Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
The<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>A Publication <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in the USAVolume VI Issue No. VI June 2010Tell It Like It Is!This past year I have been preaching more about thereality <strong>of</strong> marriage. I gave up talking about hownoble, how holy and how ideal marriage is andbegan talking about how really hard it is and how muchsacrifice it takes! Married couples liked what I had to say.Spouses thanked me for confirming just how hard theirideal, sacramental, holy and noble marriage actually was.My own experience <strong>of</strong> marriage has borne true: it is notfor the fainthearted!Such honesty was also faced recently by Pope Benedictwhen he spoke about the beautiful gift <strong>of</strong> priesthood. Thisis the Year <strong>of</strong> the Priest and we have so much for which tobe thankful for the good priests who serve us with somuch love and devotion. The Pope also has been speakingabout the great harm that has been done by a few priestswho used their position <strong>of</strong> trust to abuse minors. Hecalled this reality terrifying – a worse evil than the attackson the Church from outside, because this sin was fromwithin the Church.From my own personal observations, it seems that thePope prays with his eyes open, loves the Church with hiseyes open, and leads us close to God with his eyes open.The truth is that the priesthood is still a beautiful reality,even if some priests have failed.These days I am also grateful for the honesty <strong>of</strong> ourbeloved Patriarch who continues to guide the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Church through the trials and tribulations <strong>of</strong> history. LikePope Benedict he receives positive affirmation as well asbiting criticism, and like the Pope, he accepts his role topreach the truth in season and out (2 Tim 4:2) and lead hisflock by speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15), even if ithurts. The governance <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church worldwideas well as the best interests <strong>of</strong> Lebanon is always on his mind. We pray for our Church leaders.To “tell it like it is” is a good thing. <strong>Saint</strong> Paul said that “whatsoever is true, whatsoever is honorable, whatsoever isgood…think about these things” (Phil 4:8). Thus, whether it is marriage, priesthood or challenges facing the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Churchand Lebanon, the Church has nothing to fear and everything to gain when She lives the truth, and whatever is not good canbe made better with our help and God’s grace.+ Gregory Mansour, S.T.L.<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>
Schedule <strong>of</strong> Bishop Robert ShaheenJune 3-12, 2010Annual <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Bishops’ Synod, Bkerke, LebanonJune 19, 2010Wedding, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.June 25-27, 2010Ordination <strong>of</strong> Deacon Tony Massad to Priesthood, Flint, Mich.June 30 -July 4, 2010Southern Federation Convention, St. Louis, Mo.July 5 -8, 2010Eparchial Clergy Conference, Birmingham, Ala.July 7, 2010Evening Interview at EWTN Television, Birmingham, Ala.July 8- 11, 2010<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Convention, Birmingham, Ala.July 21 -24, 2010<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Youth Conference, Latrobe [Pittsburgh], Penn. Eparchial CondolencesToufic Hayek, the brother <strong>of</strong> Msgr. Sami Hayek, died inLebanon the end <strong>of</strong> February 2010. He was preceded in deathby his wife Samia a few months before him. Together theyhad five children.Condolences may be sent to Monsignor Sami, c/o <strong>Saint</strong>Anthony Church, 17 Granville Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810. Histelephone number in Lebanon is 011-961-09-738-158.Bishop Gregory Mansour, along with the clergy and faithful <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, extend their heartfelt sympathy and the promise <strong>of</strong>our prayers to Msgr. Sami and his sister Jeannette and all <strong>of</strong> his family. Maythe Lord God grant Toufic eternal rest in His Kingdom and consolation to hisfamily and loved ones.<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Youth ConferenceThe National <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Youth Workshop will be held at St. Vincent Collegein Latrobe (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania, from Monday, July 19, throughSaturday, July 24, 2010. The cost for the conference this year is $375 perperson (double occupancy); $500 per person (single occupancy-adults only). Noapplications will be accepted after June 28.For more information, please email Fr. Gary George, Director, atabounag1@hotmail.com. Eparchial AssignmentsHis Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour, Bishop <strong>of</strong> the<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, has made the followingEparchial appointment effective on August 1, 2010:Fr. Danny Abi Akar as Parochial Vicar at St. Anthony<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church in Glen Allen [Richmond], Virginia. A graduate<strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Seminary, Washington, D.C., Fr. Abi Akarwas ordained on May 29, 2010 in his hometown in Lebanon by HisExcellency Bishop Gregory Mansour. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>4611 Sadler RoadGlen Allen, VA 23060Phone: 804/270-7234Fax: 804/273-9914E-Mail: gmsebaali@aol.comhttp://www.stmaron.orghttp://www.usamaronite.orgThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>, (ISSN 1080-9880) the <strong>of</strong>ficial newsletter <strong>of</strong> the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in the U.S.A.(<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon <strong>of</strong>Los Angeles and <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>), is publishedmonthly.Send all changes <strong>of</strong> address, news,pictures and personalcorrespondence to The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong><strong>Voice</strong> at the above captionedaddress. Subscription rates are$20.00 per year. Advertising ratesare available upon request.Publishers• Most Reverend Bishop RobertJoseph Shaheen• Most Reverend Bishop GregoryJohn MansourEditor Msgr. George M. SebaaliConsultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,M.L.M.Editing and pro<strong>of</strong>readingMary ShaiaAnne-Marie CondlinPrinted in Richmond, Virginia.<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Convention 2010St. Elias <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> ChurchBirmingham, AlabamaJuly 7-11, 2010For more informationcontact the NAM <strong>of</strong>ficeat (914) 964-3070or visit www.Namnews.orgThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 2 June 2010
Boston, MassachusettsFarewell Receptionalso be admired and appreciated for being one <strong>of</strong> the longest,actively-serving <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> priests in the entire country! Hispastoral stewardship predates the appointment <strong>of</strong> ArchbishopZayek, the country’s first <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> bishop in 1966 and eventhe creation <strong>of</strong> the [Exarchate] <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> Detroit, thefirst <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> diocese, in 1971. In fact, only [the MostReverend] John G. Chedid, Bishop Emeritus <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong><strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, now retired in Lebanon, can boasta similar achievement.Parting is undoubtedly bittersweet, but at the very leastwe can ponder Monsignor’s imminent departure with a deepsense <strong>of</strong> gratitude and tremendous affection. Together wehave struggled; together we have persevered; together wehave built a parish worthy <strong>of</strong> distinction. Flint, MichiganMother’s Day HafliChorbishop Joseph Lahoud with young members <strong>of</strong> Our Lady<strong>of</strong> the Cedars Church in Jamaica Plain, Mass.by Roseanne SolomonOn the feast <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon, May 2, 2010, theparish community <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars <strong>of</strong>Lebanon, Jamaica Plain [Boston], Massachusetts,gathered to commemorate more than forty years <strong>of</strong> tirelessdevotion and dedication given by our beloved pastor andfriend, Chorbishop Joseph F. Lahoud.Though pr<strong>of</strong>oundly modest, Monsignor Lahoudgraciously accepted an engraved invitation, announcing aparish-sponsored reception that would appropriatelyrecognize and acknowledge his ministry <strong>of</strong> service and selfsacrifice.Monsignor’s incredible contributions to the parish,the community and the whole <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church were publiclyapplauded and joyfully appreciated.The day began with a Liturgy <strong>of</strong> Thanksgiving celebratedby Monsignor Lahoud. Monsignor Assad Awad, PastorEmeritus <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Mercy parish in Worcester, Mass.,Fr. Denis Como, S.J. and Fr. James Hawker concelebrated.In a stirring homily, Monsignor Lahoud reflected on his closefriendship with former Pastor, Fr. David Gabriel, andchronicled his robust journey with Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars <strong>of</strong>Lebanon. He remarked about the numerous triumphs andtribulations that he personally endured alongside the parish;he <strong>of</strong>fered light-hearted anecdotes, and also emphasizedelements <strong>of</strong> tradition and unity that have enabled the nation’soldest <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> parish to thrive for over one hundredseventeenyears.An openhouse immediately followed in the CardinalCushing <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Community Center. Well over 250 peoplereminisced with Monsignor, extending to him their heartfeltcongratulations and best wishes; light refreshments andArabic pastries were enjoyed by all.Monsignor’s retirement is a magnificent milestone, atribute to his parish-family as well as the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church inthe United States <strong>of</strong> America. For over four decades, he hashumbly served the faithful and diaspora huddled inMetropolitan Boston. More than this, though, Monsignor canby Michelle TennisThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Young Adults (MYA) at Our Lady <strong>of</strong>Lebanon Church in Flint, Michigan, did an exceptionaljob <strong>of</strong> organizing this year’s Mother’s Day Hafli whichtook place on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Members <strong>of</strong> the MYAadvertised, sold tickets, decorated the hall, prepared the foodand chose the entertainment for this year’s affair which wasattended by about two hundred parishioners, family andfriends. Those attending the celebration danced to musicprovided by Elis Haddad and his band and enjoyed a dinnerwhich was cooked and served by MYA members. Deadline for next month’s issue <strong>of</strong> The<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> is June 25, 2010. Sendall changes <strong>of</strong> address, news, pictures andpersonal correspondence to:The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>4611 Sadler RoadGlen Allen, Virginia 23060Phone: (804) 270-7234; Fax: (804) 273-9914Email: Gmsebaali@aol.com.Digital pictures must be high resolution in JPEG format.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> is also available online in PDF format atwww.stmaron.org. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 3 June 2010
