Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
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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 IV Issue No. XI December 2008Christmas 2008Be Your Best Self. Follow Your Own Star, For God Is With YouDear Friends,The warmth and joy <strong>of</strong> Christmas is centered inone thought. God became a child <strong>of</strong> man that wemight become the children <strong>of</strong> God. Today wecelebrate Christmas - today we again call our thoughtsto the awe invoking event … Jesus Christ is born!Who is Jesus Christ?He is the Son <strong>of</strong> Mary <strong>of</strong> Nazareth … He is one <strong>of</strong>us… a fellow citizen <strong>of</strong> planet Earth. But there ismore. He is also Son <strong>of</strong> God, without ceasing to befully human.He is divine. That makes Him the most remarkablemember <strong>of</strong> the human race. The Birth <strong>of</strong> the Son <strong>of</strong>God as a member <strong>of</strong> the human race launches a newage in the history <strong>of</strong> the human family.In the person <strong>of</strong> Jesus, God joins Himself to Man. TheSon <strong>of</strong> God becomes one <strong>of</strong> us for our sake … God soloved the word that He sent His only begotten Son.Jesus is a gesture. A sign from God that Heunderstands us ... Cares for us … Loves us. He is onour side in the struggle <strong>of</strong> life … in the struggle for allthat is good, for all that is true, and for all that isbeautiful.So my dear friends, be yourselves. But be your bestself. Dare to be different. Follow your own star, forGod is with you.Don’t be afraid to be happy ... Enjoy what is beautiful... Love God with all your heart and soul. Believethose you love, love you.St. Mary, Virgin and Child, by <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Archbishopric <strong>of</strong> Cyprus,The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Icons-<strong>Saint</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church.Forget what you have done for your friends, andremember what they have done for you. Disregardwhat the world owes you, and concentrate on what youowe the world. It depends on you to make it a betterplace to live.(Continues on Page 20)
Schedule <strong>of</strong> Bishop Robert ShaheenDecember 5-7, 2008Dedication <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel Parish Center, Las Vegas, Nev.December 12 -14, 2008Liturgy for young people, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.December 24-25, 2008Christmas Celebration, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.January 16-18, 2009Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel Retreat, West Palm Beach, Fla. Eparchial CondolencesVirginia Farhat, the mother <strong>of</strong> Seminarian Vincent Farhat and theaunt <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gregory Mansour, passed away on November 1,2008. Virginia raised ten children, and was preceded indeath by her husband Leo and her daughter Ann.Condolences can be sent to Seminarian VincentFarhat, c/o Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Seminary, 7164Alaska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20012.Bishops Robert Shaheen and Gregory Mansour,along with the clergy and faithful <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> OurLady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon and <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, extendheartfelt sympathy and the promise <strong>of</strong> our prayers to Vincent, his brothers andsisters and their families. May Almighty God grant his servant Virginia eternalrest.Edmund G. David, age 98, the brother <strong>of</strong> Fr. Joseph David, Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. George<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church in Uniontown, Penn., passed away on Sunday, November 23,2008. He was predeceased by his wife, Iona. In addition to Father Joseph, he issurvived by four brothers, one sister, and two daughters. Condolences can be sentto Father Joseph at <strong>Saint</strong> George Church, 6 Lebanon Terrace, Uniontown, PA15401.Bishops Robert Shaheen and Gregory Mansour, along with the clergy andfaithful <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon and <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, extend heartfelt sympathy and the promise <strong>of</strong> our prayers toFr. Joseph and his family. May Almighty God grant his servant Edmund eternalrest. Father Donald Thomas passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, after a longillness. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters and is survived by twobrothers, Edmond and Joseph and two sisters, Nancy and Rita, several nephewsand nieces.The Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on December 10, 2008 at <strong>Saint</strong> Joseph<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church in Olean, New York. Condolences may be sent to: Mrs. RitaThomas Lynch, 82 Seel Acres, Dunkirk, NY 14048.Bishops Robert Shaheen and Gregory Mansour, along with the clergy andfaithful <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon and <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong><strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, extend heartfelt sympathy and the promise <strong>of</strong> our prayers toFr. Thomas’ family. May Almighty God grant his servant Donald eternal rest. 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 CondlinMichael MaynesPrinted in Richmond, Virginia.<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Convention 2009Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Mount LebanonCathedralLos Angeles, Calif.July 1-5, 2009For 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 IV Issue No. XI Page 2 December 2008
Sister RafkaA Consecrated Contemplative <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Asceticin the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>working to amend my rule <strong>of</strong> life toreflect a single hermit.I will continue to live on alms inorder to be able to collect enough fundsto build a hermitage modeling the life<strong>of</strong> Mother Mary. I need a modest parcel<strong>of</strong> land conducive to silence andsolitude. I hope to start a website in thenear future to be able to communicatewith all <strong>of</strong> you, my <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> family towalk into the New Millennium with<strong>Saint</strong> Paul.I thank each <strong>of</strong> you for your prayersand sacrifices for my vocation and begyour help to continue in this life <strong>of</strong>adoration and sacrifice.Contact InformationSister Rafka with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.HistoryIam Sister Rafka Parmenter, aconsecrated contemplative <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>ascetic. I entered the ReligiousCommunity <strong>of</strong> women hermits <strong>of</strong> the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church established byArchbishop Francis M. Zayek in the<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> onthe feast <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Anthony <strong>of</strong> theDesert, January 17, 1993, and wasclothed with the religious habit at <strong>Saint</strong>George <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church inPawtucket, Rhode Island on June 13,1993.I made my first pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong>temporary vows at The Monastery <strong>of</strong>Jesus the Eternal Priest on May 1, 1995and took my Perpetual MonasticPr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> vows on August 1, 1999at <strong>Saint</strong> George <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church inPawtucket, R.I.In June 2005, Bishop GregoryMansour asked me to take a sabbaticalin order for him to address someconcerns regarding some administrativematters <strong>of</strong> my community. I left themonastery in August <strong>of</strong> 2005 for thesabbatical. In February <strong>of</strong> 2006, mysuperior, Mother Elias, decided to leavethe monastery and withdraw from the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church. The withdrawal <strong>of</strong>my superior lead to the immediateclosure <strong>of</strong> our monastery seeing I wasthe only one left in the community.In May <strong>of</strong> 2006, I voluntarily tookon the black habit <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Rafka withthe permission <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gregory.Bishop Gregory knew <strong>of</strong> my desire andcommitment to continue with my vowsin the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, so onDecember 11, 2007, he accepted myprivate vows so that I could continue tolive a consecrated ascetic, living apartfrom an Institute in the manner <strong>of</strong> ahermit. I continue with the charism <strong>of</strong>eremitic life <strong>of</strong> Eucharistic Adoration,prayer and penance for priests andvocations to the priesthood, modelingthe Virgin Mary as Mother <strong>of</strong> theChurch.I am currently living inPhiladelphia, Penn., close to St. <strong>Maron</strong>Church. I am currently living in a smallrow house one block from the church. Iam working to establish a nonpr<strong>of</strong>itstatus to be able to solicit funds tocontinue this way <strong>of</strong> life and I amMailing Address(letters only)Sister Rafka,P.O. Box 25119,Philadelphia, PA 19147E-mail: srrafka@aol.comPhysical Address<strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>’s <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> CatholicChurch1010 Ellsworth StreetPhiladelphia PA 19147 Deacon andSubdeacon RetreatBishop Gregory Mansour hasasked that all permanent deaconsand subdeacons in the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> attend aretreat at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Florida RetreatHouse in West Palm Beach, Florida,January 8 – 11, 2009. Their wives arealso invited to attend. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 3 December 2008
