the maronite voice -...

TheMaronite Voice

A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA

Volume II Issue No. 12 December 2006

Christmas 2006Christmas Is About Love And, Therefore, Sacrifice

Just As There Was No Room In The Inn, There Is Still Today LittleRoom In Our Own Self-seeking World For This Loving,

Self-sacrificing God

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

True love requires sacrifice. In fact, sacrifice is atest of true love. Christmas is about love and,therefore, sacrifice.

During my visit to the parish of St. Theresa theLittle Flower in Brockton, Massachusetts, this pastOctober 1, 2006, on their patron saint’s feast day, Iwanted to talk to the children about sacrifice, a term solittle understood. Today, everything is about me andwhat I want. Sometimes we do not think of anyoneelse.

During my questions to the children, I asked aboutthe meaning of sacrifice. I thought they would tell meabout this or that giving up of something. To mysurprise, one young boy raised his hand and said “It isabout giving up yourself for others just as Jesus did.”From the mouth of a little child came the full definitionof the meaning of sacrifice…in fact, the meaning of life!

St. Theresa, contrary to our self-seeking world,lived a “little way” for others. During her life she“preferred the monotony of sacrifice to the ecstasy ofmystical experience.” This was because she was sure tofind God in sacrifice and love. On her deathbed, oneSister told her that she hopes she will “rest in peace.”The saint said, “No, I don’t want to rest in peace, Iwantto spend eternity doing good for others on earth!” Thisattitude summarizes her brief twenty-four years on thisearth. She wanted to be a person that was good forothers, whether by means of her life, prayer, penance oreven her death.

(Continues on Page 20)

Nativity of the Lord by Fr. Abdo Badwi, University of Holy Spirit,Kaslik, Lebanon (USEK), Department of Sacred Art.

The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No. 12 December 2006

The Maronite Voice4611 Sadler Road

Glen Allen, VA 23060Phone: 804/270-7234

Fax: 804/273-9914E-Mail: [email protected]

http://www.stmaron.orghttp://www.usamaronite.org

The Maronite Voice, (ISSN 1080-9880) the official newsletter of theMaronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.(Eparchy of OurLady of Lebanon ofLos Angeles and Eparchy of SaintMaron of Brooklyn), is publishedmonthly.

Send all changes of address, news,p i c t u r e s a n d p e r s o n a lcorrespondence to The MaroniteVoice at the above captionedaddress. Subscription rates are$20.00 per year. Advertising ratesare available upon request.

Publishers• Most Reverend Bishop Robert

Joseph Shaheen• Most Reverend Bishop Gregory

John MansourEditor Msgr. George M. SebaaliConsultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,

M.L.M.

Editing and proofreadingMary ShaiaAnne- Marie CondlinMichael Maynes

Printed in Richmond, Virginia.

Deacon And Subdeacon Retreat

Bishop Gregory Mansour has asked that all permanent Deacons andSubdeacons in the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn attend a retreat at OurLady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C., January 26– 28,

2007. Their wives are also invited to attend.

Maronite Youth Conference 2007

The annual Maronite Youth Conference for 2007 will take place at St. LouisUniversity in St. Louis, Missouri, July 3-8, 2007. The cost for the conferenceis $325 per person (double occupancy) and $375 (single occupancy-adults

only). The registration form and a non-refundable deposit of $150 per person aredue by April 20, 2007. The balance of payment is due no later than May 25, 2007.Applications submitted after April 20, 2007 will be subject to a late fee of $50 perperson. No late applications will be allowed after May 25, 2007. All applicationforms and documents are available online at www.maroniteyouth.org.

For more information call Fr. Gary George, Director of Youth Office, at (330)792-2371, by fax at (330) 792-3026 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Maronite CensusRegister your family in the

Maronite Censuswww.maronitecensus.net

email: [email protected]

or callEparchy of Saint Maron of

Brooklynat 1-718-237-9913

Eparchy of Our Lady ofLebanon

at 1-314-231-1021Leave your name and address andyou will receive the Census form

by mail.

Schedule of Bishop Robert Shaheen

December 10, 2006Children’s Liturgy, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.

December 15-17, 2006Ordination to the rank of Periodeut, Our Lady’s Church, Austin, Tex.

December 24-25, 2006Christmas Liturgy, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.

December 26-31, 2006Personal Retreat

January 6-7, 2007Ordination to the rank of Periodeut, St. Maron Church, Minneapolis, Minn.

January 22-26, 2007Annual Clergy Retreat, Phoenix, Ariz.

Schedule of Bishop Gregory Mansour

December 5, 2006Presbyteral Council Meeting, The Chancery Office, Brooklyn, N.Y.

December 6, 2006Interfaith Prayer Service for Lebanon, Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral,Brooklyn, N.Y.

December 13, 2006Board meeting of The Cedars Nursing Home, New Bedford, Mass.

December 17-24, 2006Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.

December 25, 2006 (Christmas Day)Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.

January 7, 2007 (Epiphany of the Lord)Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.

January 15-19, 2007Annual Clergy Retreat, West Palm Beach, Fla.


Left to right: Bishop Martin Amos of Cleveland; Msgr. LouisBaz, Pastor of Our Lady of the Cedars of Mt. Lebanon;Bishop Robert Shaheen of the Eparchy of Our Lady ofLebanon; and clergy and friends of Msgr. Baz.

Our warm personal greetings toyou and your families as we

celebrate the Incarnation of theSon of God.

We are grateful for the supportyou have given us during the

year.

May the Prince of Peace fill your hearts with His Love andPeace at Christmas and in the New Year.

From all of us here at The Maronite Voice, MerryChristmas and a Blessed and Joyful 2007

Maronite Tribunal To DecideRomanian Cases

The Tribunal of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklynhas been designated by the Holy See to decide themarriage annulment cases of Romanian Greek

Catholics in the United States beginning January 1, 2007.The decision was made in a recent decree issued by the

SupremeTribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome signedbyTheir Excellencies, Archbishop Agostino Vallini, Prefect,and Bishop Velasio De Paolis, C.S., Secretary. TheApostolic Signatura’s decree came as a favorable response toa petition submitted by His Excellency the Most ReverendJohn Michael Botean, Bishop of the Romanian GreekCatholic Eparchy of Saint George the Martyr in Canton,Ohio, and endorsed by His Excellency the Most ReverendGregory John Mansour, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy ofSaint Maron of Brooklyn. The proposal was also endorsedby His Excellency the Most Reverend Archbishop CyrilSalim Bustros, Bishop of the Melkite-Greek Eparchy ofNewton, [Massachusetts], whose Tribunal is the establishedCourt of Second Instance (Court of Appeals) for the Tribunalof the Eparchy of Saint Maron.