Somerset, New JerseyThe Best is Yet to ComeMsgr. Maroun Asmar, Subdeacon Joseph Chebli, BishopGregory Mansour and Chorbishop Michael Thomas.by Tony Loubnan, Council PresidentOn April 25, 2010, the Parish <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel Church <strong>of</strong>Somerset, N.J., held a banquet in honor <strong>of</strong> their Pastor,Msgr. Maroun Asmar’s retirement. The day beganwith Divine Liturgy presided by His Excellency BishopGregory Mansour, celebrated by Msgr. Maroun Asmar andconcelebrated by Chorbishop Michael Thomas, Msgr. IgnaceSadek, Msgr. Sami Hayek, Rev. Joseph Akiki, and Rev.Joseph Kerrigan. Deacon Anthony Khoury, Deacon VincentFarhat, Deacon Tony Massad, Seminarian George El Hage,and Subdeacon Joseph Chebli also participated.Honored Guests included His Excellency AntoineAzzam, Consul General <strong>of</strong> Lebanon; Mayor James Cahill <strong>of</strong>New Brunswick; Mayor Brian Wahler <strong>of</strong> Piscataway;Catherine Nicola, City Council President <strong>of</strong> NorthBrunswick; and Rev. John Develder, Director <strong>of</strong> RobertWood Johnson Hospitals’ Pastoral Care Program.Following the Liturgy a banquet was held at the PinesManor <strong>of</strong> Edison with nearly four hundred attendees.Subdeacon Joseph Chebli served as Master <strong>of</strong> Ceremonies.Rev. James Root, Rector <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral<strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y., attended along with a large group <strong>of</strong> theCathedral parishioners. Following the invocation byChorbishop Michael Thomas a presentation by Fahed andSager Nammour <strong>of</strong> Our Lady Star <strong>of</strong> the East Mission inPleasantville, N.J., honoring their Administrator Msgr.Asmar. Deacon Anthony Khoury <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> LebanonChurch, Easton, Penn., then read a poem celebrating Msgr.Asmar’s lifelong service <strong>of</strong> serving others.Piscataway Mayor Brian Wahler issued a proclamationto Msgr. Asmar from the City <strong>of</strong> Piscataway. NorthBrunswick Council President Catherine Nicola presented aproclamation on behalf <strong>of</strong> Mayor Mac Womack and thepeople <strong>of</strong> North Brunswick. A young group <strong>of</strong> parishchildren presented Msgr. Asmar with songs <strong>of</strong> poetry (zajal)expressing their gratitude through singing.Speeches were given by Msgr. Asmar’s grandchildren,Jackie and Joseph Smith, Tony Loubnan, Council President,and Parish Subdeacon Joseph Chebli. His Excellency BishopGregory Mansour spoke about Msgr. Asmar’s human touchin reaching out to serve others. He said that “God chiseledMaroun Asmar from the mountains <strong>of</strong> Jezzine, Lebanon, andHe continues to chisel him as he enters the new role <strong>of</strong> aChaplain for hospitals to serve Christians and non-Christiansalike.” He spoke <strong>of</strong> the Year <strong>of</strong> the Priest and acknowledgedthe three seminarians present, two <strong>of</strong> whom, Deacon Massadand Deacon Farhat, to be ordained to the Holy Priesthood inJune.Attendees were surprised with special visitors fromLebanon via video clips played on a large screen. HisExcellency Bishop Roland Abou Jaoude, Patriarchal VicarGeneral, addressed the attendees and expressed his sinceregratitude for the many years <strong>of</strong> friendship and service Msgr.Asmar has given to the Church and thanked him and theparishioners for their strong support for TeleLumiere. Msgr.sharbel Maroun, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. <strong>Maron</strong> Church in Minneapolis,Minn., also sent a video <strong>of</strong> congratulations, thanks and bestwishes to Msgr. AsmarJacque Kallasi, President <strong>of</strong> TeleLumiere, later sent hisvideo message <strong>of</strong> gratitude to Msgr. Asmar and the Parishstating that “it was their first fundraiser which raised $60Kthat allowed TeleLumiere to begin broadcasting in the U.S.”He said that “Msgr. Maroun and the parishioners <strong>of</strong> St.Sharbel Church are remembered in our daily Liturgy for theirstrong support <strong>of</strong> TeleLumiere.”Msgr. Ignace Sadek, who is Msgr. Asmar’s SpiritualAdvisor, said the Benediction and spoke <strong>of</strong> their long termfriendship.Msgr. Asmar expressed gratitude to the banquetcommittee, all those who attended and said that all <strong>of</strong> hisaccomplishments were made possible thanks to hisparishioners. He told his parishioners to always rememberthat the best is yet to come! Project RootsThe <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> and the<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon join together to helppeople reconnect with their Christian spiritual roots inLebanon and the Middle East. An <strong>of</strong>fice in Los Angeles,Calif., under the responsibility <strong>of</strong> Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,M.L.M., will assist those interested to:Obtain their sacramental records from their country <strong>of</strong>originConnect with family members living in their place <strong>of</strong>origins and throughout the world where they emigratedObtain Lebanese citizenship, if desiredObtain immigration records, if desiredRemain connected with the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church here andthroughout the world.No eparchial funds will be used, but the <strong>of</strong>fice will acceptfinancial help from those willing to help. For moreinformation contact:Father Abdallah Zaidan, M.L.M.333 South San Vicente BoulevardLos Angeles, CA 90048310-275-6634 The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 4 June 2010
Peoria, IllinoisSurprise CelebrationLombard, IllinoisGraduates Award DinnerMsgr. Alfred Badawi, Pastor, with the MYO high schoolgraduates and their parents.Left to right: Fr. Bechara Awada and Chorbishop FaouziElia.by Laurice JosephThe Parish <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel Church in Peoria, Illinois,thcelebrated a surprise 60 birthday party for its pastorChorbishop Faouzi Elia. Even though Chorbishop Eliais so very keenly and perceptively “tuned in” to everyone andtheverything, the surprise 60 birthday party was really asurprise.This gala event took place on Friday evening, May 21,2010, at the Grand Hotel, owned by two <strong>of</strong> our parishioners.They prepared a banquet befitting all that Chorbishop Eliahas accomplished: Immigration assistance; public seniorhousing – phase I and phase II; numerous humanitarian visitsto increase and assist peace in the Middle East;accompanying Bishop Shaheen for a myriad <strong>of</strong> duties; as wellas assisting many people in a variety <strong>of</strong> areas.Father Bechara Awada served as M.C. <strong>of</strong> this event. Heintroduced various parishioners who, in turn, toastedChorbishop Elia. Parishioners reminisced and reminded us<strong>of</strong> Father’s favors to all <strong>of</strong> us. Verbal acclamations,performed in the traditional Lebanese folklore fashion,(I’taba – Meejanah) were sung to honor Chorbishop Elia.The Men’s Club and the Ladies Sodality presentedChorbishop Elia with a handsome set <strong>of</strong> luggage for futuretrips. Several “gag gifts” were also presented to him.Truly, love makes the world go round, and, allparishioners present hopefully made Chorbishop Elia’s worlda more “loveable” world in which to live. by Lena DaouOn Friday May 21, 2010, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon inLombard [Chicago], Illinois, hosted a special dinnerfor its MYO high school graduates and their parents.After dinner, graduates watched a special presentationprepared for the occasion by Dr. Siham Ibrahim, D.M.,discussing work ethics: transparency, confidentiality, andhonesty.Each graduate received a $500 Grant funded by Mr. Samand Dr. Siham Ibrahim. “What the mind <strong>of</strong> man/woman canconceive and believe, the mind <strong>of</strong> man/woman can achieve.”Family NightOn April 18, 2010, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church hosted asuccessful Family Night attended by over two hundredparishioners and friends.After dinner, and while the young adults were busyparticipating in a Wii competition, the younger generationhad fun coloring and playing board games. Some olderparishioners also enjoyed playing cards and a backgammontournament.May CrowningOn Sunday, May 16, 2010, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Churchhosted its annual May Crowning during the morning Liturgy.All the children present were invited to join the FirstCommunicants in crowning the Statue <strong>of</strong> the Blessed Motherwith roses while the choir sang Marian songs. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 5 June 2010