VocationQuestions Asked<strong>of</strong> the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Servants<strong>of</strong> Christ the Lightby Sister Marla Marie LucasIn person or via email, I havebeen asked several goodquestions regarding the vocation <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Servants<strong>of</strong> Christ the Light, the new foundation <strong>of</strong> consecratedreligious begun on June 1, 2008. I have included a couple <strong>of</strong>questions and answers here, and welcome you to ask others.Our email is sister@maroniteservants.org; our website is:<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>servants.org, and our Blog is:radiateHisLight.blogspot.com.Q. I've done quite a lot <strong>of</strong> research - both Roman and<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> rite - but nothing has clicked just yet. Myresearch is primarily on-line and articles, etc.. It'sdifficult for me because I have so many ministries that Iam attracted to ….Yes, uncertainty is always a challenge and even more so inour technological times when things are so instantaneous.Relationships will never be like a click <strong>of</strong> a mouse. Prayerfuldiscernment is central to discovering one's mission/call in thislife. Lord, how do you want me to serve you? Where?He will lead the way as long as we keep an open heart andfaithfulness to daily prayer and the Sacraments. A religiousvocation is a deep attraction to give oneself completely to theBeloved, who is Christ and His Church. The ministry issecondary.Our <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Servant's call is to be there for our peopleto walk the journey <strong>of</strong> faith with them as a spiritual motherlooking out for their needs. In parish ministry the needs arediverse and reflect the Gospel life <strong>of</strong> Christ who preached,healed, fed, comforted, taught ...loved each and every one.Q. I just wanted to see if you - as a nun - had everexperienced any frustration in your vocation discernmentjust to see if what I'm experiencing is normal.Take heart, you are not alone in this experience. Trust in theLord. Reflect and ask yourself, "Am I seeking what Hewants for me? Or am I seeking what I want for me?"Discernment means we have to ask tough questions <strong>of</strong>ourselves and probe our motives and desires. It means thatwe have to truly seek detachment and surrender. Mary isyour model in this, and she will be your guide. Read theGospel <strong>of</strong> St. Luke, especially the beginning chapters, andmeditate on Mary's challenges and trials, her confusion whichsurrendered in an obedient faith. Mary gave all with joy,pondering in heart -- not fully understanding -- buttrusting.Washington, D.C.Pro-Life MarchEvery year thousands <strong>of</strong> young people and families bravethe winter cold to pray and march in the annual pro-lifedemonstration in Washington, D.C. The March thisyear will take place January 21 and 22, 2009. The <strong>Eparchy</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> hopes that many <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>pastors and parishioners will be able to join Bishop GregoryMansour and participate.The schedule is as follows as published by www.usccb.org:Wednesday, January 21, 20091:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:An Afternoon <strong>of</strong> PrayerfulRemembrance and Intercession atthe National Shrine (Crypt Church)Sisters <strong>of</strong> Life/Archdiocese <strong>of</strong> NewYork Respect Life Office7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Opening Mass- Great Upper Church(Cardinal Justin F. Rigali,Chairman, USCCB Committee forPro-Life Activities, is the principalcelebrant and homilist)10:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. Confessions (Our Lady <strong>of</strong> HostynChapel, to the left <strong>of</strong> Crypt Church,lower level)10:15 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.: National Rosary for Life (CryptChurch, lower level)11:00 p.m. to 12 a.m.: Night Prayer (Byzantine Rite) -Crypt Church (Most Rev. WilliamSkurla, Byzantine <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong>Passaic, with members <strong>of</strong> Epiphany<strong>of</strong> our Lord Church, Annandale,Virginia)12 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.: Holy Hours for Life, Crypt Church(Pro-life seminarians from acrossthe country).Thursday, January 22, 20096:30 a.m.: Morning Prayer (Crypt Church)(Dominican House <strong>of</strong> Studies)7:30 a.m.: Closing Mass - Great Upper Church(Principal Celebrant and Homilist isto be announced).The Pro-Life March at the Mall, between the Capitol and theWashington Monument, begins at 12 Noon. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 4 December 2008
Send Out, O Lord, Laborers for Your Harvest!by Fr. Armando ElkhouryThe church is in dire need for menand women to come forward andjoin the ranks <strong>of</strong> holy priests,monks, and nuns whom God called tobe His shining instruments in this everchangingworld.This shortage <strong>of</strong> vocations affectsall <strong>of</strong> us. As <strong>of</strong> today, there are notenough <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> priests to serve theoverwhelming number <strong>of</strong> parishes inthe United States. Many <strong>of</strong> ourcommunities are blessed to have apriest serving them. Unfortunately,many others are not as blessed. Ourbishops hope to have an overabundance<strong>of</strong> priests to serve their flocks. Wepriests hope for our numbers to grow.We cannot afford getting sick! It wouldbe a tremendous blessing to havemonasteries and convents in ourcommunities.There are many different ways topromote vocations to the priesthoodand religious life. Important as theymay be, none <strong>of</strong> them will be discussedin this article. It is not my intention toremind us that considering a religiousvocation is a worthy cause. What I amhoping to do, however, is to invite youto take Jesus up on his Word, “Theharvest is abundant but the laborers arefew; so ask the master <strong>of</strong> the harvest tosend out laborers for his harvest” (Luke10:2).The call to religious life is a giftfrom God, a privilege and not a right.Unworthy as I am <strong>of</strong> this gift, God<strong>of</strong>fered it to me, I believe, because <strong>of</strong>my mother’s prayers. She kept askingHim to call one <strong>of</strong> her sons to thepriesthood. It is a blessing for a<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> family to produce a priest. By1995, God still had not answered herprayers. She died on the eve <strong>of</strong>Epiphany. She was persistent, however.Death did not deter her from continuingpraying to the master <strong>of</strong> the harvest tobless her family with a laborer in hisvineyard. I joined the seminary in 1998and was ordained six years after.At one point in my life, I thoughtthis was a cute story about my mother,until I got more involved in vocationwork. The shortage <strong>of</strong> vocations to thepriesthood and religious life is notunique to <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Eparchies in theUnited States. Other eparchies arefacing the same issues. Nonetheless,some are being blessed with higher thannormal numbers <strong>of</strong> men and womenanswering God’s call to religious life.They admit that they have been activelypromoting vocations. Yet,unanimously, they attribute the spike innumbers to prayers. Jeff Ziegler, areporter for Catholic World Reportwrote, “Officials <strong>of</strong> the nation’s mostvocation-rich dioceses most frequentlyattribute their success to divine gracegiven in response to prayer... BishopFabian Bruskewitz <strong>of</strong> Lincoln,Nebraska, credits first and foremost theatmosphere <strong>of</strong> prayer for vocations andthe intercession <strong>of</strong> the Blessed VirginMary, the patroness <strong>of</strong> the diocese’”(Priestly Vocations in America: A LookAt the Numbers, Catholic WorldReport, July 2005).With the blessing <strong>of</strong> our BishopsShaheen and Mansour, I am forming aprayer group network throughout theUnited States. This group has one andonly one purpose: to ask the master <strong>of</strong>the harvest to send out laborers for hisharvest. I invite you to join this prayergroup network by emailing me atfather@vineyard<strong>of</strong>thelord.com. Assoon as I formulate the email list, I willcontact each one with prayer requests.If for some reason email is not yourforte, please contact me via mail at: Fr.Armando Elkhoury, St. Rafka <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Church, 2301 Wadsworth Blvd.,Lakewood, CO 80214.Let us be persistent and hopeful.Didn’t Jesus teach persistence andhopefulness? And Jesus says to us,“Suppose one <strong>of</strong> you has a friend towhom he goes at midnight and says,'Friend, lend me three loaves <strong>of</strong> bread,for a friend <strong>of</strong> mine has arrived at myhouse from a journey and I havenothing to <strong>of</strong>fer him,' and he says inreply from within, 'Do not bother me;the door has already been locked andmy children and I are already in bed. Icannot get up to give you anything.' Itell you, if he does not get up to givehim the loaves because <strong>of</strong> theirfriendship, he will get up to give himwhatever he needs because <strong>of</strong> hispersistence. And I tell you, ask and youwill receive; seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened toyou. For everyone who asks, receives;and the one who seeks, finds; and to theone who knocks, the door will beopened. What father among you wouldhand his son a snake when he asks for afish? Or hand him a scorpion when heasks for an egg? If you, then, who arewicked, know how to give good gifts toyour children, how much more will theFather in heaven give the Holy Spirit tothose who ask him?” (Luke 11:5-13).“Send out, O Lord, laborers foryour harvest!” is my prayer. I hope thatit will be yours as well. If the Lordis CallingYou, TheChurchNeedsYou!If you feel that you have a vocationto the Priesthood or religious life,please contact your Pastor or writeto:Msgr. sharbel Maroun, Director<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> LebanonOffice <strong>of</strong> Vocationsc/o St. <strong>Maron</strong> Church600 University Ave. NEMinneapolis, MN 55413OrFr. James Root, Director<strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>Office <strong>of</strong> Vocationsc/o Our Lady <strong>of</strong> LebanonCathedral113 Remsen Street<strong>Brooklyn</strong>, NY 11201The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 5 December 2008