The new provision replaces the arrangement establishedby a 1991 decree of the Apostolic Signatura whereby allcases of the Romanian Greek Catholic faithful in the UnitedStates were entrusted to the Tribunals of the local LatinDiocese where they live. As the Romanian Eparchy grew,this provision had become unworkable because there was adifferent Tribunal for almost each Romanian parish. Underthe new provision, all the Romanian Greek Catholic caseswill be processed by trained Eastern canonists in both Firstand Second Instance. New cases filed from January 1, 2007on will be processed by the Maronite tribunal, while casesalready in progress in the Latin Tribunals on that date will becompleted in the Latin Tribunals.

The Annulment Brochure, forms and checklist for filingfor a marriage annulment are available from the MaroniteTribunal, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503-1279or in pdf format from the Eparchial Website,www.stmaron.org, by clicking on the “Marriage Tribunal”tab. Assistance can also be obtained by calling the Tribunalat (570) 207-2246 and speaking with the Very ReverendFrancis J. Marini, J.D., J.C.O.D., Judicial Vicar, or PatriciaVancosky, Tribunal Secretary, or by email [email protected].

Msgr. Louis Baz CelebratesTwenty Five Years of Priesthood

by John Jesser

On Wednesday, September 27, 2006, the Parish of OurLady of the Cedars of Mt. Lebanon in Akron, Ohio,honored its Pastor, Msgr. Louis Baz, on the occasion

of his Silver Anniversary.His Excellency Bishop Robert Shaheen, Bishop of the

Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon and Bishop Martin Amosof the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, joined severalarea priests and the Antonine Sisters from Youngstown,Ohio, for the celebration. An evening Thanksgiving liturgywas celebrated followed by a banquet at the parish hall.More than two hundred people from Detroit, Cleveland,Cincinnati, and New Castle, Penn., attended this joyousoccasion with Msgr. Baz.

Eparchial Directives

Christmas Novena: His Excellency Bishop GregoryMansour has asked that the Maronite Christmas Novena becelebrated in all the parishes of the Eparchy of Saint Maronof Brooklyn from December 15 to December 23, 2006inclusive.

Christmas Eve Liturgy: It is not the custom of theMaronite Church to celebrate Christmas before Midnight.However, the Chancery Office is fully aware that in many

areas the Christmas Eve Liturgy(around 5:00 P.M.) is very popular.Therefore, Pastors are urged to do all

they can to maintain theMidnight tradition if at allpossible.


Our Lady of Lebanon Church InWheeling, West Virginia,Celebrates Its 100-Year

Anniversary

On November 4, 2006, Our Lady of Lebanon Church, inWheeling, West Virginia, held its Centennial GrandCelebration, a lavish gala that was held in the

ballroom of the White Palace in Wheeling Park.His Excellency Robert Shaheen and Chorbishop Fouzi

Elia, Vicar General, joined The Most Reverend Michael J.Bransfield, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charlestonand many local dignitaries, parishioners, and a crowd of 350people for the celebration.

Amin Sultan and his band from New York provided thelive music entertainment. Dance performance was byAlhambra, a Middle East dance troupe of Cincinnati, Ohio.Pitaland of Pittsburgh, Penn., catered the Lebanese dinner.The flowers and decor were done in blue and white in honorof the Blessed Mother with numerous candles and votivescreating a beautiful aura in the ballroom.

Fr. Bakhos Chidiac, Pastor, has motivated and broughtlife to the parish in many ways, and it was most evident thismemorableevening. A special treat was having Fr. Chidiac’soldest sister, Basima, who was visiting here from Lebanon,share this occasion with her brother and the parishioners.Photographs of the event were taken by photographer NealWarren, and the evening was captured on video by awardwinning photographer Bryan Murray. Lou Khourey did awonderful job as Master of Ceremonies and the Committeeswho planned the celebration deserve much credit. Thegenerosityof those who love the Blessed Mother was obviousin the donations received.

On Sunday Bishop Robert Shaheen celebrated aPontifical Divine Liturgy. Following the Liturgy BishopShaheen blessed the ground of the new building site and thenjoined the congregation for a luncheon prepared by theLadies of the church.

It was a night that will long be remembered and

cherished as it was not only in honor of the Parish, but itevoked the memories of those loved ones whose sacrifice anddevotion made this occasion possible.

Assumption Pilgrimage 2006Our Lady of Lebanon National Shrine

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in NorthJackson, Ohio, celebrated the 41st Annual AssumptionPilgrimage on August 13-15, 2006.

Visitors and pilgrims came from near and far to celebratethis important spiritual event and to honor the Mother ofGod.

In spite of high fuel costs, many came and enjoyed thepeace and joy which the Shrine offers to all who visit.

Bishop Robert Shaheen of the Eparchy of Our Lady ofLebanon and Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Eparchy ofSaint Maron of Brooklyn, joined by many clergy andchildren, delighted in the arts and crafts activities as well asthe petting zoo. The ladies of Youngstown, Ohio, and NewCastle,Pennsylvania, joined forces with the Shrine volunteersand staff to provide meals for everyone. The AntonineSisters hosted the clergy for dinner on the first evening of thepilgrimage. The many donations received from the parishesof the Midwest region were a great help in allowing us tooffer the pilgrims a taste of many delicacies.

For the third year, the Pilgrimage was climaxed by aspectacular display of fireworks given in memory of SamAbdella.

At the instruction of the Eparchial Bishops and therequest of many visitors, the Pilgrimage for 2007 will be heldthe weekend of August 10-12, 2007 in order to allow visitorsto be present on the weekend. The Holy Day will continue tobe celebrated on August 15 as usual. information will bemade available as the time draws near.

Pro Life Weekend at the NationalShrine of Our Lady of Lebanon

On November 4-5, 2006, The National Shrine of OurLady of Lebanon hosted a Pro Life weekend given byFr. Giacomo Capoverdi, a priest of the Diocese of

Providence, Rhode Island. He is on special assignment withthe Priests For Life headed by Fr. Frank Pavone and locatedon Staten Island, N.Y.