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>Eparchial NewsHis Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour has assignedJohn Kurey as the new Stewardship Director for the<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> effective on May4, 2010. His hiring was endorsed by the Eparchial FinanceCouncil at its April meeting.John is a lawyer, having practiced corporate law for tenyears, John also has a Master’s in Business Administration.In 2002, he decided to leave his law practice in order tobecome the President <strong>of</strong> the Ukrainian Catholic EducationFoundation. During his seven year tenure as UCEFPresident, he turned the foundation into the largest source <strong>of</strong>financial support for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in theworld.The UCEF was understandably disappointed when Johntold them that he wanted to expand his activity to help otherparts <strong>of</strong> the Catholic Church. John is a <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic:his father is <strong>of</strong> Lebanese ancestry and his godmother is aregular parishioner at St. Theresa <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church inBrockton, Massachusetts. John visited Lebanon for the firsttime last year, and he sought us out because he wanted tohelp the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church.John brings to our <strong>Eparchy</strong> tremendous motivation, skillsand experience. He will be working on cultivatingrelationships with individual donors, applying to foundationsfor grants, sending mailings to supporters, and occasionallyplanning special events. He will also systematize our fundraisingmethods and resources so that our <strong>Eparchy</strong> will beorganized in this area for years to come.He has the potential to help move our <strong>Eparchy</strong>’sfinancial situation to a different plane, and he is fullycommitted to doing this. Every Latin Diocese and now someEparchies have full time or part time Stewardship Offices.Our <strong>Eparchy</strong> has finally come <strong>of</strong> age. John will be workingwith the clergy and with our faithful for the good <strong>of</strong> our<strong>Eparchy</strong>.John will work part time for us and will spend about oneweek each month in the Chancery Office in <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, andsome time traveling. He can be reached by email atjohnkurey@yahoo.com or on his mobile telephone at 312-545-8820.Pilgrimage SitesBishop Gregory has designated the following parishes as<strong>of</strong>ficial Pilgrimage Sites to commemorate the “Year <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><strong>Maron</strong>,” proclaimed by Patriarch Sfeir in his Lenten letter <strong>of</strong>2010:• Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral in <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, New York• Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Seminary Chapel in Washington,D.C.• <strong>Saint</strong> Anthony Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts• <strong>Saint</strong> Louis Gonzaga Church in Utica, New York• <strong>Saint</strong> Anthony Church in Glen Allen, Virginia• <strong>Saint</strong> Jude Church in Orlando, Floridagroups from their parishes and missions to make a pilgrimageto one <strong>of</strong> these sites, in celebration <strong>of</strong> the Jubilee <strong>of</strong> the 1600 thyear <strong>of</strong> the death <strong>of</strong> our Father, <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>. Anyone makingone <strong>of</strong> these pilgrimages, from June 29, 2010 – March 2,2011, will receive an Indulgence according to the usualconditions.Parish HaflisIn the past few years, the Chancery has noticed an increase inparishes having haflis during Lent and has received requestsfor weddings during Lent. As priests, it is up to us to teachthe faithful that Lent is a Penitential Season. Haflis and otherparties should not be celebrated at all during Lent. TheLenten Season in 2011 is from March 7 – April 23(inclusive). The only exceptions to haflis next Lent would beon March 19 and March 25. Weddings are not to becelebrated during Lent at all without prior dispensation. Schedule <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gregory MansourMay 26 - June 16, 2010Annual <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Bishops’ Synod, Bkerke, Lebanon,and Pope’s Visit to CyprusJune 20, 2010Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.June 21, 2010New York Catholic Bishops’ Meeting, New York,N.Y.June 25, 2010Ordination <strong>of</strong> Deacon Vincent Farhat to Priesthood,Lansing, Mich.June 26, 2010Ordination <strong>of</strong> Deacon Tony Massad to Priesthood,Flint, Mich.July 4, 2010Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.July 5 - 8, 2010Annual Clergy Conference, Birmingham, Ala.July 7 -11, 2010<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Convention, Birmingham, Ala.July 18, 2010Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.July 22, 2010Annual Youth Conference, Latrobe (Pittsburgh),Penn. Pastors are strongly encouraged to promote and/or organizeThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 6 June 2010
Effective Ways You Can Help your<strong>Eparchy</strong>Please consider the following ways in which you can helpthe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church!Planned Giving: Consider Your LegacyThis is a creative way to support the Church. Planned givingcan involve contributing through your will, insurance policy,or retirement assets. Also, it can be a way to make a donationand to provide yourself with a steady source <strong>of</strong> income; acharitable reminder trust is one example.Suggested wording for a bequest to the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>:“I give and bequeath to the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Brooklyn</strong>, located in <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, New York, _______% <strong>of</strong> theresidue <strong>of</strong> my estate [or: the sum <strong>of</strong> $________].”Suggested wording for a bequest to the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> OurLady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon:“I give and bequeath to the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon,located in St. Louis, Missouri, _______% <strong>of</strong> the residue <strong>of</strong>my estate [or: the sum <strong>of</strong> $________].”Tax-Smart Giving <strong>of</strong> Appreciated Stock orother AssetsThe gift <strong>of</strong> an asset such as common stock or mutual fundshares is a smart way to make a contribution and receivemaximum tax benefits based on the value <strong>of</strong> the asset. Gifts<strong>of</strong> other appreciated assets, such as land, antiques, andhomes, can also be utilized as potential gifts with valuable taxbenefits. Gifts <strong>of</strong> these assets should be considered on a caseby-casebasis.For more information on any or all <strong>of</strong> these options, pleasecontact <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Stewardship Director JohnF. Kurey, Esq., at 718-237-9913 or by e-mail atjohnkurey@yahoo.com; or <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> LebanonVice-Chancellor, Mrs. Mary Denny, at 314-231-1021 or byemail at mdenny@usamaronite.org. North Jackson, Ohioth45 AssumptionPilgrimageAugust 13, 14, and 15, 2010,thmark the 45 AnnualPilgrimage to the NationalShrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon inNorth Jackson, Ohio. The years havepassed quickly and many visitors andpilgrims have come to Mary’s homefor many reasons. All have left with God’s blessings andgraces,” says Monsignor Anthony S. Spinosa, Rector.Friday, August 13Pilgrimage ScheduleThe Very Reverend James A. Root, Rector <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong>Lebanon Cathedral in <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y., will conduct aspiritual conference at 4:00 , followed by a 7:00 p.m. DivineLiturgy in the Roman Rite celebrated by Bishop Roger W.Gries OSB, Auxiliary Bishop <strong>of</strong> Cleveland and a CandlelightProcessionSaturday, August 1410 a.m. <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Divine Liturgy12 p.m. Tridentine Mass celebrated by Fr. DennisBouchard, FSSP, <strong>of</strong> Queen <strong>of</strong> the Holy Rosary,Vienna, Ohio2 p.m. Melkite Divine Liturgy by St. Elias Church,Cleveland, Ohio4 p.m. Conference titled “Mary, Icon <strong>of</strong> the Church’sPrayer” by Sister Mary Brendon Zajac SND,Notre Dame Education Center7 p.m. Archbishop Basil Schott, D.D., O.F.M., for theByzantine Catholic Diocese <strong>of</strong> Pittsburgh willcelebrate a Byzantine Rite Liturgy followed bya Paraclesis to the Blessed Virgin Mary led byMonsignor George Appleyard.Sunday, August 15Feast <strong>of</strong> the Assumption10 a.m. <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Divine Liturgy with Anointing <strong>of</strong> theSick celebrated by Bishops Robert J. Shaheen,D.D., Bishop <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong>Lebanon, and Bishop Gregory Mansour S.T.L.,Bishop <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Brooklyn</strong>11 a.m. Spiritual Conference by Fr. Gary George C.S.s.R2 p.m. <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Divine Liturgy4 p.m. <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Vespers chanted by the AntonineSisters7 p.m. <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Pontifical Liturgy celebrated byBishop Robert Shaheen and Bishop GregoryMansour. Candlelight procession will follow.The National Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon will open allfour days at 9 a.m. The Cedars Dining Hall will be open threedays from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. with many varieties <strong>of</strong> ethnicfoods and desserts.The National Shrine is located at 2759 North Lipkey Roadin North Jackson, Ohio. For further information on theShrine call (330)-538-3351 or visit the websitewww.ourlady<strong>of</strong>lebanonshrine.org. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 7 June 2010
