g r a n t s – L e b a n e s e ,
Palestinians, Syrians … – who were anonymous, but whose drive resulted into the contemporary Arab
c o m m u n i t y , o f w h i c h t h e L e b a n e s e , a c c o r d i n g t o s o m e s t u d i e s , m a k e u p t h e l a r g e s t n u m b e r .
T h i s c o m m u n i t y i s n o w p a r t o f t h e B r a z i l i a n s o c i e t y . T h i s c a n b e e a s i l y p r o v e d w h e n t h e i r d e s c e n d a n t s s a y
p r o u d l y a n d w i t h a n o p e n h e a r t , “ w e a r e B r a z i l i a n s , d e s c e n d a n t s o f L e b a n e s e , P a l e s t i n i a n s , S y r i a n s … ”
T h e r e f o r e , n o t s e t t i n g a d a t e i s a w a y t o r e s p e c t t h e p i o n e e r s o f t h i s b r a v e a n d s t r o n g p e o p l e w h o c a m e
h e r e a s w i l l i n g i m m i g r a n t s , w i t h o u t a c o n t r a c t w i t h t h e g o v e r n m e n t , n o t h i n g t h a t w o u l d s e c u r e w o r k , f o o d
a n d o t h e r b e n e f i t s a s i t w a s t h e c a s e f o r I t a l i a n s , G e r m a n s , J a p a n e s e . T h e s e g r o u p s h a d a p r e c i s e a r r i v a l
d a t e a n d t h e y e v e n k n e w t h e n a m e o f t h e s h i p w h i c h w o u l d t r a n s p o r t t h e m b e f o r e h a n d .
T h e A r a b s a r r i v e d b y t h e m s e l v e s . E v e n t h o u g h t h e y d i d n o t a p p r e c i a t e h a v i n g a T u r k i s h p a s s p o r t b e c a u s e
t h e y w e r e t h e i r e n e m i e s a t t h e t i m e , i t m a d e i t p o s s i b l e f o r t h e A r a b s t o d i s e m b a r k h e r e a n d f r e e l y c r o s s
t h e B r a z i l i a n t e r r i t o r y . U n l i k e m a n y o t h e r E u r o p e a n i m m i g r a n t s w h o w e r e c o n f i n e d t o a c o f f e e p l a n t a t i o n ,
t h e A r a b s w e r e a b r i d g e b e t w e e n t h e c i t y a n d B r a z i l c o u n t r y s i d e , t h e m a i n h o u s e a n d t h e h u t . T h e y c o u l d
t a k e g o o d s a n d c u l t u r e t o a l l o v e r B r a z i l , f r o m t h e n o r t h t o t h e s o u t h , g e n e r a t i n g a n e w m o d e l o f c o m m e r c e
in Brazil.
W h e r e , i n B r a z i l , a r e p e o p l e n o t a w a r e o f k i b b e , e s f i h a , t h e p a y m e n t p r a c t i c e i n i n s t a l l m e n t s , o r t h e
o n e - t o - o n e c o m m e r c e s t r a t e g y ? T h i s w a s a n d h a s b e e n , f r o m t h e h i s t o r i c a l p o i n t o f v i e w , t h e A r a b g r e a t
c o n t r i b u t i o n t o B r a z i l : t o b e a l i n k a m o n g a l l t h e B r a z i l i a n r e g i o n s , s p r e a d i n g a n e w l i f e s t y l e a n d c o m m e r c e
p r a c t i c e t o a l l c o r n e r s o f t h i s g r e a t c o u n t r y . T h e r e f o r e , I e m b r a c e t h i s c o n c e p t o f “ + 1 3 0 y e a r s ” . O n t h e
o t h e r h a n d , r e s t r i c t i n g t h i s d a t e t o e x a c t 1 3 0 y e a r s , i s t o d e n y t h e g r e a t h i s t o r y a n d s a g a o f t h e A r a b s i n
B r a z i l .
R o b e r t o K h a t l a b i s a r e s e a r c h e r a t t h e L e b a n e s e I m m i g r a t i o n S t u d y C e n t e r o f t h e N o t r e D a m e U n i v e r s i t y ,
i n L e b a n o n , a u t h o r o f v a r i o u s b o o k s a b o u t t h e B r a z i l - L e b a n o n r e l a t i o n s , s u c h a s M a h j a r , L e b a n e s e s a g a i n
Brazil (bilingual Arab-Portuguese), Mukhtarat, Beirut, Lebanon.