Fr. Capoverdi was the guest preacher at the weekendliturgies and gave an explanation of why Catholics need to beaware of the role of the Christian conscience in daily publicand private life. He also explained the deceptions used bythose who claim personal opposition to abortion, yet vote forit.

Following the Sunday morning Liturgy all were invitedinto the Cedars Hall for refreshments.

Because of the very positive response, the Shrine isplanning to host another Pro Life weekend scheduled for thefirst weekend of November 2007.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon would liketo express a sincere thanks to Fr. Capoverdi and the PriestsFor Life whose work is of great importance to the unbornvictims.

Bishop Robert Shaheen addresses the parishioners of OurLady of Lebanon Church in Wheeling, West Virginia, on theoccasion of the 100-year anniversary. Fr. Bakhos Chidiac,Pastor, is to his left. Lou Khourey, Master of Ceremonies, isto his right.


Las Vegas, NevadaA Hermitage for St. Sharbel

Over 250 parishioners and friends joined ChorbishopFaouzi Elia, Vicar General of the Eparchy of OurLady of Lebanon, at Our Lady of Las Vegas Church to

bid farewell to Fr. George Chanine, Pastor, and to welcomeFr. Yousef Mouaness to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fr. Yousef Mouaness had accepted the responsibilitiesfor the St. Sharbel Maronite Mission in Las Vegas. Hegratefully moved from Lebanon to help the Mission achieveits dream of building a church and a strong community in LasVegas.

After the Liturgy, parishioners gathered at the site of thefuture Church to celebrate their first procession and blessingof the temporary modular home onsite. The processionaround the building was led by a plaque containing real bonesof the three saints of Lebanon (St. Sharbel, St. Rafka and St.Nimutallah Al-Hardini).

The parishioners later entered the building where theywere anointed with holy oil of St. Sharbel and venerated therelics of the three saints.

Shortly after his arrival, Fr. Yousef Mouaness met withall the parishioners, listening to their ideas, hopes, wishes,dreams and concerns. He also started working with theConstruction Committee to accelerate the plans and permits.

“Is it a dream or is it a miracle in the making, to build ahermitage for St. Sharbel among all the big, spacious andluxurious hotels and casinos of Las Vegas? I believe it is thecall of the desert,” Fr. Mouaness said about the events thatare unfolding in Las Vegas.

Food For ThoughtJoy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

Blessed Mother TeresaFounder of the Missionaries of Charity

Maronite Podcast Project

Maronites throughout the world are able to praytogether through new broadcast technology. TheMaronite Podcast, which was launched earlier this

year, is rapidly approaching its 100th episode. This podcastwas launched by Father Armando Elkhoury, Administratorof St. Rafka Maronite Mission in Denver, Colorado, andChris Pond, OCDS.

This podcast has a daily episode of the praying of theMaronite morning prayer (Safro) from the Prayers of theFaithful. It is hoped that the podcast will grow in the nextyear to include the daily evening prayer (Ramsho).

The podcast has listeners in the Americas, Europe, andAustralia and possibly other countries as well. Please give ita try and make it a part of your day. It is possible todownload it from iTunes or simply listen to it via the web atwww.thehiddenpearl.com.

Fr. Yousef Mouaness leads the parishioners of St. SharbelMaronite Mission, Las Vegas, Nevada, in a procession withthe relics of the Maronite Saints.

Holy Days Of Obligation For 2007(January 1-October 31, 2007)

These Feasts cannot be moved to a Sunday or besuppressed

January 1, 2007 The Circumcision, World Day ofPeace, New Year’s Day

January 6, 2007 The Epiphany

February 9, 2007 St. Maron

May 17, 2007 The Ascension of Our Lord

August 15, 2007 The Assumption of the Virgin

Feasts Transferred to the Nearest SundayWith the permission of the Apostolic See and the

Maronite Synod

June 24, 2007 Sts. Peter & Paul (normally June 29)

September 9, 2007 The Holy Cross (normally Sept. 14)

------------------ The Patron of individual parishes

Feasts To Be Celebrated But the Obligation toParticipate In the Divine Sacrifice Has Been

SuppressedWith the permission of the Maronite Synod

March 19, 2007 St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary

April 9, 2007 Easter Monday


Torrington, Conn.St. Maron Church Welcomes

Ambassador Ray Flynn

by Steven P. Marcus

Sunday, November 5, 2006, on the Feast of theConsecration of the Church, St. Maron Church inTorrington, Connecticut, welcomed the former

Ambassador to the Vatican, Ray Flynn. Ambassador Flynnattended the morning Divine Liturgy. After the liturgy, hespoke to a standing room only congregation and friends abouthis thirty year friendship with Pope John Paul II. Hispresentation was one of a series of programs for theenrichment and continuing education of our community.

Ambassador Flynn was the former mayor of the city ofBoston. His distinguished career started as a standoutbasketball player with Providence College where he earnedhisundergraduate degree. He went on for an advanced degreeat Harvard University. Appointed by former President BillClinton, Flynn served as Ambassador to the Holy See from1993 to 1997.

Thecongregation was in awe of the Ambassador’s storiesof the Holy Father. He said “I’ll leave it to the historians, butI think he (Pope John Paul II) was the one that brokecommunist control in Eastern Europe; he brought down theiron curtain.” Ambassador Flynn also recalled the story from1993 when the HolyFather told him about one of his greatestconcerns – the unrest that presented itself within the MiddleEast, especially Lebanon. Ambassador Flynn also weavedhumor into his presentation, as well as shared stories of hisworking relationship with Mother Theresa of Calcutta.

Ray Flynn is the author of two best selling books, “TheAccidental Pope” and “John Paul II – A Personal Portrait ofthe Pope and the Man.” Flynn would often travel with PopeJohn Paul II throughout the world. Pope John Paul II was the

most traveled head of State in the history of the world. ThePope always looked forward to His time spent with youngpeople and especially at the celebrations of World YouthDay. Ambassador Flynn shared the Pope’s hope for the youthof the world. “It was a wonderful celebration for the peopleof Torrington,” says Father Larry Michael. After thepresentation Ambassador Flynn and his wife, Kathy, joinedthe faithful of Torrington in the parish hall for a MiddleEastern brunch.