Glen Allen, VirginiaLebanese Food Festival DrawsOver 25,000 Guestsby Chester Wadefood, the entertainment and a more familyfriendlyenvironment” is how one attendeeth"Thedescribed her reasons for attending the 26 annualLebanese Food Festival held by St. Anthony <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Catholic Church in Glen Allen, Va.A lot <strong>of</strong> people apparently agreed with her as the 2010edition <strong>of</strong> the festival broke all records. Blessed with threedays <strong>of</strong> near-perfect weather, this year’s festival attracted anestimated 25,000 people from the Richmond area andbeyond. By the time the three-day festival ended at 8 p.m.Sunday, May 16, virtually every item prepared for the festivalhad been sold.“The fact that the festival has become so popular is atestament to the many, many hours <strong>of</strong> hard work put in by somany members <strong>of</strong> our parish as well as friends from outsidethe parish,” said Monsignor George M. Sebaali, churchpastor. “People know that when they come to St. Anthony’sfestival, they will enjoy homemade food, great entertainmentand a place where we want our guests to share in the love andjoy <strong>of</strong> our church and our culture.”Among the most popular items were the shawirma/falafelsandwiches where nearly 8000 sandwiches were soldaveraging one every fourteen seconds; or the meat, cheese,spinach, and spinach and cheese pies. Parishioners prepared22,000 pieces.While final numbers are still being compiled, ingredientsincluded more than 6,000 pounds <strong>of</strong> beef, chicken and lamb;4,000 pounds <strong>of</strong> flour; 1,800 pounds <strong>of</strong> rice; 1,400 pounds <strong>of</strong>cabbage; 1800 pounds <strong>of</strong> spinach; and 18,000 pita breadloaves.Other popular items included stuffed grape leaves,stuffed squash, cabbage rolls, roasted lamb and chicken,shrimp and beef shish kabob, homus bi tahini, tabouli,bubbaghanooge, and loubiyeh served over rice pilaf. Dessertsincluded zalabia, katayif and a large selection <strong>of</strong> baklava.Lebanese beer and wine also were popular.Some attendees were already waiting when the festivalopened each morning at 10 a.m. By noon each day, crowdsspread out across St. Anthony’s 15-acre complex. Mostenjoyed making their selections ala carte, then sitting at thepavilion or in other outdoor seating, or spreading out blanketsunder the trees. Others opted for sit-down dinners served inthe social hall.About 100 young parishioners – including some preschoolersparticipating in their first festival – performedtraditional Lebanese folk dances. Live Lebanese music wasperformed all three days by the Mazloom Family band.Hundreds <strong>of</strong> other parishioners staffed the kitchen, foodand drink booths and dining room, and handled otherlogistics.Preparations for the festival began in late January withorganizing meetings. Shortly after that, cooking began twodays a week. Volunteers from the 300-family parish alsoworked on other preparations, such as lining up tents,lighting, seating and other items as well as publicity. Duringthe week before the festival, preparations occurred almostaround the clock. Dancers rehearsed weekly for three monthsto get ready for the festival. The event is held traditionally theweekend after Mother’s Day, so the dates for next year’sfestival are already set – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May13-15, 2011. Easton, PennsylvaniaFood Driveby Marta Boulos GabrielDuring the month <strong>of</strong> April, 2010, the children in the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Program at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church,Easton, Penn., held a food drive to collect items for theless fortunate in the area. Several hundred pounds <strong>of</strong> foodwere collected and donated to a local social service agencynear the church. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 8 June 2010
New Castle, PennsylvaniaMay CrowningLeft to right: Amanda Beers, Emme George, Sadie Demko,Breanna Beshero, Ashleigh Rubis, May Queen LeahPiccione, Lindsay Beshero, Father Kevin Beaton, MaryOmer, Cecilia Hanna, and Taylor Tanner.On Sunday, May 9, 2010, St. John the Baptist <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Church, New Castle, Pennsylvania, held its annualMay Crowning during the Liturgy. Under the direction<strong>of</strong> Ms. Kathy George, May Queen Leah Piccione, her Courtand this year’s First Communicants, crowned the BlessedMother. A reception followed the Liturgy to honor the MayQueen and her Court. Uniontown, PennsylvaniaMother <strong>of</strong> the Year AwardRonda serves as the Director <strong>of</strong> Religious Education forSt. George. She and her husband, Joseph Risha, are theparents <strong>of</strong> four daughters, Sandy Jo, a 2010 graduate <strong>of</strong> PennState, Brandy, a student at Cornell University, Danielle, ajunior at Uniontown Area High School, and Karleigh, a thirdgrade student at Menallen Elementary School in Uniontown.Ronda is also a teacher in the Uniontown Area SchoolDistrict. In her presentation to the honoree, Devona Unice,Altar & Rosary Society President, stated that Ronda has aspecial bond with everybody's children even though she hasfour daughters <strong>of</strong> her own. She always shows compassion,courage, dignity and sincerity in all that she does (and shedoes a lot!). Ronda was presented with a wooden wall rosaryby the president and a corsage by her daughter Danielle, whosang a special song dedicated to her mother as well as a hymnto the Blessed Mother.The luncheon was held at a local restaurant and wascoordinated by Bobbi Fetsko and Valerie Cortis. <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Servants’ NewsletterSister Marla Marie and postulants attended a fundraiserhosted by Fr. Rudy Wakim in Aliquippa, Penn.by Joanne JohnBobbi Fetsko, Co-Chairman, RondaRisha, the honoree and Devona Unice,PresidentAt its annual Mother's Day Luncheon, St. George Altar& Rosary Society <strong>of</strong> Uniontown, Penn., named RondaRisha its choice for the Mother <strong>of</strong> the Year award.The summer issue <strong>of</strong> “Radiate His Light News” <strong>of</strong> the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Servants <strong>of</strong> Christ the Light is available onlinevia the website and blog maroniteservants.org orradiatehislight.blogspot.com). The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Servants shareabout their past and upcoming events which include theirparticipation at the NAM Convention in Birmingham. Theywill be part <strong>of</strong> a panel presentation on “How to FosterReligious Vocations in Your Family.” Also, take a fewminutes to view their updated Photo Gallery on their website.Several photos are presented from the mission travels <strong>of</strong>Sister Marla Marie and the postulants, Tresa Van Heusen andTherese Touma. Food For ThoughtBe submissive to good, unbending to evil,gentle in generosity,untiring in love, just in all things.St. ColumbanThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 9 June 2010
The Fathers <strong>of</strong> the Church and the Problem <strong>of</strong> a Suffering Godby Fr. David A. FisherOne <strong>of</strong> the greatest hurdles thatconfronted the Fathers <strong>of</strong> theChurch was how to reconcile theidea <strong>of</strong> a suffering God with the Greco-Roman philosophical tradition <strong>of</strong>divinity, where change and sufferingare foreign and impossible to theSupreme Being. With the possibleexception <strong>of</strong> the early Syriac Fathers,whose roots were more Semitic andbiblical than Hellenistic, this probleminvolved a great re-working <strong>of</strong> the1classical heritage. Platonic tradition,Aristotelians, Stoicism, andEpicureanism were all in agreementthat God could not have anger, love,hatred, compassion, envy, or mercy, hedid not change, and he did not suffer.The context for the Eastern Fathersis on the one hand the defense <strong>of</strong> theirfaith and on the other hand theexpanding <strong>of</strong> the classical traditionthrough their own theologicalreflections. St. Ignatius <strong>of</strong> Antioch forexample in his letter to the Ephesiansreminds them that Jesus is God andMan, eternal God and born <strong>of</strong> Mary,and therefore is without suffering andhas suffered.Another Apostolic Father, St.Irenaeus <strong>of</strong> Lyons, affirms the CatholicFaith against the Gnosticism <strong>of</strong> his day:God is therefore one, as I have shown,the Father and Jesus Christ is one, OurLord, who traveled through the wholeorder <strong>of</strong> salvation and gathered allthings in himself. Man, too, one <strong>of</strong>God’s creatures belongs to this “allthings”; thus he has also gathered allhuman beings in himself, and to do sothe Invisible One became capable <strong>of</strong>suffering, and the Logos became man.2He gathered all things in himself.1Cf. Brock, Sebastian, The SyriacFathers on Prayer and the Spiritual Life,Cistercian Publications Inc., Kalamazoo,Michigan, 1987. pp. x-xi. “Although SyriacChristianity, like Latin Christianity, sooncame under the very strong influence <strong>of</strong>Greek-speaking Christianity, its earliestliterature is usually expressed in a mannermuch more characteristic <strong>of</strong> the Semitic –and biblical – world out <strong>of</strong> which it grew.”2St. Irenaeus, Adversus Haereses,[SC 211, 312-15; FC 8/3, 200 – 203]Melito <strong>of</strong> Sardis from the second half <strong>of</strong>the second century is the first to use theexpression “deicide”, in which he wasattempting to address the Christologicalquestion did God suffer in Christ or justthe humanity <strong>of</strong> Jesus. He writes:The non-suffering one suffers and doesnot avenge himself, the immortal onedies and utters not a word, the heavenlyone is buried and endured it. What canthis new mystery be? The creature isastonished. Jesus’ resurrectionresolves this astonishment, for now themystery is revealed: the invisible onebecomes visible, the inconceivable onebecomes conceivable, theimmeasurable one becomesmeasurable, the non-suffering onesuffers, the immortal one dies, and the3heavenly one is buried.In the late third century Lactantius inhis refutation <strong>of</strong> the Stoics even goes s<strong>of</strong>ar as to say God has passions, althoughthey are particular to his divinity andnot like human passions. He wants tomake it clear that the removedpassionless idea <strong>of</strong> God held by thepagans was incorrect, and that theChristian God was not so unaffected.Moving further ahead in thePatristic tradition to GregoryThaumaturgus we find in his dialogueagainst a certain pagan namedTheopompus his use <strong>of</strong> the biblicaltradition to attack the pagan Hellenisticview <strong>of</strong> divinity. Gregory writes:He passed through death without fearand thus demonstrated his immortality;he became the death <strong>of</strong> death, for deathcould not hold him prisoner. Withoutthis battle, we would not really knowthat God is not defeated by suffering.Thus, God eliminated suffering andbrought death low. Like a competitor,he won his crown by trial. Hissuffering was not subject tohumiliation, but instead made manifesthis godliness. 