L e b a n o n P r e s i d e n t M i c h e l S l e i m a n p r o m i s e s L e b a n e s e
e x p a t r i a t e s t o g i v e t h e m c i t i z e n s h i p s a n d t o a l l o w t h e m t o
vote in 2013.
President Michel Sleiman invited the Lebanese community in Sao Paulo-Brazil to "Return to Lebanon
to restore its glory once again," he stressed that, "Lebanon should be a gateway of Brazil and Latin
America to the Middle East."
Sleiman expressed his desire to see Lebanese expatriates back in the north, the Bekaa, the South,
the Mountain and Beirut, adding he "will not open the doors of Baabda Palace for anyone except
consolidated organizations which are united and promote Lebanese solidarity." Sleiman promised to
give citizenships to expatriates and to allow them to vote in 2013.
The speech of President of the Republic came during a reception held by Consul of Lebanon Joseph
Sayyah at Monte Libano Club in honor of President Sleiman and his wife, Mrs. Wafaa, and the
accompanying delegation. The reception was attended by a number of Lebanese and Brazilian
officials.

President Sleiman spoke candidly to the expatriates assuring them that Lebanon today enjoyed
political stability, security and economic development, and has successfully regained its position
on the international map. “Lebanon is respected by all countries,” he added, “and has established
diplomatic relations with Syria, which opened a new area to promote trust between the two
countries.”
Sleiman added, “On the security level, I assure you that the army and security forces are carrying
out their duties properly. The Lebanese will face Israeli threats united and will back up their army
and resistance.” As for terrorist attempts at dragging Lebanon into the gutter of fear, those wicked
endeavors were crushed by the Lebanese army in Nahr al-Barid. Moreover, the International
Tribunal was working diligently to uncover the truth in the assassination of martyr Prime Minister
Rafic Hariri and his companions.
”At the economic level,” continued Sleiman, “Lebanon is witnessing an economic revolution and
growth. In 2009, we achieved a growth rate of 8% and doubled deposits in banks for more than 100
billion dollars and increased reserves of the Bank of Lebanon to 45 billion dollars, which has
re-established the status of Lebanon as Switzerland of the Middle East. The growth in tourism has
risen by 39%, as Lebanon was visited by many expatriates and tourists.”
Sleiman acknowledged the rights of Lebanese expatriates to actively participate in the political life
of their mother-country. He promised to give voting rights to expatriates in 2013, and the
restoration of citizenship to those who desire it. “Globalization has imposed on any citizen to have
several nationalities,” stated Sleiman, “and you are more deserving of Lebanese citizenship than
others, and your children are more deserving of that nationality than others.”
President Sleiman ended his speech by giving an advice that applied to all Lebanese, whether in
Lebanon or abroad, “Do not allow sectarianism to enter your hearts. Do not hesitate to visit
Lebanon this summer, I and the accompanying delegation and your families are waiting for you.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, the club president awarded President Michel Sleiman a trophy as
a sign of reverence and appreciation.

The Divine Mercy Closing Mass
Photos taken by Joe Henriques 079 499 7457.

Our Lady of Lebanon Festival
by Jodie Peter
T h e a n n u a l F e s t i v a l a t O u r L a d y o f L e b a n o n ,
Maronite Catholic Church, Mulbarton was
a n o t h e r h i t w i t h t h e c r o w d t h i s y e a r ! It w a s h e l d
o n S u n d a y t h e 3 0 t h o f M a y a f t e r t h e 1 0 : 0 0 a m M a s s .
T h e c o m m u n i t y c a m e t o g e t h e r i n c e l e b r a t i o n o f
h a r d w o r k a n d m o r e
i m p o r t a n t l y b o n d i n g o f o u r y o u t h ! T h e s o c c e r
w o r l d c u p s p i r i t w a s d e f i n i t e l y s h a r e d a m o n g s t t h e
c r o w d . T h e r e w e r e f l a g s o f e v e r y c o u n t r y d i s p l a y e d
a s w e l l a s p e o p l e s p o r t i n g s h i r t s o f t h e i r f a v o r i t e
countries, musicians and
entertainers joined in and fun was had by all!
F o o d , s w e e t s a n d d r i n k s w e r e o n s a l e a n d t h e
m o n e y w a s d o n a t e d t o o u r n e w s c h o o l , O u r L a d y o f
Lebanon Catholic School! Amazing fireworks ended
off the enjoyable day!
O u r C h u r c h a l s o h a s s o m e t h i n g s p e c i a l t o
c e l e b r a t e ! O u r L a d y o f L e b a n o n
C a t h o l i c S c h o o l w i l l o p e n n e x t y e a r, i n i t i a l l y
t a k i n g i n l e a r n e r s f r o m G r a d e R t o g r a d e 3 . T h e
school will accommodate twenty to twenty five
l e a r n e r s p e r c l a s s .
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e n e w s c h o o l c o n t a c t
Debbie (011 4325331/011 4325312).