Minneapolis, Minn.A Busy Season At St. Maron

Church

The parish of Saint Maron of Minneapolis, Minn., hasbeen very busy after a short summer break. On theweekend of September 28-29, 2006, the parish

celebrated its Fourteenth Annual Touch of Lebanon Festivalwhich included many activities and Lebanese food andpastries. The MYO Dabke group performed a few timesduring the day.

On October 26, 2006 the Lebanon American Club heldits Annual Education Lebanese Buffet for the benefit of thechildren of the parish who attend parochial schools. It wasanother successful event!

On the weekend of November 11-12, 2006, the AltarSociety and Saint Anne’s Club held their Annual LebaneseBake Sale which offered many baking goods prepared for theChristmas season. Now the parish is getting ready bothspirituallyand socially for the Christmas season celebrations.We wish every one a very Merry Christmas.

Deadline for Next Month’s IssueThe deadline for next month’s issue of

The Maronite Voice is December26, 2006. Pictures have to beoriginal. Digital pictures must be in

“JPG” format.

Members of St. Maron’s MYO Dabke Group perform fortheir Annual Touch of Lebanon Festival.

Ambassador Ray Flynn addresses St. Maronparishioners in Torrington, Conn.


Somerset, N.J.St. Sharbel Church Celebrates Silver Jubilee

On October 28, 2006 the parish ofSt. Sharbel Maronite Church inSomerset, N.J., celebrated its

twenty-fif th anniversary. HisExcellency Bishop Gregory Mansourcelebrated a Pontifical Divine Liturgy.Chorbishop Michael Thomas, VicarGeneral; Fr. Maroun Asmar, Pastor ofSt. Sharbel Church; Msgr. IgnaceSadek, Rector of Our Lady of LebanonCathedral; Msgr. Peter Azar, Pastor ofSt. Anthony Maronite Church,Lawrence, Mass.; Fr. Sharbel Semaan,Pastor of Our Lady of LebanonMaronite Church, Waterbury, Conn.;Fr. Paul Mouawad, Pastor of St.Sharbel Church, Newtown Square,Penn.; Fr. Jean Younes, Our Lady ofLebanon Cathedral Assistant;Archimandrite John Faraj, Pastor of theVirgin Mary Melkite Church,Brooklyn, N.Y.; Fr. Joseph Kerrigan,Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, NewBrunswick, N.J.; and Director ofCatholic Charities, Metuchen Diocese,concelebrated. Deacon Naji Yousephof the Virgin Mary Melkite Church;Deacon Anthony Khoury of Our Lady

of Lebanon Church, Easton, Penn.; andJoseph Chebli, candidate for SubDeacon of St. Sharbel Church assistedat the altar. Honored guests includedMr. Mohammed El-Harake, ConsulGeneral of Lebanon and Mayor JamesCahill of New Brunswick, N.J.

In his homily Bishop Mansourgavethanks to God and commended theparish for their accomplishments. Inparticular he acknowledged that one oftheir own sons was ordained to thepriesthood, Msgr. Sharbel Maroun. Healso expressed appreciation for theirrole in establishing the Mission of OurLady Star of the East in Pleasantville,N.J.

The Order of St. Sharbel is verydear to the parish of St. Sharbel Church.Fr. Asmar continuously strives toincrease membership in order tostrengthen and promote the growth ofthe Maronite Church. Following theliturgy, His Excellency BishopMansour inducted Pierre HageBoutros, Edna Lemiska and PierreChedid into the Order.

Mayor Cahill presented Fr. Asmar

with a Proclamation from the City ofNew Brunswick congratulating theparish and honoring them for theiroutstanding service to the NewBrunswick/Somerset community.

The Grand Banquet was held at theEast Brunswick Hilton Hotel with fourhundred guests in attendance, includinga large group from Our Lady ofLebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn andparishioners from parishes ofPennsylvania. Chorbishop MichaelThomas gave the invocation followedby the singing of the Lebanese andAmerican national anthems. Fr. Asmarthen welcomed all those present andexpressed his gratitude to hispredecessors, Msgr. Peter Azar, Fr.Sharbel Semaan and ChorbishopMichael Thomas. He thanked them fortheir years of service and dedication tothe parish and for laying thefoundation. He went on to give thanksto Archbishop Francis M. Zayek,Bishop Stephen Hector Doueihi, andBishop Gregory Mansour for theirunwavering support and the leadershipthey have provided. His talk included adeep appreciation to the parishionersfor theirmany accomplishments such asclosing the mortgage of the church andrectory and the purchase of twoadditional homes.

Bishop Mansour, Fr. Maroun andTony Loubnan, Council President,presented Antoinette Chamoun with anaward from the parish family for hermany years of service to St. SharbelChurch. A large delegationrepresenting the Mission of Our LadyStar of the East made a presentation toFr. Maroun in appreciation for hisservice to them on a bi-weekly basis forthe last three years. The banquetconcluded with a surprise cake incelebration of Fr. Maroun’s 73rd

birthday followed by remarks andbenediction said by Msgr. Azar.

Bishop Gregory Mansour celebrates a Pontifical Divine Liturgy at St. SharbelMaronite Church in Somerset, N.J., on the occasion of the church’s silveranniversary.


Waterville, MaineChristmas Bazaar At St. Joseph

Church

For the weeks leading up to the November 4, 2006Christmas Bazaar, parishioners and friends of St. JosephMaronite Church were spending evenings and days

busilypreparing for two events. For the first event the Ladiesof the parish catered a Lebanese dinner for about twohundred people for the Maine Development Foundation.

A few days later they were busy cooking, baking andsetting up booths to sell food items and Christmas articles,from Christmas greens and garlands to all sorts of treasures,at the White Elephant table.

Fr. Pierre Bassil Addresses SerraClub of Columbus, Ohio

Fr. Pierre Bassil was the featured speaker at a recentmeeting of the Serra Club of Columbus, Ohio. TheSerra Club is a group of Catholic men and women who

join together to promote personal spiritual growth as well asvocations in the priesthood and religious life. The Columbusgroup was eager to learn about the Maronite Church and itspresence in Central Ohio. Fr. Bassil spoke about the historyof the Maronites, Maronite vocations and Maronite spiritualtraditions. The event culminated with the celebration of theMaronite Divine Liturgy. Fr. Jeff Rimelspach, Pastor of St.Joan of Arc Church in Powell, Ohio, and Fr. Timothy Hayes,Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Newark, Ohio,concelebrated. Fr. Pierre is the pastor of St. IgnatiusMaronite Church in Dayton and Administrator of Our Ladyof Lebanon Mission in Columbus, Ohio.