43Melito <strong>of</strong> Sardis, On Soul andBody, fragment 13, [SC 123, 238f.]4Figura, Michael, “The Suffering<strong>of</strong> God in Patristic Theology”, inCommunio: International Catholic Review,vol. 30, Fall 2003. p. 375.The pagan philosopher Celsus with hisvehement attacks on Christianity leadOrigen to refute him in eight booksentitled Contra Celsus. In his responseto Celsus, Origen “holds fast to theChristian paradox: Although Godremains unchanging in his essence,nevertheless, by reason <strong>of</strong> hisprovidence and plan <strong>of</strong> salvation, he5descends to human affairs.”Origen believed that while thedivine Logos was unchanging thehuman soul <strong>of</strong> Jesus was subject to thechanges <strong>of</strong> his human body. This was aresult <strong>of</strong> God’s infinite love forhumanity – he became man. In hisHomily on Ezekiel, Origen addressesthe question <strong>of</strong> the Father’s suffering:What sort <strong>of</strong> suffering was it that theRedeemer underwent for our sake? Thesuffering <strong>of</strong> love: and the Fatherhimself, the Lord <strong>of</strong> all, who islongsuffering and rich in mercy (Psalm102 [103]:8) and compassion – does henot suffer as well in some respect? Ordo you not know that when he dealtwith human affairs he underwenthuman suffering? For the Lord yourGod has taken your ways upon himself,just as a man carries his son (Dt. 1:31).God thus takes our ways upon himself,just as the Son <strong>of</strong> God bears oursuffering. The Father himself is notwithout suffering. When one begs him,he has mercy and takes pity, he suffersin a sense from love, he places himselfin a position that is impossible for himaccording to the greatness <strong>of</strong> hisnature, and undergoes human sufferingfor our sake. 6Lastly, St. Athanasius justifies thisparadox <strong>of</strong> the suffering God in relationto Scripture. In 1Corinthians 15:23 itstates: “for that which passes awaymust be clothed with permanence andthat which is mortal with immortality.”The paradox is intimately bound toGod’s saving action and thetransformation <strong>of</strong> his human children.The mystery <strong>of</strong> the non-suffering Godwho suffers is bound up in theIncarnation, Cross, and Resurrection <strong>of</strong>Jesus. 5Ibid. p. 377.6Origen, Homily on Ezekiel, 6.6:SC 352, 228 – 231.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 10 June 2010
Beatification <strong>of</strong> Brother NehmeFrom Lehfed to Kfifane, Following the Steps <strong>of</strong> BrotherEstephanOn March 27, 2010, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, approved recognition <strong>of</strong> a miracle obtained throughthe intercession <strong>of</strong> the Servant <strong>of</strong> God Stephen Nehme (born Joseph), Lebanese pr<strong>of</strong>essed religious <strong>of</strong> the Order<strong>of</strong> <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s (1889-1938).Who is Brother Estephan Nehme?Born in March 1889 as the youngest child to EstephanNehme and Christina Badwi, both from Lehfed,Byblos, Lebanon, he was given the name Yousef(Joseph) and had three brothers and two sisters. He receivedhis elementary studies in Arabic and Syriac at an institutionbelonging to the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Order in nearby village SaqiRashmayya. He was marked by being very quiet and calm;<strong>of</strong>ten retiring to prayers and adoration.In 1905, at the age <strong>of</strong> sixteen, Yousef headed to theMonastery <strong>of</strong> Kfifane [Batroun, Lebanon] for the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Order, to begin his monastic life. A week later, he receivedthe beginner’s robe and took the name, Estephan, after hisfather and in honor to his hometown’s patron saint. In Kfifanehe was tutored by Abbott Ignatious Dagher al- Tannouri.After his ordination on August 23, 1907, he wastransferred to numerous monasteries, where he took charge<strong>of</strong> their fields, including Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Mayfouq, St. Anthonios<strong>of</strong> Hoob in Tannourin, and Mar Challita in Qattara.In the summer <strong>of</strong> 1938, his health quickly deteriorated,and led to his passing on August 30. He was buried at theMonastery <strong>of</strong> Kfifane. Twelve years later, his body wasdiscovered uncorrupt. Ever since, people started visiting hisburial site to pray and ask for his intercession.His PersonalityBrother Estephan was distinguished for his simple andevangelical life. He spent his life serving the Lord and hismonastic brothers. He loved everyone without anydiscrimination, and was very instrumental in saving morethan twelve children from famine during the First WorldWar.CuresMany cures in various parts <strong>of</strong> Lebanon and filed with theMonastery’s records were credited to the intercession <strong>of</strong>Brother Estephan. Sister Claire Abou Habib, Mr. SamirHalim Chewayri, Sister Marina Nehme (his niece), and otherstestified to their cures after visiting Brother Estephan’s tomb.Doctors reports confirm the cure and the disappearance <strong>of</strong> theonce terminal and cancerous illnesses. Since theannouncement <strong>of</strong> his veneration, Brother Estephan’s tombwitnesses continuous visits. Faithful from all over Lebanoncome to pray and ask for his intercession to the Lord. TheBeatification will take place in Lebanon on June 27, 2010.Beatification ScheduleMonday, June 21, 20107 p.m. Evening Prayer and Liturgy in the house <strong>of</strong>Brother Estephan in LehfedTuesday, June 22, 20107 p.m. Evening Prayer and Liturgy in the house <strong>of</strong>Brother Estephan followed by a discussion onChristian growth by His Excellency BishopBechara Rahi, Bishop <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> ByblosWednesday -Thursday, June 23 - 24, 20107p.m. Evening Prayer and Liturgy in the house <strong>of</strong>Brother Estephan, followed by prayers beforethe Blessed SacramentFriday, June 25, 20107 p.m. Evening Prayer and Liturgy in the house <strong>of</strong>Brother Estephan followed by a discussion onBrother EstephanSaturday, June 26, 2010 ( The night <strong>of</strong> Beatification )7 p.m. Evening Prayer in the house <strong>of</strong> Brother Estephan9 p.m. Recital by Notre Dame University (NDU) Choir,directed by Fr. Khalil Rahmé10 p.m. Procession starts from the Shrine <strong>of</strong> St. Charbel,Annaya towards Brother Estephan’s house12:00 am The procession will resume from Lehfed toKfifane, where the body <strong>of</strong> Brother Estephan laySunday, June 27, 2010 (The day <strong>of</strong> Beatification)10 a.m. Liturgy celebrated in Kfifane, by His BeatitudePatriarch Nassrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir and HisEminence Cardinal Angelo Amato, the President<strong>of</strong> the Beatification Committee, during which theBeatification decree will be announcedWednesday, June 30, 20107 p.m. Thanksgiving Liturgy at St. Stephan Church,Lehfed, followed by a procession to BrotherEstephan’s houseThursday, July 1, 20107 p.m. Evening prayer at the old monastery <strong>of</strong> St. Saba inLehfed, that used to be frequented by BrotherEstephan for prayers, followed by a discussion onthe role <strong>of</strong> prayers in Brother Estephan’s life as wellas our lives(Continues on page 20)The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 11 June 2010
<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>Policy on Sexual Abuse <strong>of</strong> MinorsBy Priests or DeaconsThe <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> publishes its Policy on Sexual Abuse <strong>of</strong> Minors by Priests or Deacons.The same policy is also available online at http://www.stmaron.org/policy_sexual_abuse.html.The <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon has its own policy and it is also available online athttp://www.usamaronite.org/statement.html.A s Christians and <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s we consider the welfare andprotection <strong>of</strong> our children a sacred responsibility. We herebypromulgate the following Eparchial norms as animplementation <strong>of</strong> Essential norms for Diocesan/EparchialPolicies Dealing with Allegations <strong>of</strong> Sexual Abuse <strong>of</strong> Minorsby Priests or Deacons approved by the Congregation forBishops on December 8, 2002.DefinitionSexual Abuse <strong>of</strong> a minor includes sexual molestation orsexual exploitation <strong>of</strong> a minor and other behavior by whichan adult uses a minor as an object <strong>of</strong> sexual gratification. Thenorm to be considered in assessing an allegation <strong>of</strong> sexualabuse <strong>of</strong> a minor is whether conduct or interaction with aminor qualifies as an external, objectively grave violation <strong>of</strong>the sixth commandment.Response• The healing <strong>of</strong> victims, their families and their communityfrom the effects <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse by church leaders beginswhen the allegations <strong>of</strong> such abuse are received. Whenvictims decide to disclose the abuse, it is important that theresponse they receive is compassionate and nonjudgmental.• Anyone receiving an allegation <strong>of</strong> abuse will respond in apastoral, supportive manner, leaving investigative concernsto those who serve in that role.• An allegation will be received without initial judgment asto the truth <strong>of</strong> the complaint. No intimation <strong>of</strong> blame willbe made by the initial recipient <strong>of</strong> information.• Individuals making allegations will be supported positivelyin their decision to disclose.• The Eparchial Bishop will designate a competent person tocoordinate assistance for the immediate pastoral care <strong>of</strong>persons who claim to have been sexually abused when theywere minors by priests or deacons. This "assistancecoordinator"will assess and respond to the immediate andlong term needs <strong>of</strong> the alleged victim and family, thealleged <strong>of</strong>fender, parish communities and others that areaffected by the disclosure <strong>of</strong> sex abuse.• The assistance-coordinator will serve as a consultant to theeparchial bishop and the review board regarding thetreatment needs <strong>of</strong> clients.Review BoardThe review board is a predominantly lay board composed <strong>of</strong>a variety <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionals duly appointed to assist the bishopin a strictly confidential consultative capacity. It will have n<strong>of</strong>inal, decision-making authority, which authority willcontinue to reside exclusively with the bishop.Board Functions1. To advise the eparchial bishop in his assessment <strong>of</strong>allegations <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> minors and in hisdetermination <strong>of</strong> suitability for ministry;2. To review eparchial policies for dealing with sexual abuse<strong>of</strong> minors;3. To <strong>of</strong>fer advice on all aspects <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse cases,whether retrospectively or prospectively.MembershipThe review board, established by the eparchial bishop, will becomposed <strong>of</strong> five members <strong>of</strong> outstanding integrity and goodjudgment in full communion with the Church. The majority<strong>of</strong> the board will be lay persons who are not in the employ <strong>of</strong>the eparchy. These will include:a person with particular expertise in the treatment <strong>of</strong> sexualabuse <strong>of</strong> minors;a parent;a parish priest;an attorney; andan individual with investigative experience.The bishop may deem it desirable that the Promoter <strong>of</strong> Justiceparticipate in the meetings <strong>of</strong> the review board.AppointmentMembers appointed by the eparchial bishop will serve a fiveyear term. All board members will adhere to the rules <strong>of</strong> strictconfidentiality with regard to all deliberations andinformation received.ReportingIn all cases <strong>of</strong> alleged or suspected or known child abusecommitted by a cleric, the <strong>Eparchy</strong> will comply with allapplicable civil laws in respect to reporting the allegationsThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 12 June 2010