Order <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel Retreat in Warm, Sunny Floridaby Wanda ElkhourieHow does a weekend in January in warm, sunny Floridasound? The Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel will sponsor aSpiritual and Social Retreat open to all on January 16– 18, 2009, at the Marriott Hotel, 1001 OkeechobeeBoulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. BishopsMansour and Shaheen will be attending. Registration fee <strong>of</strong>$200 includes Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Saturdaydinner and Sunday lunch at the church. Registration deadlineis January 2, 2009; after that date, the registration fee will be$225.The Marriott is now <strong>of</strong>fering a new and reduced roomrate <strong>of</strong> $159 per night (when making reservations mentionyou are with the Order <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel). Depending onavailability, these rates will be effective three days before andafter the retreat. Reservations should be made as soon aspossible to take advantage <strong>of</strong> the extended dates. If you havealready made your reservations based on the group rateinitially given, your rates will be adjusted by the hotel. Youmust contact the hotel directly to make reservations; dial tollfree 1-800-376-2292. The Marriott is providing a free shuttleservice that goes to the airport every 30 minutes starting at 6am and ending at 12 am; there is a phone at the kiosk atbaggage claim to call for pick up. When you call to makeroom reservations, mention that you will need the shuttleservice.The Marriott is within walking distance <strong>of</strong> the RaymondKravis Center for Performing Arts; the hotel shuttle will alsotake you there for free (website is kravis.org and click onPerformance to choose dates).You do not have to be amember <strong>of</strong> the Order <strong>of</strong> St. Sharbel to attend this retreat. Formore information, contact the following: Beverly Mike-Nard, President, OSS, 330-757-8867, BJMikeNard@aol.com;Anthony Budway, Immediate Past-President, OSS, 401-231-4057, budway99@cox.net; Bernadette Shalhoub, VicePresident, OSS, 561-967-9536, BBShalhoub@aol.com; orWanda Elkourie, Vice President, OSS, 205-987-7567,welkourie@charter.net. Registration FormOrder <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel RetreatJanuary 16-18, 2009Marriott HotelWest Palm Beach, FloridaLast Name:First Name:Address:Pre-Registration Form(Deadline January 2, 2009)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________Phone:Email:________________________________________________________________________________________Registration fee: $200 After January 2: $225 Amount enclosed: ____Make checks payable to:Mail form and check to: :Mary, Mother <strong>of</strong> Light Mission4891 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres, FL 33463 (Please do not send cash)Room reservations must be made through hotel:Marriott West Palm Beach1001 Okeechobee BoulevardWest Palm Beach, Florida 33401Toll Free 1-800-376-2292Room rate <strong>of</strong> $159 is available January 16 - 18, 2009Mention “Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel Retreat” to get discounted rate. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 6 December 2008
San Antonio, TexasThird Pastoral VisitLeft to right: Fr. Ghassan Matter, Bishop Robert Shaheen, Fr.Abdallah Zaidan and Fr. Charles Khachan.by Robert Beathe and Judy PerilloOn September 29, 2008, the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> community <strong>of</strong> SanAntonio, Texas, welcomed the Most Reverend RobertShaheen on his third pastoral visit as Bishop.Accompanying His Excellency were Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,M.L.M., Superior <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Lebanese Missionaries inthe United States; Mary Denny, Vice Chancellor; and RoxieRask, Secretary to the Bishop. He began his stay as the guest<strong>of</strong> honor at the annual gala Magic is the Night. This eventwas created forty-five years ago to showcase the best inLebanese food, dancing, and entertainment to the entire city<strong>of</strong> San Antonio. Magic continues to be the principal fundraisingevent for the community and is attended byparishioners, many local dignitaries and celebrities.The next morning Bishop Shaheen began his day havingbreakfast with the seniors in the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> CommunityCenter. The parish’s young adults acted as servers.On Sunday Bishop Shaheen presided at the DivineLiturgy. Fr. Abdallah Zaidan; Fr. Ghassan Mattar, Pastor;and Fr. Charles Khachan, Associate Pastor; concelebrated.The local chapter <strong>of</strong> the Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel formed thehonor guard. During the Liturgy Evangelina Kalifa, PeggyKaram, Richard Karam, Adriana Khalife, Jason Khattar,Joseph Khattar, Helen Kopcznski-Antonelli, Ross Mery,Joseph Rizzo, Jamal Tawil, and Manny Watters wereinducted into the Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel. Following theLiturgy a luncheon was served in the Grand Banquet Hall.Jamil and Ghayda Tawil hosted a dinner attended by theparish leaders and committee heads.The visit <strong>of</strong> the Bishop has great meaning to the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>community in San Antonio, because it is the reminder andsign <strong>of</strong> the unity we share with other communities <strong>of</strong> theUnited States, and with <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s worldwide. The Bishopcalls us to a greater vision, to look to a horizon beyond localconcerns. His presence and message call us to enlarge ourhearts and resolve to reach out to others with an inclusive andcompassionate spirit. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 7 December 2008
Tampa, FloridaSupport for Children with Cancerin LebanonWashington, D.C.Clergy Day and Ordination toMinor OrdersLeft to right: Dr. Danny Sayad, Dr. Roula Farah-Sayad, andFr. Anthony Salim.by Dr. Danny SayadWith the theme that no child with cancer in Lebanonshould be denied the right to be treated due to lack<strong>of</strong> funding, a fund-raising dinner was organized bySts. Peter and Paul <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Mission on October 17, 2008 inTampa, Florida, on behalf <strong>of</strong> an organization known asCHANCE (Children against Cancer in Lebanon).CHANCE’S President, Dr. Roula Farah-Sayad, a boardcertifiedpediatric hemato-oncologist, gave an excellentpresentation regarding the difficulties that many doctors inLebanon have encountered in trying to provide theappropriate treatment for children with cancer. CHANCE isa non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organization that was launched in Lebanon fiveyears ago with doctors, parents and volunteers. Thisorganization has grown to cover more then five hospitals inBeirut with more then 200 volunteers.The parishioners <strong>of</strong> Sts. Peter and Paul Mission alongwith many friends and volunteers, organized this dinner. Allthe food, drinks, music, hall and lots more were donated. Thedinner was an excellent success, raising more than $13, 000.We are all happy and proud at how well our community andfriends responded to the call, and especially at how peoplewith so many different backgrounds were able to cometogether in support <strong>of</strong> one cause.The opportunity that we are giving to sick children ispriceless, and we would like to thank everybody who helpedin this event. This event was a good example <strong>of</strong> excellencein doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. Assisted by Chorbishop Michael Thomas, Vicar General <strong>of</strong>the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> (left) and Chorbishop SeelyBeggiani, Rector <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Seminary, BishopGregory Mansour ordains seminarians Vincent Farhat andTony Massad to the Order <strong>of</strong> Subdeacon.On Thursday, November 13, 2008, twenty priests <strong>of</strong> the<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 joined Their ExcellenciesBishop Robert Shaheen and Bishop Gregory Mansour for aclergy day at Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Seminary inWashington, D.C. Following lunch, Chorbishop MichaelThomas, JCD, Vicar General <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, presented a workshop on Eastern Canon Lawwith emphasis on <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Particular Law. In the evening,Bishop Mansour presided at a Divine Liturgy in which heordained Seminarian Alex Joseph to the Order <strong>of</strong> Cantor andSeminarians Vincent Farhat and Tony Massad to the Order <strong>of</strong>Subdeacon. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> clergy in attendance concelebratedand the Choir <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Church served theLiturgy. Following the ordination ceremony, Our Lady <strong>of</strong>Lebanon Church hosted a reception for the newly ordained inthe Church’s Social Hall. Our warm personal greetings toyou and your families as wecelebrate the Incarnation <strong>of</strong> the Son<strong>of</strong> God.We are grateful for the supportyou have given us during the year.May the Prince <strong>of</strong> Peace fillyour hearts with His Love andPeace at Christmas and in the New Year.From all <strong>of</strong> us here at The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>, MerryChristmas and a Blessed and Joyful 2009.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 8 December 2008