Pawtucket, Rhode IslandMYO Group Organizes Food Drive

The MYO group of St. George Maronite Church inPawtucket, Rhode Island, recently held a canned fooddrive and received an abundance of donations from

fellow parishioners. The canned food drive was to help theSt. Vincent De Paul Society run by St. Raymond's Church inProvidence, R.I. St. Raymond Church is the host church forthe Maronite parish while they rebuild their church after adevastating fire last fall.

Wilkes-Barre, Penn.Children’s Halloween Party

Left to right: Jessica Hodgkin, Cody Veilleux, Jody Veilleux,Fefa Deeb, Dan Casavant, Ben Hodgkin, Jake Hodgkin.

Members of St. George’s Church MYO group in Pawtucket,Rhode Island.

Children of the Maronite Religious Education program at St.Anthony/St. George Maronite Church in Wilkes-Barre,Penn., celebrated Halloween on Sunday, October 29, 2006.The children made their own masks for the occasion.


Easton, Penn.Our Lady of Lebanon Church Honors

Msgr. Sami Hayek At A Retirement Party

On Sunday, July 30, 2006, the parish ofOur Lady of Lebanon MaroniteCatholic Church in Easton, Penn., and

friends of Msgr. Sami Hayek as well asmembers of his family, honored him at aretirement party celebration.

Msgr. Sami Hayek celebrated the DivineLiturgy. Fr. Kamil Al-Chouefati ,Administrator, Fr. Francis Doumit, Msgr.John Campbell, Pastor of St. Joseph, St.Bernard and St. Michael Churches in Eastonconcelebrated. Deacon Anthony Kouryassisted at the altar and was the Master ofCeremonies for the Liturgy.

The Most Reverend Gregory Mansour,Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron ofBrooklyn, presided at the Liturgy. The MostReverend Thomas J. Welsh, retired Bishop ofthe Diocese of Allentown; Chorbishop Michael Thomas, Vicar General of theEparchy of Saint Maron; Msgr. Alfred Schlert, Vicar General of the Diocese ofAllentown, representing His Excellency Edward P. Cullen, Bishop of Allentown,were also present in the Sanctuary. Msgr. Schlert read a congratulatory letter fromBishop Cullen and expressing his regret for not being able to attend.

The Church was filled to capacity for the Liturgy. Our Lady of LebanonChurch’s Choir, both youth and adults, served the Liturgy. The members of SaintSharbel formed an honor guard for the processional and recessional.

Following the Liturgy, over 540 guests attended a banquet at the Holiday Innin Fogelsville, Penn. Jeanette Chartouni, Msgr. Sami’s sister, his niece Christineand nephew Sami, along with many of his cousins from different parts of the U.S.A.and Canada also attended the banquet. Antoinette Elias led the American NationalAnthem, and the members of the Church’s Choir led the Lebanese Anthem.Sharbel Koorie and Naomi Karam Koerwitz introduced the guests. Bishop Welshgave the invocation.

Bishop Gregory Mansour spoke about priestly qualities, in particular, Msgr.Sami’s qualities and his dedication and perseverance for over twenty-six years asPastor in Easton. He encouraged the parish to pray for vocations, especially that ayoung man from the parish would respond to the Lord’s call and become a priest.

Resolutions from State Senator Rob Wunderling were acknowledged. StateRepresentative Robert Freeman and U.S. Congressman Charles Dent offeredremarks.

Msgr. Sami responded to all the speakers and thanked Bishop Mansour, BishopWelsh and all the priests, religious, family, friends and parishioners who came tohonor him. He also thanked all the committee members who worked with Fr.Kamil and Deacon Anthony to make the event a memorable one for him.

It was indeed a bittersweet day for the parish of Our Lady of Lebanon Churchin Easton, Penn. Over the course of twenty-six years, Msgr. Sami endeared himselfto the community of Easton and the greater Lehigh Valley. Msgr. Sami encouragedeverybody to lend their support to Fr. Kamil, so that the work that was done by himas well as by all the priests who preceded him will continue under Fr. Kamil’sleadership.

Chorbishop Michael Thomas gave the benediction after which Msgr. Samigreeted his guests and gave each a rosary as a memento of the occasion.

Msgr. Sami Hayek

THE ORDEROF

SAINT SHARBEL

NEW MEMBERS

Annual MembersMr. and Mrs. Bucky and

Valerie Olive

Mr. Robert X. GonzalezOur Lady’s Maronite Church

Austin, Texas

Mrs. Genie L. SaabMaronite Community of Louisiana

The Order of Saint Sharbel is anorganization of lay people andclergy who have pledged theirspiritual strength and financial

support for Our Lady of LebanonSeminary and the retired Maroniteclergy of the Maronite Eparchies

in the USA.

For more information about theOrder, ask your pastor or write to

Eparchy of Saint MaronOrder of Saint Sharbel

109 Remsen StreetBrooklyn, NY 11201

Or

Eparchy of Our Lady of LebanonOrder of Saint Sharbel

1021 South StreetSt. Louis, MO 63104


The Priestly Service in the Tradition of theMaronite Church

In last month’s article His Excellency Youssef Bechara, Secretary General of the Maronite PatriarchalSynod and Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Antelias, Lebanon, dealt with The Maronite Understanding ofthe Priesthood, using Text Seven of the Maronite Patriarchal Synod asa basis. This month’s issue exploresthe priestly service in the tradition of the Maronite Church.

In The Past

In the Maronite traditions, the priestfound it easy to live his priesthoodaccording to the Syriac Antiochene

spiritualitythat nourished him everydayin his liturgical and spiritual life. He“sang the chorus, recited the dailyprayers, celebrated Liturgy and neverleft out any particular prayer of theliturgical year.”1

The priest was a part of the villageand its inhabitants. In it he had hishouse and his family, for he often wasmarried and worked his fields. He wasalways present in the parish and sharedthe joys, sorrows, occasions and workof the inhabitants. This presence playeda great role in the priest’s pastoralteaching, sanctifying, and ministeringservices. In addition his religious andsocial status made him an importantreference to all parishioners, Maronitesor non-Maronites, Christians orMuslims.2

In the practice of his pastoralservice, the priest, referring to the textsof the Lebanese Synod as well as othersynods, could find what he had to do tobe a true shepherd and not a hired hand.