and will cooperate with civil authorities in the investigation.Any cleric, who knows from the external forum that a minorhas been sexually abused is required to report that knowledgeor suspicion to the Eparchial Bishop and to the civilauthorities in accordance with the norms <strong>of</strong> canon law.Investigation• When an allegation <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> a minor by a priestor deacon is received, a preliminary investigation inharmony with canon law will be initiated and conductedpromptly and objectively (Code <strong>of</strong> Canons <strong>of</strong> the EasternChurches [CCEO], c. 1468). The purpose <strong>of</strong> the eparchialinvestigation is to ensure that the bishop has a complete,thorough, and accurate report <strong>of</strong> the alleged incident. Theinvestigation will be conducted by an investigatorappointed by the review board. The investigator will reporthis findings in writing to the Eparchial bishop and to thereview board.• The accused will immediately be called by the EparchialBishop and made aware <strong>of</strong> the allegation against him andthe identity <strong>of</strong> the accuser. The accused will remain in hisposition until the initial investigation is completed, whichis to be done as expeditiously as possible. All appropriatesteps shall be taken to protect the reputation <strong>of</strong> the accusedand the accuser during the investigation. The accused willbe encouraged to retain the assistance <strong>of</strong> civil andcanonical counsel and will be promptly notified <strong>of</strong> theresults <strong>of</strong> the investigation.• When there is sufficient evidence that sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> aminor has occurred, the eparchial bishop will notify theCongregation <strong>of</strong> the Doctrine <strong>of</strong> the Faith. The EparchialBishop shall then apply the precautionary measuresmentioned in CCEO, c. 1473 -- that is, remove the alleged<strong>of</strong>fender from the sacred ministry or from anyecclesiastical <strong>of</strong>fice or function. The bishop may impose orprohibit residence in a given place or territory, and prohibitthe public participation in the Most Holy Eucharistpending the outcome <strong>of</strong> the process.• In every case involving canonical penalties, the processesprovided for in canon law will be observed, and thevarious provisions <strong>of</strong> canon law will be considered. (1)Unless the Congregation <strong>of</strong> the Doctrine <strong>of</strong> the Faith,having been notified, calls the case to itself because <strong>of</strong>special circumstances, the Eparchial Bishop will follow thedirections <strong>of</strong> the Congregation on how to proceed. (2) Ifthe case would otherwise be barred by prescription,because sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> a minor is a grave <strong>of</strong>fense, theEparchial Bishop shall apply to the Congregation for theDoctrine <strong>of</strong> the Faith for a dispensation from theprescription, while indicating appropriate pastoral reasons.• For the sake <strong>of</strong> due process, the accused is encouraged toretain the assistance <strong>of</strong> civil and canonical counsel. Whennecessary, the eparchy will supply canonical counsel to thecleric.• The <strong>Eparchy</strong> will conduct a judicial process <strong>of</strong> the caseaccording to the appropriate canons and practice <strong>of</strong> theChurch.• The alleged <strong>of</strong>fender may be requested to seek, and may beurged voluntarily to comply with, an appropriate medicaland psychological evaluation at a facility mutuallyacceptable to the <strong>Eparchy</strong> and the accused.• In every instance, the <strong>Eparchy</strong> will advise and support aperson's right to make a report to public authorities.Ministry/Service• No cleric removed from an eparchial position forallegations <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> a minor will return toministry or service before their case is assessed and fitnessis determined by the Eparchial Bishop in consultation withthe review board. The safety <strong>of</strong> children is the paramountconsideration governing the formation <strong>of</strong>recommendations regarding the future ministry <strong>of</strong> oneaccused <strong>of</strong> abuse.• An allegation <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> a minor made against acleric will be deemed established if, with due respect forthe provisions <strong>of</strong> canon law:• The accused individual admits to conduct defined by thispolicy as sexual abuse; or• A civil court <strong>of</strong> criminal law finds the accused guilty <strong>of</strong> acrime that consists <strong>of</strong> conduct defined by this policy assexual abuse, or the accused pleads guilty or no contest toa crime that consists <strong>of</strong> conduct defined by this policy assexual abuse; or• The appropriate church tribunal finds the accused guilty <strong>of</strong>the crime.• When an act <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse by a priest or deacon isadmitted or is established after an appropriate process inaccord with canon law, the <strong>of</strong>fending priest or deacon willbe removed from ecclesiastical ministry, not excludingdismissal from the clerical state, if the case so warrants.• If the penalty <strong>of</strong> dismissal from the clerical state has notbeen applied (e.g., for reasons <strong>of</strong> advanced age orinfirmity), the <strong>of</strong>fender ought to lead a life <strong>of</strong> prayer andpenance. He will not be permitted to celebrate the DivineLiturgy publicly or to administer the mysteries. He will beinstructed not to wear clerical garb, or present himselfpublicly as a priest.• At all times, the Eparchial Bishop has the executive power<strong>of</strong> clerical governance, through an administrative act, toremove an <strong>of</strong>fending cleric from <strong>of</strong>fice, to remove orrestrict his faculties, and to limit his exercise <strong>of</strong> priestlyministry. For the sake <strong>of</strong> the common good and observingthe provisions <strong>of</strong> canon law, the Eparchial Bishop shallexercise this power <strong>of</strong> governance to ensure that any priestwho has committed an act <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> a minor asdescribed above shall not continue in the active ministry.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 13 June 2010
• The priest or deacon may at any time request adispensation from the obligations <strong>of</strong> the clerical state. Inexceptional cases, the Eparchial Bishop may request <strong>of</strong> theHoly Father the dismissal <strong>of</strong> the priest or deacon from theclerical state ex <strong>of</strong>ficio, even without the consent <strong>of</strong> thepriest or deacon.• Care will always be taken to protect the rights <strong>of</strong> all partiesinvolved, particularly those <strong>of</strong> the person claiming to havebeen sexually abused and the person against whom thecharge has been made. When an accusation has proved tobe unfounded, every step possible will be taken by thebishop to restore the good name <strong>of</strong> the priest or deaconfalsely accused.• No priest or deacon who has committed an act <strong>of</strong> sexualabuse <strong>of</strong> a minor will be transferred for ministerialassignment to another eparchy/diocese or religiousprovince.• Before a priest or deacon is transferred for residence toanother eparchy/diocese or religious province, theEparchial Bishop shall forward, in a confidential manner,to the local eparch/bishop or religious ordinary <strong>of</strong> theproposed place <strong>of</strong> residence any and all informationconcerning any act <strong>of</strong> sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> a minor and anyother information indicating that he has been or may be adanger to children or young people.• The Eparchial Bishop will not consider receiving a priestor deacon into the eparchy from another jurisdictionwithout previously obtaining the necessary informationregarding the moral and civil record <strong>of</strong> the priest or deaconin question.PreventionThe <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> will publish a code <strong>of</strong> ethics andintegrity in ministry to be adhered to by all the clergy andpersons in positions <strong>of</strong> trust in the <strong>Eparchy</strong>.All eparchial programs designed to certify clerics, eparchialemployees, and volunteers who serve children on a regularbasis will include segments that address child sexual abuse.The training curriculum will include information concerning:signs and symptoms, dynamics <strong>of</strong> child abuse, impact <strong>of</strong>child abuse, intervention strategies, reporting requirementsand community resources.ScreeningThe <strong>Eparchy</strong> will study the psychological screening currentlyundertaken to assess all potential candidates for thepriesthood and diaconate. The tests given will be reviewedfrom the perspective <strong>of</strong> identifying, to the extent possible,potential problems in the area <strong>of</strong> sexuality. Problemcandidates will be disqualified.A protocol or procedure, including a psychologicalevaluation, is to be developed to screen clerical personnelfrom outside the <strong>Eparchy</strong> before an assignment is given orconfirmed by the Eparchial Bishop to minister within the<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>.SupplementPolicy on Sexual Abuse <strong>of</strong> Minors bySeminarians, Religious, EparchialEmployees or Regular VolunteersThe Norms listed above regarding sexual abuse <strong>of</strong> minors bypriests or deacons, with the exception <strong>of</strong> those that dealspecifically with priests or