FROM THE CEDARS TO CAPE TOWN.
By Ken Hanna
SOCCER FEVER IS UPON US. BUT LIFE GOES ON.
What has captured my imagination, and indeed the concern of a caring community in the world is the blockade of
humanitarian aid to a beleagured Palestinian Nation in Gaza.
T h e k i l l i n g o f t h e n i n e i n n o c e n t m e m b e r s o f a f l o t e l l a o f s h i p s i n t h e E a s t e r n M e d i t e r r a n e a n . . w i t h i m p u n i t y f r o m a c a l l o u s
I s r a e l i M a r i n e f o r c e , h a s a r o u s e d t h e c o n c e r n o f t h e w h o l e w o r l d , w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n o f p o s s i b l y t h e U S A .
South Africa recalled their Ambassador to confer with the Democratic South African Government.
What, you may ask, has this got to do with “The Cedars to Cape Town”?
M o s t o f o u r r e a d e r s k n o w t h a t t h e Vi l l a g e o f B e c h a r r e - h i g h i n t h e L e b a n e s e m o u n t a i n s - a r e t h e ‘ g u a r d i a n s a n d c u s t o d i a n s
of the Cedars of the Lord’.
S o m e t i m e i n 1 9 3 4 , m y m o t h e r a n d f a t h e r w e r e m a r r i e d i n t h e M o n e s t a r y C h u r c h o f M a r S a r k i s c l o s e t o t h e H o l y C e d a r s . I t
was a colourful ceremony.
Their plan was to honeymoon in Lebanon, then on to Palestine, Egypt, the Suez Canal and take a ship down the East Coast
of Africa and settle in South Africa.
T h i s i s e x a c t l y w h a t h a p p e n e d . N o b o a r d e r s b l o c k e d - n o Z i o n i s t s t a t e . A w o n d e r f u l P a l e s t i n e t h a t m y m o t h e r l o v e d s o
much.
My father’s family arrived in Cape Town in 1901 and settled in Johannesburg.
Most of our families and extended families have made their home in these two great cities.
C i t i e s t h a t h a v e c a p t u r e d t h e h e a r t s o f p e o p l e a r o u n d t h e w o r l d - t o t h i s g r e a t c o u n t r y - a Wo r l d F o o t b a l l C u p e x t r a v a g a n z a
that no one in their wildest dreams could foresee..
A country that the blockers of the way from the Cedars to Cape town must eventually be allowed to be open.
A s a c h i l d , m y m o t h e r u s e d t o t e l l m e a n d m y s i b l i n g s s u c h w o n d e r f u l s t o r i e s a b o u t L e b a n o n , P a l e s t i n e ,
Egypt, the African coast and early days in South Africa.
She would tell me of how the Jewish people in Johannesburg approached my father to buy ground
in Palestine, with the eventual aim of creating a Jewish state - my father refused.
We a r e f u r t h e r r e m i n d e d o f o u r D e a r F a t h e r N a d i m , t h e n S u p e r i o r o f t h e M a r o n i t e L e b a n e s e M i s s i o n a r y o r d e r o f t h e K r e i m ,
i n v i t i n g a J e w i s h R a b b i , a M o s l e m a n d C a t h o l i c a n d o t h e r C h r i s t i a n s t o t h e C h u r c h o f o u r L a d y o f t h e C e d a r s t o p r a y f o r
peace in the Middle East. Hundreds of all races and creeds attended. Vincent Leacher, Chairperson, proudly telling all that
this was a prayer meeting - not a political meeting.
So that all people of the world can go from the “Cedars to Cape Town” and that the people of occupied Palestine can learn
from our beloved South Africa how to break down barriers and prejudice and hate.
That the gentle alternative, from “The Cedars to Cape Town “ can become a world reality.
In our Lifetime?
Inshallah.