In his teaching service, he should

have enough “books that will allow himto fulfill his teaching obligationstowards his parishioners, to guide,exhort, and teach catechism tochildren.” And since he was the mostlearned person among his parishioners,he gathered the people and the childrennear the church “below the oak tree toteach them the principles of reading andwriting in both Syriac and Arabic.” Hehad to “accurately preserve the records(where the baptized, the betrothed, themarried and the dead are registered),the books and the title deeds; and hecopied books in Arabic and Syriac.” 3

In the service of sanctification, hehad to “offer Mass on behalf of hisparishioners, to nurture them with theWord of God and to distribute theSacraments. Thus, he gave them theHoly Communion, he listened to theirconfessions, blessed their marriages andbetrothals, baptized their children,anointed the sick with Holy Oil, andcelebrated funerals.” 4

In his ministering service, thepriest, “servant of the parish” to whomthe care of the souls is entrusted, had toknow his parishioners and to care forthem like a father. And he gave aspecial care to the poor and needy...Finally, in his own life, he had to offerthe “example of good deeds”5.

As for his livelihood, the LebaneseSynod recommends that “the bishopshould provide the priest and hisassistants with enough income either

from the revenues of the parish or fromthe believers,” whether the priests weremarried or celibate.6

Deacons

The deacon also succeeded in hisservice after the example ofChrist the Servant. His duties

included assisting the priest on the altarand the bishop in the service of loveand charity. The Lebanese Synodspecifies that the deacon should “servethe priest at the altar and incense thechurch and the people, should read theletter of Paul and the Bible out loud,should present the sacred bread andwine to the altar, should distribute theEucharist to the deacons, seminarians,and the people, should baptize in theabsence of the bishop and the priest,after receiving permission from them,should preach the Good News to thepeople; and with the permission of thebishop he could be the treasurer of thechurch.”7

It is to note that priests-monks usedto undertake the mission of pastoralservice in the churches of theirmonasteries or in assisting priestswhenever there was need. But, theirservice witnessed an importantdevelopment after the monastic reformwhich took place towards the end of theseventeenth century and after thepromulgation of new laws for monks11 The Lebanese Synod, section III, ch. 2,

item 9. Najm Press, p. 332.

2 We have an accurate description frommissionaries and orientalists that depictshow priests, deacons and monks practicetheir pastoral service. For example, Fr.Dandini the Jesuit, Fr. Richard Simon theJesuit who translated the trip of Fr.Dandini to Mount Lebanon into French(1596-1598), Fr. Oger Roger theCapuchin (17th century), Fr. Sylvester DeSaint Anian (17th century), LaurentDarfio, the French Consul (1679-1683),and others. Refer to these texts in: Fr.Youakim Moubarak, The Quintet ofAntioch-Maronite Dimensions, part I,vol. II, the Lebanese Seminar, Beirut,1984, pp. 805-877.

3 Ibid., part III, ch. III, item 4 & 5. NajmPress, p. 330.4 Ibid., part III, ch. III, item 4 & 5. NajmPress, pp. 332-333.Also refer to the Synod of Qannoubeen1580 which states on “the servant of theSacrament, which is the priest who has theright to grant the Sacrament: it is he whobaptizes, and he has the power to tie anduntie through the gift granted to him, forhe was chosen to be the Shepherd of soulsin his parish and church.” (Can. 3 OnBaptism, Can. 3 On Confession).5 Ibid., part III, ch. III, item 2. Najm Press,p. 327.

6 Ibid., part III, ch. III, item 3. Najm Press,p. 329.Also in the second section, chapter 14,Najm Press, p. 243, we read, “whenordination bound the clergyman to theauthority of the bishop who ordained himand to his power, such as he had no rightto do anything related to divinity withoutprior consent of the bishop. Eachclergyman was related to a specific churchwhere he had the right to take decision,serve according to his degree and ensurehis livelihood.”7 Part III, ch. II, item 4 . Najm Press,pp.312-313.


andmonasteries that were confirmed byPope Clement XII8, and adopted by theLebanese Synod.9 This Synod orderedthat “the bishop entrusts monasteries orpriest-monk with the service of soulsonly when there is a dire need for thatand when secular priests are notavailable.”10 It also ordered the monksto not distribute sacraments “withoutthe permission of the bishop or theservant of the parish”11.

In Present Time

In present times, rapid social,economic, cultural and pastoralchanges are taking place. The most

important of these are:

1.) A Wave of migrations frommountains to cities, the adoption ofnew life styles, the migration ofMaronites to new countries andtheir adoption of new cultures,traditions and modes of life of thesecountries.

2.) The development of social lifewhereby people became closer toone another, and have lived in amore open and diverse societywhere different confessions,religions, cultures, politicaltendencies, intellectual trendsinteract and live together.

3.) Cu l tu r a l , sc i en t i f i c an dtechnological development,globalization and informationtechnologies; the spread ofintellectual and ideological trends,and emergence of cults and sects.12

All of these transformations and othershave contributed in changing the realityof the parish and in changing theconcept of pastoral service. They drovethe Maronite Church, which isincarnated in the world, to take intoconsideration and bring about newmethods to help her read the signs ofthe times through the inspiration of theSpirit; and to continue its specialmission in serving the Good News and

in fulfilling the salvific work of God inthe new places she is found. They alsomotivated priests to find newdimensions for their tripartite pastoralservice through which they can becomea live and transparent image of Christ,the Good Shepherd.

In the service of education, wenotice today that a good number ofpriests are not content anymore with theeducation they have received in theseminary or in the school of theology.They are now searching to further theireducation in human, theological andbiblical sciences in order to deepentheir spiritual, ecclesiastic, human, andpastoral culture and to cater to thegrowing needs of their people. Hence,they began to teach and to guide notonly through preaching but alsothrough biblical evenings held athomes, and in encounters with apostolicmovements, organizations, schools anddifferent guiding councils. In this work,they collaborate with monks, nuns,committed laity and educators inspecialized centers. On the other hand,they participate in seminars andspiritual retreats to deepen theirrelationwith Jesus Christ, the Only and EternalPriest and the Good Shepherd, to renewtheir commitment to living theSacraments, especially the Sacramentof the Eucharist and the personalprayer.

In order to answer to a deeperspiritual need, some met outside themonthly diocesan meeting, in priestlycommunities within a sector in thediocese or became members of local orinternational priestly or religiousassociations and are living theiropenness to the Universal Church.