San Diego, CaliforniaSeventh Annual RetreatThis year we were blessed by the visit <strong>of</strong> Sister MarlaMarie <strong>of</strong> the newly established Order <strong>of</strong> <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Servants <strong>of</strong>Christ the Light. With her was Therese Touma, a young ladyfrom Sydney, Australia, who is discerning her vocation. Weare anxious to have Sister Marla visit out parish and talk toour young ladies about her noble vocation.This message we bring back is that we have to do moresince we have been given more. We are also awed by thewisdom <strong>of</strong> the church. The Bible teaches that “There are alsomany other things that Jesus did, but if these were to bedescribed individually, I do not think the whole world wouldcontain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).Feast <strong>of</strong> All <strong>Saint</strong>sby Fr. Nabil Mouannes,Pastor <strong>of</strong> St. Ephrem Church, San Diego, CaliforniaAlthough this is our seventh retreat at Most Holy TrinityMonastery in Petersham, Mass., it seems like we havebeen going there forever. It seems as if we know the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Monks <strong>of</strong> Adoration as we know our own familymembers. Abbot William Driscoll is our spiritual Fatherindeed. Whenever we are there it is him that we seek foradvice, for knowledge, for a view <strong>of</strong> history, for an opinionabout politics, and most <strong>of</strong> all for inspiration and spiritualadvice and growth. Father Michael Gilmary holds a specialplace in our hearts. He is the brother that we are joyous to bewith. He is our wise and learned brother. He is always sogenerous in pouring out his knowledge about the churchfathers, the teachings <strong>of</strong> the church. He is the image <strong>of</strong>charity and the smile never leaves his face, and he always hasa few humorous stories to share with us. He knows all <strong>of</strong> usby name. Even when we return home we are in his prayers.This year he asked us to pray for his elderly parents who aregoing through some difficult times. How can we not missthem when we think <strong>of</strong> Fr. Robert the Guest Master with hiswisdom, humility, contagious smile and laugh? Or Fr. JohnMarie and his holy presence at the Altar, introducing us toMary, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> America, and yet he talks to us aboutraising chickens and ducks. How can we not pray for andthink about Brother Patrick, who looks like St. Hardini, andhis spirituality is like <strong>Saint</strong> Therese’s, the Little Flower <strong>of</strong>Jesus?Holiness radiates to its surroundings. This is why we areanxious to be at the Most Holy Trinity Monastery for a retreatevery year. The 5 a.m. Safro starts our day <strong>of</strong> prayer untilthe 8:45 p.m. night prayer that prepares us for a peacefulsleep with the blessings <strong>of</strong> Mother Mary. This year our dayswere filled with the study <strong>of</strong> the Acts <strong>of</strong> the Apostles and theLetters <strong>of</strong> St. Paul. Of course, our day would not be completewithout a few walks, rosaries and heated discussions. DailyLiturgy, reflections and silent prayers in front <strong>of</strong> theEucharist, and the sacrament <strong>of</strong> reconciliation provide thecore <strong>of</strong> our spiritual nourishment.by Mary GhosnSt. Ephrem Academy in San Diego, California, alongwith Fr. Nabil Mouannes, Pastor, celebrated the Feast<strong>of</strong> All <strong>Saint</strong>s on All Hallows Eve (Halloween) byfeaturing the Parade <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong>s as well as presenting to thecommunity various Lives <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong>s reports. This has been anannual event celebrated by the Academy since the year 2001in the hope <strong>of</strong> restoring the Feast <strong>of</strong> Halloween to its Catholicroots. The day also features a small festival as well as lunchfor the students and their families and friends. <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong>Christmas DirectivesChristmas Novena: His Excellency Bishop GregoryMansour has asked that the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Christmas Novena becelebrated in all the parishes <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> from December 15 to December 23, 2008,inclusive.Christmas Eve Liturgy: It is not the custom <strong>of</strong> the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church to celebrate Christmas before midnight.However, the Chancery Office is fully aware that in manyareas the Christmas Eve Liturgy (around 5:00 p.m.) is verypopular. Therefore, pastors are urged to do all they can tomaintain the midnight tradition if at all possible. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 9 December 2008
North Jackson, OhiothHuman Life Guild Speakers Mark Encyclical’s 40 AnniversaryThe following was written by Marly Kosinski, a journalist working in Warren, Ohio, and freelancing for theCatholic Exponent, Official Newspaper <strong>of</strong> the Catholic Diocese <strong>of</strong> Youngstown, Ohio. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>reprints it with the permission <strong>of</strong> the Catholic Exponent.Small white crosses in the front <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon National Shrine in NorthJackson, Ohio, represent the children who have been murdered by abortion. Theywere placed by members <strong>of</strong> the Human Life Guild as a memorial to all the unborn,aborted babies. They remained there for the remainder <strong>of</strong> the month <strong>of</strong> October.(Picture by Tom Navarra).Human life and human love werethe themes <strong>of</strong> a Respect LifeConference held October 4, 2008at the National Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong>Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. Theconference was sponsored by thediocesan Human Life Guild.Melinda Knight, Director <strong>of</strong> thediocesan Office <strong>of</strong> Pro-Life, Marriageand Family, said the conference was akick-<strong>of</strong>f to Respect Life Month(October). The conference has beenheld the past four or five years, withvarious pro-life themes each year – forexample, abortion, stem-cell researchand human cloning.She said this year’s conference wastha celebration <strong>of</strong> the 40 anniversary <strong>of</strong>“Humanae Vitae,” the encyclical letter<strong>of</strong> Pope Paul VI “on the regulation <strong>of</strong>birth” (July 25, 1968). The document’sLatin title means “Of Human Life,” andthe encyclical reaffirmed the traditionalteaching <strong>of</strong> the Catholic Churchopposing contraception and abortionand addressing other issues pertainingto marriage and the transmission <strong>of</strong>human life.The conference began with adiscussion <strong>of</strong> “Humanae Vitae” byDominican Father James Sullivan,pastor and prior <strong>of</strong> St. Dominic Parishin Youngstown. At the time “HumanaeVitae” was promulgated, FatherSullivan said, many people weredisappointed and even resentful todiscover that Pope Paul VI had notchanged the teaching <strong>of</strong> the Churchregarding contraception. The priest saidhe hoped that, by the end <strong>of</strong> his talk,attendees would see why the popecould not change this “necessary truth”and why the Church was proven rightin preserving its teaching.Father Sullivan discussed the timeperiod in which the encyclical waswritten, a time that followed the TetOffensive <strong>of</strong> the Vietnam War, theassassination <strong>of</strong> Dr. Martin Luther KingJr. and the assassination <strong>of</strong> Sen. RobertF. Kennedy. He explained the processin which Vatican <strong>of</strong>ficials were asked tosign the document and the reaction theencyclical received from the laity andreligious communities.“Priests and laity alike struggledwith the concepts presented in‘Humanae Vitae’ and those strugglescontinue today. But more people realizethere has to be something to ‘HumanaeVitae’ and Pope Paul VI had to be rightabout something, because all thepredictions he made have, sadly, cometrue, right down to the last detail,”Father Sullivan said.He cited various newspaper articlesdealing with the birth control pill,including one that estimated 11.7million people in the United States useit every week, and 13.8 millionAmericans are sterilized each year. Hetalked about the birth control pill andthe medical problems associated withtaking it that he said have been welldocumentedin medical journals and studies.“It’s really important for us to getto the heart <strong>of</strong> the abortion issue, whichis contraception,” he said. “The reasonwe have abortions in this country isbecause we have contraception. And wenot only have the means forcontraception, but we have acontraception mentality in this country.The only way to change that is by notjust accepting the precepts <strong>of</strong> ‘HumanaeVitae,’ but by being re-invigorated bythem so we can go and change others.”“We have to have the courage tostand up for our faith and embrace thisconcept so we can then convince others<strong>of</strong> its importance,” Father Sullivan said.He then discussed the history <strong>of</strong>“Humanae Vitae,” noting that thecatalyst for it began in 1930, when theWorld Confederation <strong>of</strong> AnglicanChurches began allowing marriedcouples, and only married couples, toThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 10 December 2008