History was made by Clive Kairuz
Every year, for the past 30 years, our organisation, Metro
C a s h a n d C a r r y, h a s r e w a r d e d i t s t o p f r a n c h i s e c u s t o m e r s
(all supermarket owners) with a trip to an overseas
destination.
We have taken them to destinations covering all 5
continents over the years but never to Lebanon. These
traders come from all the corners of South Africa as well
as Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland.
A s m a n y d i f f e r e n t w i n n e r s a r e s e l e c t e d e v e r y y e a r, s e v e r a l
of them have never had the opportunity of travelling before
as they are based in remote rural villages or townships. At
our annual convention which is held in September and
a t t e n d e d b y o v e r 7 0 0 d e l e g a t e s , I a n n o u n c e d t h e w i n n e r s
and informed that that we would be taking them to
Lebanon.
The total group numbered 82 people and we departed on
17th April on Egypt Air. Their were only four “Lebs” from
M e t r o t h a t a c c o m p a n i e d t h e g r o u p . T h e y w e r e B r i a n J o s e p h
a n d h i s w i f e S h a r y n , t o g e t h e r w i t h m y w i f e , D e l i a a n d I .
Dellie Masters joined and assisted us immensely in
Lebanon.
O u r t r i p c o v e r e d B e i r u t , J o u n e i h T h e C e d a r s , S i d o n , J e i t a
C a v e s , B y b l o s , H a r i s s a , B a a l b e k a n d s e v e r a l v i l l a g e s o n
the way.
T h e d e l e g a t e s t o l d m e t h a t t h e y w o u l d n e v e r h a v e
c o n s i d e r e d L e b a n o n a s a d e s t i n a t i o n b e f o r e a n d t h e y
thanked us for taking them there. They loved the history,
the churches ,the people and the food.
S e v e r a l o f t h e m s a i d t h e y w o u l d r e t u r n t o L e b a n o n w i t h
their families
Don’t be surprised if you spot Lebanese flags, caps or T
shirts when you travel through the remote parts of our
c o u n t r y. T h e d e l e g a t e s b o u g h t h o a r d e s o f s o u v e n i e r s a n d
a r r i v e d b a c k i n S o u t h A f r i c a o n 2 5 t h A p r i l b u r s t i n g w i t h
excitement after one of the most memorable trips of their
l i v e s .

Soccer Sunday
Our Lady of Lebanon
13 June 2010

OUR PRIESTS CATCH
THE SOCCER BUG!!!

Italy Vs Slovakia
24 June 2010

Community
L e a r n i n g t h e
Diski Dance!
T h e K i d s H o l i d a y P r o g r a m m e
Our Lady of Lebanon School, Mulbarton...
F r a n k i e
Bakos

T h e K i d s H o l i d a y P r o g r a m m e
Our Lady of the Cedars, Woodmead...

O n a c o l d M o n d a y m o r n i n g a s h y g r o u p o f c h i l d r e n
arrived at the Church and met up with Fr Fady, Monique,
M e l i s s a , K y l e & N i c k . . . B y t h e e n d o f t h e p r o g r a m m e t h e
children were comfortable, confident and so happy that they
had joined in the fun.
Thank you so much to all who got involved.
A S p e c i a l t h a n k - yo u t o F r
Fady for your hard work,
love and dedication...
We love you so much!!!