Since our priests today, married orsingle, have similar human, spiritual,intellectual and pastoral capacities andare working in the same socialcircumstances, they are oftensubmerged in the pastoral concerns,which prohibits them from allocatingenough time for continuous education.On the other hand, some do not havethe necessary material means to buybooks and magazines. Since they areasked to bear the responsibilityentrusted to them, by the nature of theirpriesthood, and by the right of thepeople of God to benefit from theservices provided by their priests, it wasimperative to provide all priests withopportunities to further their education.

In the service of sanctification, wenotice that priests are striving to meet

the growing needs of their parishioners.They celebrate the Holy Eucharist on adaily basis with their people and fortheir people. We find them in manyparishes preparing the liturgy with thefaithful and allowing them toparticipate in the celebration. Thus,liturgical committees have found theirplace, choirs have become more active,apostolic movements have grown to bemore dynamic participants. As for theremaining Sacraments, priests often askthe help of religious men and women,of committed lay people, in order toestablish committees to undertake thetasks of preparing for the Sacraments ofBaptism and Confirmation, or forpreparing for the celebrations of firstcommunion which are taking place inthe parishes nowadays, or for preparingfor marriage or for visiting the sick.Yet, this participation does not exemptthe priest from assuming fullresponsibility in following the faithfuland conferring the Sacraments despitehis busy schedule and limited time.

In the ministering service, we findthat priests are attempting to face thenew pastoral status quo reflected in theincrease of the size of parishes and thenumber of their inhabitants, and in thefact that many priests do not live intheir parishes anymore. Thus, they aretrying to find new ways of gettingacquainted with their parishioners,listening to them, following on theirnews, and supporting them in allcircumstances. They are working in anapostolic spirit to provide care for thosein need of love: the poor, themarginalized, the oppressed, theunemployed, and those burdened withfamily, social, and economic problems.In this, they seek the help of familycommittees and charitable associations.They also try to benefit from the newinformation and communication era:computer, internet, audiovisuals, andthe media in all its forms in order toexpand the network of communicationwith their near, distant, and migrantparishioners, to follow up on their newsand to provide them with news abouttheir parish and their fellowparishioners.

As for the material life of thepriests, most of them have a decentstandard of living. This is due to thefact that parishes and parishioners areproviding a basic salary for the priest inaddition to individual donations. Somedioceses however, have begunestablishing social cooperative funds to

8. Bull entitled “The Apostolic Service”,dated March 31, 1732.9. Part IV, ch. II, Najm Press, p. 459-499.10. Part IV, ch. II, item7. Najm Press, p.466.11. Ibid., item 8. Najm Press, pp. 466-467.12. For more explanation refer to the textof the Parish and Pastoral Work fromthe proceedings of this Synod


ensure social security and pension fortheir elderly priests.

Despite all of this, and due to thegrowing social needs, some priests areconcerned and search for jobs thatmight help them ensure a better livingfor their families especially if they aremarried. Often these jobs are in theteaching domain, which provides themwith a salary and a means ofcompleting their teaching service. Theyalso prefer teaching in the schools ofthe diocese so that they can stay intouch with their parishioners on onehand, and have a health securitycoverage and an end of serviceindemnity on the other.

In light of this state of affairs, andto face the growing needs of theparishioners and the multiplicity oftasks undertaken by the priest, somevoices are calling for the revival of thedeaconal service. The dioceses of thecountriesof expansion, especially in theUnited States, were pioneers inlaunching such an initiative. Hence,they re-instituted the tradition of theordination of permanent deacons andsubdeacons, most of whom are married.By doing so, they probably followed inthe footsteps of the Latin Church,which revived the diaconate serviceafter Vatican II. Yet, this was primarilydone in order to cater to the pastoralneeds and provide a morecomprehensiveservice for Maronites inthe countries of expansion.

Moreover, Pope John Paul IIencouraged the Catholic patriarchs andbishops of Lebanon “to revive thestatus of the permanent diaconate andto provide these deacons with a propereducation and a decent standard ofliving rightful to their personalstatus.”13

As for monk-priests, they are stillpresent in abundant numbers and arecommitted to the pastoral service in thedioceses of the Patriarchal See andthose of the countries of expansion.They share the responsibilities andconcerns of parish priests and providepastoral service within the monasticcommunity through which theypreserve the spiritual benefits andstatutes of monastic life.

It is worth recognizing the manymonk-priests who serve the parishes,commit themselves to accompanying

and guiding the apostolic movementsand organizations, especially thoseconcerned with the youth, and manage,along with consecrated men andwomen, different institutions, such asschools, hospitals and orphanages.Thus, they are providing abundantservices and are enriching the Churchwith their special gifts and talents.

Although some bishops and parishpriests are having some relationalproblems with monk-priests regardingpastoral duties and the implementationof ecclesiastical decrees ratified by theCode of Canons of the EasternChurches, 1 4 mutual love andunderstanding remains the strongestand through it will allow them to findthe proper solutions within the Churchinstitutions.

Conclusion

The synodal text is very rich intopics; we only dealt with a fewof them. Therefore, it should be

read carefully in its entirety.What we discussed in this brief

exposé is sufficient to reveal therichness of our heritage and to motivateus to conduct further research of whathas been published and unpublished, soas they can serve as sources offormation to our priests to whicheverseminary they belong. Moreover, ourchurch should have one chart for ourpriests’ formation; a chart which will beadapted to the differing social andcultural context of each Maronitecommunity while preserving its coreelements. The future of our Churchdepends heavily on the priests’ rolesand apostolate in the midst of variousparish communities worldwide.Identity, spiritual renewal andcommitment in variousfields lay withinthe hands of the priests, theirconsciousness and ability to lead. Withthe vast expansion of our Church, ouridentity could only be kept alivethrough a strong sense of belonging thepriests possess and transmit to theirparishioners without discounting thedirective role of the bishops.

Meet Our Seminarians

My name is Tony Massad, I am afirst year seminarian at OurLady of Lebanon Maronite

Seminary in Washington, D.C.I am studying at the Catholic

University of America for the Eparchyof Our Lady of Lebanon, and hope tohave my graduate degree in four years.

I am originally from Lebanon butcame to the States when I was veryyoung. I grew up in Flint, Michigan. Iam the oldest of three children, I have asister named Alicia, and a brotherwhose name is Paul. I graduated fromCarman-Ainsworth High School. Igraduated college from the Universityof Michigan - Flint with a B.A. inPhilosophy.