use contraception (barrier methods andeventually oral contraceptives).“Well, we see how long [allowingonly married couples to usecontraception] lasted. And between1930 and 1968, many things were doneto advance the birth control pillspecifically, but also [to advance]anything that separates life from love,which is the theme <strong>of</strong> this conference.The Church was faced with manychallenges in the early 1960s when thepill was discovered, and Pope JohnXXIII summoned a commission to lookat the issue.Their opinion was, sadly, that theChurch change its view and that waspublicized before Pope Paul VI issued‘Humanae Vitae’,” Father Sullivansaid.He said the commission, whichconsisted <strong>of</strong> scientists and clergymembers, recommended that Paul VIchange his opinion, but he did not. Thepriest continued with an outline <strong>of</strong> thefour predictions Paul VI made aboutwhat would happen in a society thatembraced artificial birth control,including:Marital infidelity and a generallowering <strong>of</strong> moral standards, whichhe said would have a particulardevastating effect on the young.Father Sullivan cited the example<strong>of</strong> the sexual experimentation <strong>of</strong>teenagers so prevalent in today’ssociety;That man would reduce woman tobeing a mere instrument <strong>of</strong> thesatisfaction <strong>of</strong> his own desires. Thepriest cited the example <strong>of</strong>pornography and television showsthat promote promiscuity;That certain governments woulduse contraception as a weapon anda means to control othergovernments. Father Sullivan saidthat in the past, the United Stateshas told certain Central Americancountries that they could notreceive American aid unless theyadopted birth control policies fortheir people.That contraception would givepeople a false understanding thatthere are no limits to the power <strong>of</strong>man over his own body. FatherSullivan said Paul VI believed thatif people could control when life isgiven and when it’s not given, theywould have a false sense <strong>of</strong>themselves as human persons.Father Sullivan said all <strong>of</strong> thepredictions have come true and the lastone especially has bearing on scientificconcepts such as cloning andembryonic stem-cell research.“At the time <strong>of</strong> Paul VI, the Churchwas seen as out <strong>of</strong> step and out <strong>of</strong>touch. All we can do as members <strong>of</strong> theChurch today is reconsider theseconcepts and attempt to unseat thiscontraceptive mentality because then allthe other problems, original sinnotwithstanding, will disappear,” hesaid. “The greater lesson here is one <strong>of</strong>God’s grace transforming our lives sothey are not reduced purely to the level<strong>of</strong> nature.”Father Sullivan’s talk served as anintroduction to the second speaker,Coleen Kelly Mast, an internationalspeaker on chastity education and aCatholic Radio talk show host. KellyMast is the author <strong>of</strong> the “Sex Respect”and “Love and Life” programs, bothaimed at teenagers.She spent some time discussing theprograms and how she got involved inteaching them, followed by personalstories <strong>of</strong> her struggles with pregnancyand motherhood. She said during hersecond pregnancy, she was diagnosedwith Rh disease, which is caused byincompatibility between the blood <strong>of</strong> amother and her fetus.Kelly Mast said doctors wereencouraging her to have an abortion,telling her that the baby would be bornwith retardation or not survive at all, aswell as putting her at risk. After her sonwas born with no health issues, thosesame doctors encouraged her to besterilized because <strong>of</strong> the risk <strong>of</strong> havinganother Rh baby.She said she and her husband beganusing Natural Family Planning to spacetheir children in a manner that woulddecrease the health risks for her and thebaby. (The only family planningmethod approved by the Church, NFPteaches a couple to monitor theirfertility so they know when to beintimate and when to abstain. It is notthe old unreliable “rhythm method” <strong>of</strong>the past.) She said five years went bywithout her getting pregnant. Then sheand her husband stopped using NaturalFamily Planning, inviting God todecide when they would have their nextchild.Kelly Mast said her third pregnancywas worse than the second and her sonwas two months premature. She saidthe baby was literally killing herbecause she became so ill because <strong>of</strong>the Rh factor, and she was killing herbaby with her (incompatible) blood.Still, they both survived, proving thedoctors wrong again.“I figured my son and I wouldbecome the poster children <strong>of</strong> the prolifemovement,” she said. However, thespeaker said she did not want to giveher talk on negative topics such as antiabortionand anti-birth control, butsomething positive – a way <strong>of</strong> lovingthat surpasses all others and a love sogreat that it reflects the love <strong>of</strong> theinventor <strong>of</strong> love Himself, God.“God created a love, a unity <strong>of</strong> twohuman beings that no other creature canseparate – a love that comes alive in theother person and is all encompassing; alove that can only be defined assacramental love, which is not onlynatural but supernatural. A man andwoman are meant to be co-creators[with God], and doing so reflects thelove that God intended,” Kelly Mastsaid.She said intimate love betweenmarried persons is a way <strong>of</strong> expressingtheir love and should not be treated assomething ordinary because ittransforms a couple and prepares themfor creating a family. She used the OldTestament story <strong>of</strong> Adam and Eve toexplain how God created Eve asAdam’s perfect partner, to which Adammarveled, “finally, this is bone <strong>of</strong> mybone and flesh <strong>of</strong> my flesh.”Using a couple from the audienceto accompany her narration <strong>of</strong> the Biblestory, Kelly Mast pointed out how theserpent’s successful temptation <strong>of</strong> Evecorrupted her relationship with Adamand forever changed man’s relationshipwith God. She continued speakingabout conjugal (marital) love, saying itmeans being open to God’s plan forchildren, saying yes to commitment andfidelity, and emptying one’s self intoanother person, not in the physicalsense but in the emotional and spiritualsense.(Continues on Page 20)The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 11 December 2008
The Universal Declaration Of Human RightsSixty Years Laterby Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.December 10, 2008, is the 60 thanniversary <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>ficialsigning <strong>of</strong> the United Nations’landmark Universal Declaration <strong>of</strong>Human Rights. To mark this specialoccasion and to evaluate the currentstatus <strong>of</strong> this key document, theEmbassy <strong>of</strong> the U.S.A. to the VaticanCity State organized a series <strong>of</strong>conferences.The theme <strong>of</strong> the daylong forumheld on October 16 was “For Everyone,Everywhere: Universal Human Rightsand the Challenge <strong>of</strong> Diversity.” Themeeting hall at the host Istituto MariaSantissima Bambina was bulging withprelates, ambassadors, pr<strong>of</strong>essors, andstudents who came to learn from thestellar speakers on the program.For six decades the Declaration hasbeen bandied about by supporters anddetractors. During his May 2008appearance at the United Nations PopeBenedict XVI indicated some threatsand opposition to the document incurrent times, and highlighted the needto scrutinize progress and bolster thismodern magna carta.In response to the papal invitationto evaluate this Human Rights Project,Mary Ann Glendon , U.S. Ambassadorto the Holy See, opened the forum witha paper by University <strong>of</strong> Chicagopolitical theorist, Jean Bethke Elshtain.Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Elshtain explained how theuniversality <strong>of</strong> the Declaration has beenquestioned by some factions in recenttimes, who consider it a “Westerndocument” which reflects only thethinking <strong>of</strong> the European-influencedparts <strong>of</strong> the world and by particularinterest groups in the West. Suchattitudes contribute to the fragmentation<strong>of</strong> the Declaration, as though it was<strong>of</strong>fering a buffet <strong>of</strong> choices. Bothgroups reinterpret the documentbecause they choose to ignore itsfundamental understanding <strong>of</strong> thedignity <strong>of</strong> the human person, the mostimportant contribution <strong>of</strong> Catholicsocial teaching to the formulationprocess <strong>of</strong> the Declaration.In another presentationAmbassador Glendon paid tribute to the“great generation” <strong>of</strong> diplomats whoserved on the composing commission<strong>of</strong> eighteen members which was headedby Eleanor Roosevelt. She pointed outthat the Declaration’s adoption withouta single dissenting vote was a nearmiracle, considering the culturaldiversity <strong>of</strong> the commission and thepolitical minefield in which they had towork.In the troubled times <strong>of</strong> the late1940s relations between the SovietUnion and the West were deterioratingrapidly, Glendon explained, andconflicts were erupting in many areas<strong>of</strong> the world, especially in Palestine,Greece, Korea, and China. Yet onlyeight <strong>of</strong> the fifty-eight member statesabstained: Saudi Arabia, South Africa,and the six-member Soviet bloc. Anddespite the Chinese civil war thatspawned the People’s Republic <strong>of</strong>China in the year following theDeclaration’s adoption, one <strong>of</strong> theprincipal authors <strong>of</strong> the document wasthe Chinese delegate, Confucianphilosopher P’eng ch’un Chang.Glendon also commented on theremarkable collaboration <strong>of</strong> RenéCassin, a backer <strong>of</strong> the State <strong>of</strong> Israel,and the Lebanese delegate, CharlesMalik, a staunch Christian who was atthat time the leading spokesman for theLeague <strong>of</strong> Arab States. They foundcommon ground to work together inproducing the