Catholic Crusaders
by Clint Tarry
Catholic Crusaders is a charity and social group. The group was formed in order to bring young adults
t o g e t h e r t o h e l p t h e c o m m u n i t y a n d t o i n t e r a c t w i t h l i k e m i n d e d p e o p l e . T h e a i m o f t h e g r o u p i s t o b r i n g c o m f o r t t o t h e
s u f f e r i n g , a i d t o t h e n e e d y a n d c o m p a n i o n s h i p t o t h e l o n e l y. I t i s a l s o t o b r i n g y o u n g a d u l t s t o g e t h e r t o p r a y, s o c i a l i z e
a n d h e l p o t h e r s .
O n S a t u r d a y t h e 2 9 M a y, C a t h o l i c C r u s a d e r s h a d t h e i r f i r s t a c t i v i t y. T h e g r o u p w e n t t o t h e h o u s e o f L a w r e n c e a n d K i t z a
A n t h o n y a n d t h e i r s o n Ty r o n . L a w r e n c e a n d K i t z a a r e a n e l d e r l y c o u p l e w h o b o t h h a v e h e a l t h
problems. As we all know the elderly suffer much as health deteriorates and life becomes frustrating.
H o w e v e r o n e o f t h e m o s t u n p l e a s a n t t h i n g s t h a t t h e e l d e r l y s u f f e r f r o m i s l o n e l i n e s s .
The group went to spend some time with the family and got to know them. We were welcomed warmly into their home,
w h e r e w e h a d a g r e a t t i m e w i t h t h e m a n d e n j o y e d t h e m a n y s t o r i e s t h a t K i t z a t o l d u s . A f t e r w e h a d t a l k e d a n d g o t t o
know everyone Fr Fady celebrated mass with us for the family’s intentions. It was a very special mass as the couple cannot
attend mass due to their health problems.
After mass we had tea and cake with the family and chatted and relaxed with them. After taking some photos we said
good bye and our first group visit was over and what a great success it was. It was a fun and enjoyable
outing and the family really appreciated the company and the visit.

The House -
Al Beyt
St Rafka Healing Hand
Reminder:
7 is
p ro n o u n c e d a s
a strong H
3 is
p ro n o u n c e d
AY
2 i s t h e
"BREAK"
sound in the
wo rd
L e b a n e s e
Lessons
by Fr Sami Chaaya
&
Aida Florio
Entrance – Madkhal
Door-Beb
Key-Mifta7
Mirror- Mreyeh
Couch-Kannabeye
Carpet-Sajjaada
Table-Tawleh
Curtains-Birdeye
Painting-Law7 a
Window-Shebbek
Clock-Se3 a
Lamp-Lamba
Cushion-Mikhaddeh-
Bed-Takhet
TV room-Oudit adde
Toilet-7 emmem
Bath-Maghtas
Chair-Kursee
Sheet-Sharshaf
Duvet-L7 aaf
Bedroom-Oudit Nom
Cupboard-Khzeneh
Kitchen-Matbakh
Fridge-Berrad
Oven-Furn
Pot-Tanjara
A NIGHT IN
BEIRUT
DATE: SATURDAY, 24 th JULY 2010
TIME: 19h00
VENUE: BEIRUT
136A ELEVENTH STREET
PARKMORE
DONATION: R 250,00
Fundraising for
ST RAFKA HEALING HAND
Tickets are limited!!!
Contact
Maureen 082 803 5003
Diane 082 332 3626

The 21st Party of
Luke Farry
The Baptism of
J e s s i c a D o n a l d s o n
12 June 2010

The Baptism of Trent Krynie
Parents: Brandon & Nicole (Zackey)

Baptisms
Daniella Kane
Bradley & Claudia (Rohana)
Amy Kalil
Mark & Natalie (Leicher)
Angel of God, My guardian dear, to whom His love,
commits me here;
Ever this day be at my side to light and guard,
to rule and guide.
AMEN

The Wedding of Stephen & Sharon (Bakos) Joseph
Our Lady of Lebanon, Mulbarton
29 May 2010
Just Married