deacons according to canon law,are also to be applied to seminarians, religious, eparchialemployees and regular volunteers <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong>. In addition,there are these following norms.ReportingIn all cases <strong>of</strong> alleged or suspected or known child abusecommitted by a seminarian, religious, eparchial employee orvolunteer <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong>, the <strong>Eparchy</strong> will comply with allapplicable civil laws in respect to reporting the allegationsand will cooperate with civil authorities in the investigation.InvestigationBesides any actions taken by the civil authorities, the<strong>Eparchy</strong> will conduct its own investigation <strong>of</strong> the allegedabuse.Based on the results <strong>of</strong> the civil disposition, the eparchy'sown investigation, and the advice <strong>of</strong> the Review Board, theEparchial Bishop will determine the continued workingrelationship <strong>of</strong> the accused with the <strong>Eparchy</strong>.During the investigation, the accused will be relieved fromhis or her responsibilities, and removed from any contactwith minors.ScreeningThe background <strong>of</strong> all eparchial and parish personnel whohave regular contact with minors will be evaluated.Administrators must take due precautions to assure that onlypersons who are psychologically and temperamentally suitedare chosen to work with children.No applicant with a history <strong>of</strong> a felony or misdemeanor sex<strong>of</strong>fense conviction will be considered for placement or hire.Applicants for employment or to volunteer in a position withchildren contact in parishes and institutions <strong>of</strong> the eparchymust provide the hiring agent personal information adequateto assess their suitability for contact with minors. They mustsign a waiver to conduct a criminal background check. Theymust supply names <strong>of</strong> three references, at least one from themost recent employer and none from close friends orrelatives. And they must complete the screening interviewprocess.Hiring agents and/or volunteer coordinators must speak withall references provided by applicants for employment andexamine and verify the employment history. The hiring agentThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 14 June 2010
is to conduct a criminal records check <strong>of</strong> any person seekingemployment or to volunteer at their facility. Any applicantwho has not lived continuously for five years in the state <strong>of</strong>the eparchial parish or institution must also provide an FBIidentification record or a waiver allowing the hiring agent toobtain it.Pastors will require that any person or group who is hiredthrough a third party contract, and who will haveresponsibility for the care, custody, or control <strong>of</strong> a child, mustprovide pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> a criminal background check.Each parish or institution <strong>of</strong> the eparchy must establishprocedures for gathering the information and completing thereference checks mentioned above. All information gatheredwill be retained in a confidential file at the location <strong>of</strong>employment for as long as legally required.Code <strong>of</strong> Ethics and IntegrityGeneral Norms7• Church personnel will exhibit the highest Christian ethicalstandards and personal integrity.• Church personnel will conduct themselves in a manner thatis consistent with the discipline and teaching <strong>of</strong> theCatholic Church.• Church personnel will not physically, sexually oremotionally abuse a minor or an adult.• Church personnel will not engage in physical,psychological, written or verbal harassment <strong>of</strong> employees,volunteers, or parishioners and will not tolerate suchharassment by other Church personnel.• Church personnel shall provide a pr<strong>of</strong>essional workenvironment that is free from physical, psychological,written, or verbal intimidation or harassment.• Church personnel will report any suspected abuse to theproper civil authorities.• Church personnel will accept their personal responsibilityto protect minors and adults from all forms <strong>of</strong> abuse.• Houses used for residences <strong>of</strong> priests and religious areexclusively for the use <strong>of</strong> the religious. With the exception<strong>of</strong> occasional visits from immediate family members,minors are not permitted to be overnight guests in theresidence <strong>of</strong> a priest or a religious.Eparchial Review BoardMembers <strong>of</strong> the Eparchial Review Board• Dr. Martha Rashed (Psychologist, Washington, D.C.)• Fr. Bassam Saade, St. Jude <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, Orlando,Florida• Attorney Richard Hibey (Attorney), Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, Washington, D.C.• Anthony J. Shaia, MD, St. Anthony's <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church,Glen Allen (Richmond), Virginia• Lieutenant Michael Zohab, St. Anthony's <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Church, Glen Allen (Richmond), Virginia.Victim Assistance CoordinatorRoseanne C. SolomonTelephone: (781) 828-5183Mrs. Solomon can also be reached at:c/o Our Lady <strong>of</strong> the Cedars <strong>of</strong> Lebanon <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church61 Rockwood StreetJamaica Plain (Boston), Massachusetts 02130Telephone: (617) 522-0225 Fax: (617) 522-0194. • Church personnel shall not engage in sexual intimacieswith the persons they counsel. This includes consensualcontact, forced physical contact and sexually explicitconversations not related to counseling issues.• Church personnel assume the full burden for setting andmaintaining clear, appropriate boundaries in all counselingand counseling-related relationships.• No counseling sessions should be conducted in privateliving quarters.• Church personnel will share concerns about suspicious orinappropriate behavior with their pastor, the Vicar-General<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong>, or the Eparchial Bishop.Church personnel includes priests, religious,7permanent and transitional deacons, seminarians, all paid andvolunteer personnel who are employed by or work ineparchial parishes or institutions.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 15 June 2010
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 16 June 2010
Workshops UpdateThe definition <strong>of</strong> stewardship is “the careful and responsible management <strong>of</strong> something entrusted to one's care.” Themoment we are Baptized and Confirmed into the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, we become responsible for its teachings. We becomeresponsible for living our lives as <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s. We challenge everyone to walk away from Birmingham, Alabama thisyear as true stewards <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church.Wednesday Evening “EWTN Live” Father Mitch PacwaWe have a rare opportunity to be a part <strong>of</strong> Father MitchPacwa’s LIVE studio audience on his internationallyacclaimed show as he interviews Bishops GregoryMansour and Robert Shaheen.Make your advanced reservation on your registration formsince seating is limited!!Thursday MorningstLebanese Language in the 21 Century : AntoineFaddoul, M.S., AIAAThe interactive presentation will give the audience anoverview about the Lebanese language, its history,teaching methods and the proposed system for writing it.The presentation will chronicle the linguistic and structuraldevelopment <strong>of</strong> modern Lebanese from its ancientCanaanite/Aramaic roots to modern days. The audiencewill be briefed on the methods developed by the LebaneseLanguage Institute to provide resources for learning andteaching Lebanese. The presentation will discuss the role<strong>of</strong> IT in spreading <strong>of</strong> the Lebanese language anddeveloping the modern Lebanese Latin Letters system[LLL] to make Lebanese a globally accessible language.The interactive component will include implementation <strong>of</strong>the LLL system in daily life for communication, learningand teaching. Samples exercises as well as a demonstration<strong>of</strong> an automated verb conjugation program will also bepresented.Thursday Afternoon <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Music: Fr.Ge<strong>of</strong>frey Abdallah and The Inter-Eparchial Music CommissionThe songs that fill our hearts during Divine Liturgy and thepoignancy <strong>of</strong> their lyrics are incredible testaments to therichness <strong>of</strong> our culture. Come sit with us as we fill yoursenses with the beauty that is the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church. Youwill also be able to experience the first ever compilation <strong>of</strong>the Inter-Eparchial Music Commission. Come let thepoetry that is our music fill your senses and soothe yoursoul.Discovering Our “Faith <strong>of</strong> the Mountain”: DeaconLouis Peters, Jeanette Wyrick and Cathy GeorgeAs parents, we are the caretakers <strong>of</strong> our children’seducation; we are entrusted to carry the Church’s teachingsinto our family life. The “Faith <strong>of</strong> the Mountain” catechismseries, which our churches use for our <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> ChristianFormation classes, has been updated. Please join us toreview the materials that guide your children’s religiouseducation through the school year. The series is designedfor all school-aged children from pre-school through highschool. Included in the series are the following topics: theTrinity, the Holy Mysteries, our Church family, thecommandments, <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> liturgy, First Reconciliation andEucharist, the Bible, the Creed, Church history, and theworld’s religions. As parents, grandparents andgodparents, we are responsible for the education <strong>of</strong> thenext generation <strong>of</strong> <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s.Friday MorningA <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Legacy: How to Foster ReligiousVocations in Your Family: Monsignor sharbel Maroun,Sister Marla Marie, and the Antonine SistersOur Bishops cry out to us, “Send Out, O Lord, Laborersfor Your Harvest!” Many young people hear this call, butare met with resistance. As stewards <strong>of</strong> our <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Faith, we need to understand how to be open andunderstanding to our children’s desire. The challenge isours, young and old, women and men, to respond to God’svocation, and thereby find