Declaration underemotionally charged conditions.Melding the wisdom <strong>of</strong> manycultures and the efforts <strong>of</strong> many minds,the Declaration seemed universal whenthe forty-eight nations adopted it. Doesit still speak to all peoples?Ambassador Glendon pointed out thatsome authoritarian regimes began tocomplain <strong>of</strong> “Western culturalimperialism” in the human rightsproject. Those charges, she noted, werefollowed by efforts <strong>of</strong> special interestgroups to formulate their agendas interms <strong>of</strong> human rights. “The more theHuman Rights Project showed itspower in places like South Africa andEastern Europe,” she commented, “themore intense became the efforts tocapture its prestige for various ends, notall <strong>of</strong> which were respectful <strong>of</strong> humandignity.”She concluded her address bystrongly encouraging all participants tothcelebrate this 60 anniversary bycarefully reading the document, not assimply a list <strong>of</strong> statements, but as a“whole with mutually conditioningparts.”Following Ambassador Glendon’schallenging analysis came anextraordinary panel who spoke in asession chaired by JapaneseAmbassador to the Holy See, KagefumiUeno. The speakers were Pr<strong>of</strong>essorHsin-chi Kuan <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong>Hong Kong and Habib Malik, son <strong>of</strong>the UN charter delegate Charles Malikand pr<strong>of</strong>essor at the Lebanese AmericanUniversity in Beirut. Their compellinginterventions were frank and forthrightabout past and present situations andsupported the proposition that there hasbeen and is a universal basis for thenotion <strong>of</strong> human rights that resonateswith people <strong>of</strong> the East and Middle Eastas well as the West.Other papers by Cardinal RenatoMartino and Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Janne Matlaryrelated Catholic social thought to theDeclaration and re-established theDeclaration in the original vision <strong>of</strong> itsauthors as an integral text withinterdependent parts.The closing session <strong>of</strong> the day wasan address by Father Thomas Williams,author <strong>of</strong> Who Is My Neighbor?Personalism and the Foundations <strong>of</strong>Human Rights. He tackled the thornyquestion <strong>of</strong> how to recognize auniversal foundation for human rights.The framers <strong>of</strong> the Declaration based iton the centrality <strong>of</strong> the idea <strong>of</strong> humandignity. But others in later yearschipped away at that very foundationcausing a fragmentation <strong>of</strong> the notion <strong>of</strong>universal human rights. FatherWilliams contrasted two incompatiblevisions <strong>of</strong> human dignity: one that seesdignity possessed by all human beingsin equal measure, and only by humanbeings; and a second outlook that seesdegrees <strong>of</strong> dignity both among humanbeings and among other species as well.Naturally, only the first vision iscapable <strong>of</strong> grounding universal humanrights.(Continues on Page 20)The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 12 December 2008
Westchester, New YorkThird Annual Parish DinnerPawtucket, Rhode IslandFund-Raising RaffleSt. George <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Pawtucket,Rhode Island is conducting a fund-raising raffle to helprebuild the church which was destroyed by fire moretwo years ago.The Grand Prize is a New Corvette or $50,000 cash.Also ten $1000 prizes will be awarded. Drawings will takeplace after 1500 tickets are sold. Donation is $100 per ticketand the winner needs not be present.For more information about ticket sales, please contactthe Church at 401-723-8444 or Fred Simon at 401-769-3000or Deeb Tannous at 401-265-1800. Please note that this <strong>of</strong>feris void where it is prohibited by law. North Jackson, OhioShrine’s Online Gift Shopby Rita ZiheeniThe Westchester <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Mission (WCMCM)in Westchester, N.Y., gathered for its Third AnnualFamily Dinner on November 16, 2008 at Place Knights<strong>of</strong> Columbus in White Plains, N.Y. Adults, teenagers andkids enjoyed the pre-festivities <strong>of</strong> Thanksgiving andChristmas.The Dinner was indeed a festivity by itself. The crowd <strong>of</strong>almost 180 parishioners made it an exceptional event. FatherJean Younes opened with a prayer, and the kids’ show thatfollowed was equally enjoyed by adults! Following theshow, dinner was served. Mr. Sami Khoueiri, the President<strong>of</strong> the Parish Council, recognized with a gift the efforts <strong>of</strong>Ms. Katia Daaboul in setting up and maintaining its website.It is important to mention that Ms. Daaboul has undertakenher task while residing in Lebanon. To check our website,please follow the link: www.wmcm.org.At WMCM, we never forget our parents in Lebanonespecially during this time <strong>of</strong> the year. For that reason, thedinner included a 50/50 raffle to help students pay theirtuition in our home country.Even though the night ended, we promise you many moreto come, especially our upcoming Christmas party onDecember 19. See you then! Something Beautiful For God“To Show great love for God and our neighbor we neednot do great things.It is how much we put in the doing, that makes our<strong>of</strong>fering something beautiful for God.”Mother Theresa <strong>of</strong> CalcuttaThe National Shrine <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon in NorthJackson, Ohio, takes great pleasure in announcing theopening <strong>of</strong> its online gift shop. The website carries avariety <strong>of</strong> items sure to catch the eye <strong>of</strong> everyone searchingfor a great gift or looking to enrich their spiritual life.Whether it is a crucifix needed for a new home, a statue fora special feast day, or a First Communion gift, the online giftshop is sure to have something for the occasion.The online gift shop <strong>of</strong>fers twenty different categoriesthat cover everything from art to miscellaneous items.Access to the gift shop website is easy. It can be reachedthrough Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Shrine’s home page atwww.ourlady<strong>of</strong>lebanonshrine.com by clicking on one <strong>of</strong> sixbuttons. The most visible being the one with the green bowon top. Direct access is also available atwww.Ourlady<strong>of</strong>lebanonshrine.com/giftshop.html. The siteis secure and all major credit cards are accepted. Shipping isquick and reliable through UPS. Questions and concerns canbe addressed easily either by calling the gift shop at 330-538-3351, ext. 1 or by emailing the gift shop atgiftshop@Ourlady<strong>of</strong>lebanonshrine.com. Deadline for next month’s issue <strong>of</strong>The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> is December 26,2008.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> is the <strong>of</strong>ficialNewsletter <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> OurLady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon and <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Brooklyn</strong>.Send all changes <strong>of</strong> address, news, pictures and personalcorrespondence 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.comPictures must be original. Digital pictures must be in“JPG” format.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> is also available online, in PDFformat, at www.stmaron.org. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 13 December 2008
Waterville, MaineAnnual Christmas Bazaarby Fr. Larry JensenSt. Joseph <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Catholic Church in Waterville,Maine, had its annual Christmas Bazaar on November15, 2008. There were people waiting to enter up to anhour before the doors opened to the public. These were"pr<strong>of</strong>essional" shoppers hoping to get first choice from theWhite Elephant Table. Fortunately, the many booths withcrafts, baked goods, and other items were ready for someearly customers.The big selling items were the spinach and meat pies. Thedemand was greater than the supply and we were sold outbefore noon. MYO helped with the popcorn and soda standand the baked goods table was also a popular attraction. If thesuccess <strong>of</strong> a Bazaar is measured by selling out <strong>of</strong> all fooditems, then we certainly qualified!The Bazaar ended with several raffles, with prizesranging from floral arrangements and framed art to giftcertificates from several area businesses. The laughter,smiles, and greetings <strong>of</strong> parishioners and friends say loudly,a great time was had by all! Newtown Square, PennsylvaniaChildren’s Halloween Partyby Lillian ShahadeOn October 24, St. Sharbel <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church inNewtown Square, Penn., held its annual Halloweenparty for children <strong>of</strong> all ages. A large number <strong>of</strong>children showed up for the party with parents in tow. Therewere no ghouls, ghosts or scary costumes this year. Therewere cowgirls, cowboys, clones, comic book heroes, clowns,princesses and pirates. Fr. Paul Mouawad, Pastor, evenshowed up in costume, but the children guessed him rightaway.The children had a great time playing spin art, mini races.dunking for apples, egg on a spoon and the biggest treat <strong>of</strong> allis always the piñata when the kids get the chance to grab allthe candy they can grab.A light dinner and desserts were prepared by several <strong>of</strong> themothers. A special thanks goes to Laila and David Haddad,Mina and Maryam Alsaigh, Norma and Christina Muaddi andReema Naser who took care <strong>of</strong> all the games and saw to itthat the kids had a great time. Schedule <strong>of</strong> Bishop Gregory MansourDecember 6, 2008Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.December 14, 2008Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.December 15-16, 2008Catholic University <strong>of</strong> America, Board <strong>of</strong> TrusteesMeeting, Washington, D.C.December 21, 2008Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon Cathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.December 24-25, 2008Christmas Celebration, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> LebanonCathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.January 6, 2009Epiphany <strong>of</strong> the Lord, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> LebanonCathedral, <strong>Brooklyn</strong>, N.Y.January 9-11, 2009Deacons and Subdeacons Retreat, Our Lady <strong>of</strong>Florida Retreat House, West Palm Beach, Fla.January 12-16, 2009Annual Clergy Retreat, Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Florida, WestPalm Beach, Fla.January 16-18, 2009Order <strong>of</strong> <strong>Saint</strong> Sharbel Annual Retreat, West PalmBeach, Fla. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 14 December 2008