I T T O U C H E S T H E H E A R T
• P r a y e r i s n o t a “ s p a r e w h e e l ” t h a t y o u p u l l o u t w h e n i n t r o u b l e , b u t i t i s a “ s t e e r i n g
w h e e l ” t h a t d i r e c t s t h e r i g h t p a t h t h r o u g h o u t .
• D o y o u k n o w w h y a C a r ’ s W I N D S H I E L D i s s o l a r g e & t h e R e a r - v i e w M i r r o r i s s o
small?
B e c a u s e o u r P A S T i s n o t a s i m p o r t a n t a s o u r F U T U R E . L o o k A h e a d a n d M o v e o n .
• F r i e n d s h i p i s l i k e a B O O K . I t t a k e s a f e w s e c o n d s t o b u r n , b u t i t t a k e s y e a r s t o w r i t e .
• A l l t h i n g s i n l i f e a r e t e m p o r a r y . I f g o i n g w e l l , e n j o y i t , t h e y w i l l n o t l a s t f o r e v e r . I f
going wrong, don’t worry, they can’t last long either.
• O l d F r i e n d s a r e G o l d ! N e w F r i e n d s a r e D i a m o n d ! I f y o u g e t a D i a m o n d , d o n ’ t f o r g e t
the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!
• O f t e n w h e n w e l o s e h o p e a n d t h i n k t h i s i s t h e e n d , G O D s m i l e s f r o m a b o v e a n d s a y s ,
“Relax, my child, it’s just a bend, not the end!
• W h e n G O D s o l v e s y o u r p r o b l e m s , y o u h a v e f a i t h i n H I S a b i l i t i e s ; w h e n G O D d o e s n ’ t
solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.
• W h e n y o u p r a y f o r o t h e r s , G o d l i s t e n s t o y o u a n d b l e s s e s t h e m , a n d s o m e t i m e s , w h e n
you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.
• WORRYING does not take away tomorrows’ TROUBLES, it takes away today’s’ PEACE.
Have a fruitful Month!

Ba p t i s m s & We d d i n g s
Co n gr at u l at io n s and blessings to the following members who were baptised, married or received their First Holy Commuunion:
Baptised
Am y An n e Ka l i l
De v o n Sm i t h
Our Lady of the Cedars - Woodmead
Mark David & Natalie Rose Kalil
Alan & LeLanie Smith
Parents
Weddings
Our Lady of the Cedars - Woodmead
a Jo h n O’Br i e n Cr aw l e y an d Re n e Pr i n s l o o - 5 Ju n e 2010
Obi t ua r i e s †
Our La d y o f Ce d a r s
† Ka r e n Sa a d - 15/11/1961 - 22/06/2010
Our La d y o f Le b a n o n
† Haz e l To m a s s i n i - 05/12/1929 - 30/05/2010
† Jo s e p h Na s s i f - 13/12/1931 - 01/06/2010
† Ma n u e l Fe r r e i r a - 10/03/1951 - 19/06/2010
† Is o b e l Mi l h a m - 19/03/1913 - 24/06/2010
Baptised
Ca s e y Mi n n a a r
Te a r a Er a s m u s
Br o o k l y n Le i s h e r
Gu l i a n o Da Co s t a
Jessica Do n a l d s o n
Our Lady of Lebanon - Mulbarton
Kevin & Taryn Minnaar
Thomas & Vicky Erasmus
Raymond & Petula Leisher
Marco & Geraldine Santos Da Silva
Quintus & Natalie Donaldson
Ca t i a Du r a i n-Sm i t h Gerard & Ginco Durain-Smith ***
Tr e n t Kr y n i e
Te m ik e Pe r e i r a
Al e a n d o Si l v a Ra m o s
Ka t i a Pa i v a Di a s
Sh e r i l l e Br a n d t
Ty l e r Tr i s t e m
Tr o y Pe t e r
Brandon & Nicole Krynie
Brett & Samantha Da Cosat Pereira
Jose & Carla Ramos
Mario & Lucia Dias
Parents
Steven & Vicky Brandt
Adrian & Sandy Tristem
Joel & Pamela Peter
Weddings
Our Lady of Lebanon - Mulbarton
a Da r r e n Je n k i n s & La u r e n Ge r m a n u s - 13 Ju n e 2010
Our Lady of Medugorje Message
2 5 J u n e 2 0 1 0
“ D e a r c h i l d r e n ! W i t h j o y , I c a l l y o u a l l t o l i v e m y m e s s a g e s w i t h j o y ; o n l y i n
t h i s w a y , l i t t l e c h i l d r e n , w i l l y o u b e a b l e t o b e c l o s e r t o m y S o n . I d e s i r e t o
l e a d y o u a l l o n l y t o H i m , a n d i n H i m y o u w i l l f i n d t r u e p e a c e a n d t h e j o y o f
y o u r h e a r t .
I bless you all and love you with
immeasurable love.
Thank you for having responded
to my call.”