our way home to the Kingdomby being divinized and divinizing the world as disciples <strong>of</strong>the Lord. Each person must <strong>of</strong>fer the gifts, talents, skills,knowledge and experience <strong>of</strong> his/her life in the service <strong>of</strong>the human family, and for the glory <strong>of</strong> God, whom we callFather, Son and Spirit.Friday AfternoonIdentity <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church: Father ArmandoElKhouryFor those <strong>of</strong> us who grew up in the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, wethink nothing <strong>of</strong> the fact that we spend the majority <strong>of</strong> ourtime with fellow <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s. They were our classmatesgrowing up, our family members on joint vacations, ourMYO buddies, fellow NAM conventioneers, etc. Our<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> family becomes a seamless part <strong>of</strong> our lives; avery blurry line separates our spiritual home from ourphysical address. In his article, “Crisis in the Life <strong>of</strong> the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church,” Father Armando ElKhoury tells us that“the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church is going through an identity crisis.In fact, this is a worldwide phenomenon and not specificto the United States. Is the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church an ethnicChurch? Is it a Lebanese Church or an Arabic Church?Does the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church serve only those who comefrom Lebanon or the Middle East and by extension thoseThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 17 June 2010
who are married into a Lebanese or Middle Easternfamily? Or is it the Church <strong>of</strong> Christ, in which there is nodistinction between Lebanese and non-Lebanese? The<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church is a worldwide Church whose doors andcommunities must be open to anyone who comes to ourchurches and falls in love with God according to theworldview <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church.”Commission on Lebanon and Project Roots:Chorbishop Seely Beggiani and Father Abdallah ZaidanDuring the serious crisis in Lebanon in the 1980 aCommission for Lebanon was established by the <strong>Eparchy</strong>to rally support for the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s in Lebanon. Thepurposes <strong>of</strong> the Commission were: to provide informationand education regarding the status and future <strong>of</strong> the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church and its people in Lebanon to <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>sand interested persons in the United States; to workactively on all levels <strong>of</strong> the American government so as toensure the continuation <strong>of</strong> American ties with Lebanon andthe perpetuation <strong>of</strong> Lebanon's pluralistic character; and toprovide financial and material support to the needy inLebanon. The Commission sought to keep Lebanon, itssovereignty and freedom on the American foreign policyagenda giving testimony to Congress and maintainingcontacts with the White House and the States Department.Through pamphlets and articles, it has endeavored to keeppeople informed about the threats facing the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s andother religious communities in Lebanon. During the time<strong>of</strong> the fighting in Lebanon, it was able to raise over$200,000 to help the needy. The work <strong>of</strong> the now twoCommissions for Lebanon <strong>of</strong> the two Eparchies continues,because complete sovereignty and freedom for Lebanonhave not yet been achieved.Saturday MorningUnderstanding the Similarities and DifferencesBetween the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> and Latin Churches: ChorbishopJohn FerrisEvery day, we are called to fulfill the duties <strong>of</strong> ourSacraments, <strong>of</strong> our Mysteries. It has been forty years,since the first <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Bishop came to the United States.It has been decades since we have been told that kneelingis unacceptable in the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church. Many <strong>of</strong> us sendour children to local Latin Diocesan schools and think thisprecludes them from attending <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> ChristianFormation classes and being excused from receiving theSacrament <strong>of</strong> Communion at their <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church. Thesesubjects really touch upon the theme <strong>of</strong> being “stewards.”From the moment we receive the Sacraments <strong>of</strong> Baptismand Chrismation, an indelible mark has been stamped onour souls. If we are to participate in the Qurbono, we mustunderstand its importance to us as <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s. We cannotexcuse it from our presence merely out <strong>of</strong> convenience.Come and understand the differences that affect us all onsuch a personal level.Saturday AfternoonthThe 1600 Anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> and OurPursuit <strong>of</strong> Another Canonization: The MassabkiBrothers” Father John Paul Kimes & Louis RagyOur faith has brought forward some very remarkableindividuals who have brought miracles to those whosefaith does not waiver. This year we celebrate the 1600thAnniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>. Since the founding <strong>of</strong> theChurch, we have had the honor <strong>of</strong> having saints liveamong us, including <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel Makhlouf, <strong>Saint</strong>Nimatullah El-Hardini, and <strong>Saint</strong> Rafqa Choboq El-Rayes.NAM has taken up the staff to bring the Blessed MassabkiBrothers to the level they deserve. Come learn why WEhave the responsibility <strong>of</strong> guaranteeing their canonization.Bridging the U.S. and Lebanon Through HigherEducation: A Presentation by Notre Dame University-Louaize: Assad Eid & George AbdelnourThis workshop introduces the important role that <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Catholic universities play in Lebanon today by focusing onthe mission <strong>of</strong> Notre Dame University-Louaize. Foundedby the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Order <strong>of</strong> the Holy Virgin Mary in 1987,NDU is the sole Lebanese <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> institution to <strong>of</strong>fer anAmerican-style curriculum and the only one whoselanguage <strong>of</strong> instruction is English. In keeping with theUniversity’s mission <strong>of</strong> universal education as the key toa rewarding and productive life, the workshop willhighlight the University’s contribution to social progressand stability in Lebanon, as well as ongoing efforts t<strong>of</strong>orge lasting links with the Lebanese community in NorthAmerica. The workshop will seek feedback from attendeesas to best ways to foster links between the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>community and Lebanon, and will highlight opportunitiesfor involvement with NDU. These include academicprograms such as study abroad, NDU’s summer LebaneseArabic and Cultural Immersion program, graduate study invarious disciplines, as well as pr<strong>of</strong>essional and academicpartnership opportunities for Lebanese expatriates. Theworkshop will also introduce the work <strong>of</strong> NDU’s LebaneseResearch and Emigration Center (LERC) in preserving thehistory <strong>of</strong> Lebanese immigration worldwide. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 18 June 2010
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 19 June 2010
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>St. Anthony’s <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church4611 Sadler RoadGlen Allen, Virginia 23060-6108NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAIDPERMIT NO. 1370GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIAScranton, PennsylvaniaMother/Daughter Tea(From left): Ann Abbott Bryant, Prefect; Joanne AzzeVancosky, Co-Chair; Kathy Karam Cawley, Chair; andFather Francis Marini, Pastor.by Fr. Francis MariniMay 16, 2010 marked the fourth annualMother/Daughter Tea, held in the Church Hall <strong>of</strong><strong>Saint</strong> Ann <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, Scranton, Penn.,following the morning Divine Liturgy. The brainchild <strong>of</strong> AnnAbbott Bryant, Prefect <strong>of</strong> Our Lady Queen <strong>of</strong> Peace Sodality,the annual gathering affords the opportunity for greatgrandmothers,grandmothers, mothers, daughters and friendsto gather. Attendance has grown every year as the annualevent <strong>of</strong>fers the opportunity for women <strong>of</strong> the parish to sharethe tradition <strong>of</strong> strong families...a core <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> principle. Williamsville, New YorkLebanese FestivalatSt. John <strong>Maron</strong> ChurchImmerse yourself in the best <strong>of</strong> Lebanese culture when St.John <strong>Maron</strong> Church in Williamsville, N.Y., celebrates itsth12 Annual Western New York Lebanese FestivalSaturday, August 7, from 12 noon to 11p.m. and Sunday,August 8, 2010, from 12 noon to 5p.m. The festival featurescontinuous live Lebanese music, dancing, authentic Lebanesecuisine and a gift shop. Raffles, children's games, and theannual backgammon tournament all add to the festivities <strong>of</strong>a weekend that promises to be fun-filled and exciting. Thechurch will be open to give visitors an opportunity toexperience our <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Religious Display. The DivineLiturgy will be celebrated during the festival at 5 p.m. onSaturday and at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. The festival isheld on the Church’s grounds. For further information visitthe church website at www.stjohnmaron.org. Beatification ScheduleContinued from page 11Friday, July 2, 20107 p.m. Evening prayer at the old Monastery <strong>of</strong> Our Ladyin Lehfed where Brother Estephan was baptized. Adiscussion on the gift and responsibility <strong>of</strong>Baptisim will follow.Saturday, July 3, 20107 p.m. Evening Prayer and Liturgy in the paternal house<strong>of</strong> Brother Estephan in Lehfed. A discussion on thegift and responsibility <strong>of</strong> Family will follow. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume VI Issue No. VI Page 20 June 2010