Phoenix, ArizonaCostume PartySpeaking on behalf <strong>of</strong> the MYA, we love to host picnicslike these. It allows all <strong>of</strong> us in the community to spendquality time with each other as well as escape from theeveryday routine <strong>of</strong> the week. We have a great chance tobond by spending the whole day together. San Francisco, CaliforniaKnights <strong>of</strong> Columbus ChapterMembers <strong>of</strong> St. Joseph Mission’s MYA group prepare fortheir picnic on October 12, 2008.by Fr. Ghattas KhouryOn Sunday, October 26, 2008, <strong>Saint</strong> Joseph <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>Mission in Phoenix, Arizona held its annualHalloween party. Children from different age groupsand their families participated. There was a variety <strong>of</strong>costumes and decorations; the Church’s social hall was filledwith excitement and joy. MYO members and high schoolstudents participated in the decorating and in making thefood. It was great to see the smiles on the children’s faces asthey played musical chairs, and gracefully competed in thecostume contest. The music filled the hall and encouragedeveryone to dance. Laughs could be heard from all around,and everyone had a great time. The MYO did a great job inconducting the games and keeping everything organized andunder control. Also, the ladies who helped in the kitchen didan outstanding job. As the end <strong>of</strong> the night rolled around, theMYO stood together and made sure everything was cleanedup. Many thanks to all who helped out and participated in thisparty.MYA PicnicThe <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Young Adults (MYA) <strong>of</strong> St. Joseph<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Mission in Phoenix, Arizona, hosted a picnicat Chaparral Park. Fr. Ghattas Khoury celebrated theDivine Liturgy under the bright sun and cool breeze. As soonas Liturgy was over, people lined up for a lunch prepared bythe MYA. Our small knit group pulled together and servedto make the picnic as successful as possible. Also, manygames were played and many people enjoyed the three majorcard tournaments.by Nicole RishwanSan Francisco Bay area’s community <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong>Lebanon <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church is working hard to establisha Knight <strong>of</strong> Columbus Council. The prospect knightsmet for the first time at Sinbad Restaurant and shared MiddleEastern dinner together. The prospect Grand Knight KhalilSaikali explained the mission statement and goals <strong>of</strong> theknights and answered questions. “The Knight <strong>of</strong> Columbusfraternity was formed to render financial aid to members andtheir families. Mutual aid and assistance are <strong>of</strong>fered to sick,disabled and needy members and their families. Social andintellectual fellowship is promoted among members and theirfamilies through educational, charitable, religious, socialwelfare, war relief and public relief works.” Prayer For Priestly VocationsFather, in every generation You provide ministers <strong>of</strong> Christand the Church.We come before You now, asking that You call forth moremen to serve our eparchies in the ministerial priesthood.Give us priests who will lead and guide Your holy peoplegathered by Word and Sacrament.Bless us with priestly vocations so that we can continue tobe a truly Eucharistic Church,strengthened in our discipleship <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ, Your OnlySon.Raise up, we pray, men who are generous in their service,willing to <strong>of</strong>fer their lives and all their gifts for Yourgreater glory and for the good <strong>of</strong> Your people.We make our prayer in the presence and power <strong>of</strong> the HolySpirit, through Christ, our Lord.Amen.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 15 December 2008
The Documents <strong>of</strong> the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Patriarchal Synod areavailable in Arabic from <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications for $15plus $5 shipping, and in English for $25 plus $5 shipping.The Prayer <strong>of</strong> the Faithful, three volumes <strong>of</strong> morning andevening prayers <strong>of</strong> the faithful in English, is available from<strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications.Volume One (Sundays <strong>of</strong> the Church; Season <strong>of</strong>Announcements; Birth <strong>of</strong> the Lord and Epiphany) is availablefor $40 plus $5 shipping.Volume Two (Seasons <strong>of</strong> Great Lent and Resurrection)is available for $40 plus $5 shipping.Volume Three (Seasons <strong>of</strong> Pentecost and Holy Cross) isavailable for $30 plus $5 shipping.The Prayer <strong>of</strong> the Faithful (in Arabic), also three volumes <strong>of</strong>morning and evening prayer <strong>of</strong> the faithful, is now availablefrom <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications for $75 plus $10 shipping.Mary in the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church, by Archbishop BoutrosGemayel and translated by Fr. Georges El-Khalli, is nowavailable from <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications for $15 plus $4shipping.A Book <strong>of</strong> Blessings and Prayers: This book contains anintroduction and pastoral notes regarding blessings accordingto the <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Rite. The work is divided into six parts: Theblessing <strong>of</strong> persons; objects; oil, water, and air; places;articles for liturgical use; prayers for various occasions andneeds. It is available in hard cover (185 pages) for $20 plus$5 shipping.The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong>s, History and Constants by Antoine KhouryHarb. This 245-page hardcover book on the history <strong>of</strong> the<strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> Church contains more than 600 full-colorillustrations and is available for $45 plus $5 shipping.To order your copy (ies) please write to:<strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications4611 Sadler RoadGlen Allen, Virginia 23060For further information, call (804) 762-4301. For a completelisting <strong>of</strong> publications carried by <strong>Saint</strong> <strong>Maron</strong> Publications,please visit www.stmaron.org. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 16 December 2008
Austin, TexasThe deadline is April 1, 2009 (incomplete or late applicationswill not be accepted). Submit all materials to:ADC Research Institute, Attn: Dr. Nawar Shora1732 Wisconsin Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20007. Fall River, MassachusettsChristmas Bazaar(Left to Right) Lauren, Lance, Krissie, Luke, and DeaconRonnie Lastovica.Deacon Ronnie Lastovica recently received permissionfrom Bishop Aymond <strong>of</strong> the Catholic Diocese <strong>of</strong>Austin and Bishop Shaheen <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> OurLady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon to work at Our Lady’s <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> CatholicParish in Austin, Texas. Scholarships AvailableJack G. Shaheen 2009Mass Communications ScholarshipsPurpose: To honor Arab-American students who excel inmedia studiesAmount: $1000Eligibility College students classified as a junior, senior, or enrolledin graduate school for the 2009-2010 academic yearmajoring in journalism, radio, television, and/or film Must have a minimum <strong>of</strong> 3.0 GPA and be a U.S. citizen<strong>of</strong> Arab heritageApplicants please submit the following items to the ADCResearch Institute:• A one page statement explaining your goals andstating that: you are a U.S. citizen; you are <strong>of</strong> Arabheritage; and why you merit the scholarship.• Two original signed letters <strong>of</strong> recommendation frommass communications pr<strong>of</strong>essors.• Copies <strong>of</strong> your articles, videos, films, etc. (The itemswill not be returned to you).• Official academic transcripts including your GPA• Permanent home address, phone number, e-mailaddress, phone number during the school year.Left to right: Noreen Burns, Lillian Nasser and MizetteNasser.by Theresa MassoudSunday, November 23, 2008, from 9-4 p.m., St. Anthony<strong>of</strong> the Desert’s Parish Hall in Fall River, Massachusetts,was transformed into a busy, happy, hive <strong>of</strong> activity asthe Parish hosted its Annual Christmas Bazaar and LebaneseFood Sale. Offerings from the Lebanese Kitchen and Pastrytable were enjoyed as well as the various items from the crafttables, country kitchen and enticing raffle baskets.From the CCD students who donated most <strong>of</strong> the raffleitems, to our veteran cooks who organized the ethniccooking, all generations participated. The following Sub-Chairpersons and their committees aided Chorbishop JosephF. Kaddo and bazaar Chairman Rochelle Kieron:Terry Galib (Publicity); Dennis Abdow and Terri Massoud(Posters); Beverly Burke and Lynne Nasiff (Kitchen); JemailLepage, Alice Hassoun, Fadia Youssef, Dora Peterson, VioletHowayeck and Annie Shaheen (Cooking Instructors); EvelynSimon and Noreen Burns (Pastry); Mary Ann and Ron Santos(Coat Sales); James Burke and Peter Nasiff (Beverages);Jackie Duarte (Crafters); Diane Coriarty (Country Kitchen);Andrea Nasiff (Dishwashers); Cathy Assad (Cashiers); andAnn Turley (Treasurer).A heartfelt “Thank you” to all who helped make ourannual bazaar a great success! The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 17 December 2008
Pope Wants Special Role forLebanonOn November 17, 2008, in the Vatican, the Holy Fatherreceived the Letters <strong>of</strong> Credence <strong>of</strong> Georges Chakib ElKhoury, the new ambassador <strong>of</strong> Lebanon to the HolySee, to whom he expressed the hope that the Lebanese people"may courageously continue their efforts to build a unitedand solidary society."The millennial history <strong>of</strong> the country, and the place itoccupies at the center <strong>of</strong> a complex region, give it afundamental mission to contribute to peace and harmonyamong everyone," said the Holy Father.After highlighting how "because <strong>of</strong> its experience <strong>of</strong> lifeand <strong>of</strong> inter-community and inter-cultural collaboration,Lebanon is a 'treasure' that has been entrusted to all theLebanese people," the Pope expressed the hope that "theinternational community may protect and value the countryand, through real commitment, may contribute to preventingit [from] becoming a land in which regional and globalconflicts are played out. Lebanon must, then, be a laboratoryin which to seek effective solutions to the conflicts that havelong troubled the Middle East."The election <strong>of</strong> the President <strong>of</strong> the Republic, theformation <strong>of</strong> a government <strong>of</strong> national unity and the approval<strong>of</strong> a new electoral law", he said, "will favor national cohesionand contribute to the true coexistence <strong>of</strong> the variouscomponents <strong>of</strong> the nation ... I hope that, leaving particularinterests to one side and healing the wounds <strong>of</strong> the past,everyone will make an effective commitment to the path <strong>of</strong>dialogue and reconciliation so that the country may progressin stability."The tensions that still exist demonstrate the need tocontinue down the path opened some months ago with theDoha Agreement, in order to build Lebanese institutionstogether," Pope Benedict noted. "In this commitment to thecommon good, people must be guided by an unshakeablecertainty: each member <strong>of</strong> the Lebanese people must feelLebanon as their home and know that their own concerns andlegitimate expectations are effectively taken intoconsideration, while showing reciprocal respect for the rights<strong>of</strong> others."To this end," the Holy Father went on, "it is necessaryto promote and develop true education for peace,reconciliation and dialogue, directed above all at the younggenerations. ... Lasting peace, which is the pr<strong>of</strong>oundaspiration <strong>of</strong> all Lebanese, is possible only if everyone givesfundamental importance to the will to live together in thesame land, and considers justice, reconciliation and dialogueas the appropriate context in which to resolve the problems <strong>of</strong>individuals and groups."On this subject, Pope Benedict XVI underlined howbuilding a society "which ensures all its members a free anddignified life" calls for "increasingly tight cooperationbetween all sides <strong>of</strong> the nation, based on trustingrelationships between individuals and communities."The Holy See," he said, "always follows events inLebanon very closely and pays particular attention to theefforts made to find a definitive solution to the problemsfacing the country. Particularly sensitive to the sufferingsundergone for so long by the people <strong>of</strong> the Middle East, theHoly See continues with determination its commitment topeace and reconciliation in Lebanon and throughout thatregion so beloved to all believers."Finally the Holy Father, recalling the recent beatification<strong>of</strong> Fr. Jacques Haddad, "apostle <strong>of</strong> mercy," greeted theCatholic community in Lebanon, inviting its members tobecome "architects <strong>of</strong> unity and fraternity."Vatican Information Service (VIS), November 17, 2008Pontiff Urges Practicing What YouPreachPope Benedict XVI says lay people are called to show theunity that should exist between faith and life, and urgedChristian politicians to be coherent with the faith theypr<strong>of</strong>ess. The Pope said this on Saturday, [November 15,rd2008) when he received participants in the 23 plenaryassembly <strong>of</strong> the Pontifical Council for the Laity. Theassembly was dedicated to a consideration <strong>of</strong> Pope John PaulII's apostolic exhortation "Christifideles Laici," some twentyyears after its publication.As challenges for the future, the Holy Father stressed theneed for greater and better formation, especially <strong>of</strong> youngpeople, as well as greater "coherence <strong>of</strong> life.""Every realm, circumstance and activity in which it is tobe hoped that the unity between faith and life can shine, isentrusted to the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the lay faithful, moved by adesire to communicate the gift <strong>of</strong> encountering Christ and thecertainty <strong>of</strong> the dignity <strong>of</strong> the human person," he said.The Pontiff further contended that there is an urgent needfor "evangelical formation and pastoral support <strong>of</strong> a newgeneration <strong>of</strong> committed Catholics in politics."Christian politicians must be "coherent with the faith theypr<strong>of</strong>ess, have moral rigor, the capacity to make judgmentsregarding culture, pr<strong>of</strong>essional competence and the passionto serve the common good," he affirmed.WomenThe Bishop <strong>of</strong> Rome also noted the particular role <strong>of</strong> womenin ecclesial and social life. "Not enough will ever be saidabout how much the Church acknowledges, appreciates andvalues women's participation in their mission at the service <strong>of</strong>the spread <strong>of</strong> the Gospel," he said.Pope Benedict XVI exhorted Christian women to havethe "courage to address demanding tasks," though heacknowledged that in doing this, they need "special sharpnessin discerning the cultural currents <strong>of</strong> our time, and thatspecial passion in caring for all that is human, whichcharacterizes [women]."Finally, the Pope mentioned the importance <strong>of</strong> thewitness <strong>of</strong> young people and their formation and contact withthe tradition <strong>of</strong> the Church, as manifested in World YouthDays."New generations," he said, "not only are the preferentialrecipients <strong>of</strong> the transmission and sharing <strong>of</strong> the Catholictradition, but are also individuals who expect in their ownheart proposals <strong>of</strong> truth and happiness, to be able to giveChristian witness <strong>of</strong> them, as already occurs in an admirableway." (Zenit.org, November 17, 2008)The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 18 December 2008
The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 19 December 2008
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, VIRGINIAContinued from Page 1Christmas 2008When you are faced with a decision, make it as wisely andprayerfully as possible, then forget it … We will never haveabsolute certainty in this life.And above all, remember God helps those who helpthemselves ... Act as if everything depends upon you andpray as if everything depends on God.Live each day to the fullest. Don’t be so eager to judge yourfellow man … Give the benefit <strong>of</strong> a doubt. Get the most fromeach hour, each day, each age that the Lord gives you inlife… and if God is in your heart, you can always lookforward with confidence and back without regrets.God Bless and keep you forever.Merry Christmas and Happy Blessed New Year to all.Sincerely yours in the Newborn Savior,+ Most Reverend Robert J. ShaheenBishop <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Eparchy</strong> <strong>of</strong> Our Lady <strong>of</strong> Lebanon.thEncyclical’s 40 AnniversaryContinued from Page 11“It is the Church’s job to protect this plan <strong>of</strong> God by teachingus the truth, saying ‘yes’ to His plan and passing it on to ourchildren and grandchildren so they may experience the samefulfillment in their marriages,” she said.Kelly Mast said conjugal love provides fulfillment inevery way for married couples, but outside <strong>of</strong> marriage,sexual relations becomes only sex and leaves people wantingmore. She said the focus today is on “instant and repetitivegratification” and has led to distortions <strong>of</strong> love as Godintended, including the legalization <strong>of</strong> homosexual marriage.She said men and women can enjoy each other physicallyduring marriage, but they should practice Natural FamilyPlanning and abstain from sex during a woman’s fertile daysif having a child would be irresponsible at that point in theirmarriage.“If we distort the relationship between procreation andintimacy, our love and spiritual life will die,” Kelly Mastconcluded. Declaration Of Human RightsContinued from Page 12Without that grounding, the Human Rights Project willdevolve into a simple list <strong>of</strong> special interests determined byconsensus and subject to the power plays <strong>of</strong> pressure groups.The entire text <strong>of</strong> the United Nations’ Universal Declaration<strong>of</strong> Human Rights (Preamble and thirty articles) may be foundonline at www.un.org/Overview/rights. The <strong><strong>Maron</strong>ite</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Volume IV Issue No. XI Page 20 December 2008