I have felt I had a calling for thePriesthood for a long time and I amhappy I have joined the seminary. Ihave always been active at my homeparish, Our Lady of Lebanon - Flint,Mich. I was an altar boy, enrolled inCatechism, and part of the MaroniteYouth Organization. As I got older, Ibecame an advisor for the youth group,and I also taught Catechism for oneyear. As I stated before I am happy tobe here at Our Lady of LebanonMaronite Catholic seminary and hopeto be ordained to help serve thecommunity.

13 Apostolic Exhortation, New Hope forLebanon, item 63. 14 Refer to Canons 415, 282, and 284.

Seminarian Tony Massad


Eastern Catholic Churches Gather Together and Focus onEvangelization

The Eastern Catholic Bishops ofCanada and the United States ofAmerica, along with the General

Superiors of Religious Foundations,and eparchial priests and deacons,monastic priests, nuns and brothers andlaity gathered in the Marriott O’HareHotel in Chicago, Ill., from October 30-November 3, 2006 for an Encounter ofthe Eastern Catholic Churches inCanada and the United States ofAmerica. The 125 participants,gathered from Australia, Belgium, Italy,Ukraine, Canada and the U.S.A.,focused on the theme “EvangelizationThrough the Celebration of theMysteries [Sacraments].” Thisgathering was a direct result of therecommendations of the 1999Encounter in Boston, Mass., convokedby the Congregation for the EasternChurches, in which the participantsasked for more involvement of clergy,religious and laity in future encountersof the Eastern Churches in NorthAmerica.

Bishop Nicholas Samra, Chair ofthe Encounter coordinating committee,emphasized that the Encounterparticipants gathered first to praytogether in order to share the wealth ofEastern traditions, and secondly toencounter each other in charity in orderto deepen that experience and recognizethe common mission of proclaiming theGood News.

In attendance at the Encounter wasthe Prefect of the Congregation for theEastern Churches, Ignace Moussa ICardinal Daoud, who in his welcomingmessage indicated his pleasure that theEastern Catholic Churches emphasizethe particular identity, integrity anddignity of each respective church, andpromote dialogue to further enable the‘coherence and harmony’ among thosesame traditions.

His Beatitude, Lubomyr CardinalHusar, Major Archbishop of Kyiv,commented in his keynote address thatin this endeavor of evangelization therewas much work to be done and that noone else but the Eastern Catholicsthemselves will be able to accomplishsuch a work.

Many distinguished national andinternational speakers contributed theirthoughts and practical solutions to theevangelistic efforts of the EasternChurches in these two North Americancountries. Fr. Andriy Chirovsky, inspeaking on the sacraments ofinitiation, offered that initialevangelization efforts in the homelandsof many of the Eastern CatholicChurches were so effective that whenthese traditions set roots in NorthAmerica, it was hard to re-establish thefaith on foreign soil. He proposed thatevangelization through the celebrationof Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharistbe realized through a renewal of beauty

and reverence in these rites. Fr. CharlesJoanides addressed the need to assist theChristian faithful to embrace a full andrich Christian perspective on marriage.Fr. Jobe Abbass, OFM Conv., spoke onthe common priesthood and lay ministry.Fr. Deacon John Chryssavgis offered areflection on repentance and the changeof heart as a means of evangelization.Archimandrite Michel Van Parys, OSB,former abbot of the famous Chevetognemonastery, and Sr. Alphonsa Donavich,O S B M p r e s e n t e d i d e a s f o revangelization through the living of themonastic and religious life. Fr. DavidPetras spoke of the celebration of theDivine Liturgy as representative of thestages of spiritual development. Fr.Damon Geiger, OSST, addressed therole of the clergy in evangelizationefforts, and spoke of the need for clergyto rouse all baptized members tocollaborative ministry – as the clergyevangelize the faithful, so the faithfulevangelize the world.

Divine Liturgies were celebratedaccording to three traditions: Byzantineat St. JosephUkrainian CatholicChurch,Chicago; Syro-Malabar at Mar ThomaSleeha Cathedral, Bellwood; and theclosing Liturgy of the Encounter inSyro-Maronite tradition at which HisEminence Francis Cardinal George,Archbishop of Chicago, preached thehomily re-enforcing the commitment toevangelize. Morning prayers each daywere celebrated in various traditions:Syriac, Chaldean and Armenian.

This Encounter also providedopportunity for participants to offersupport for those churches experiencingoppression, persecution and sufferingthroughout the world. The Encounterassembly specifically directed itssupport to the Eastern CatholicChurchesin Iran, Iraq and the Holy Land.

Participants of the Encounter werefrom the following Eastern Catholictraditions: Armenian, Chaldean,Maronite, Melkite, Romanian,Ruthenian, Slovak, Syriac, Syro-Malabar and Ukrainian. A futureEncounter of the Eastern CatholicChurches is already being considered.

For more information, pleasecontactBishop Nicholas Samra, 586-756-1971,[email protected].

Participants at the 2006 Eastern Catholic Encounter in Chicago, Illinois.


El Paso, TexasThe Making Of A Mission

Saint Anthony Maronite Church isstill a mission, but not for long,here in El Paso, Texas. From the

southwest desert we can say: “Thehands of the Lord are with us.”

El Paso stands proud at the edge ofMt. Franklin, recalling its historic roleas the Port of entry to the U.S.A., andas a major connecting city to Mexico.Here you are in the desert yet in themountains of Texas.

The Lebanese Community hasplayed an important role in the city’shistory. Arriving here toward the end ofthe nineteenth century, they have hadtheir impact on El Paso and its growth.

They came as a group in 1892 andexpanded visibly their impact on thecity’s life. Many families have evenleft their marks on the city’s streets andneighborhoods up to this day, and youmay find their names spelled incountless ways. They came fromZahle, Jezzine, Knat and many otherareas of Lebanon and left theirimpression on the spiritual life of thecity. Maronites, Melkites, Orthodoxkept their traditions and joinedfaithfully many area Churches.

The Orthodox, with a largecommunity from Syria, established St.George Church in 1951, while theCatholics were satisfied with the local

Churches of the city. It seems thatMsgr. John Trad had stopped heremany times, but the seed of the parishwas not yet ready. Others priests havealso made their attempts but to no avail.It was only about ten years ago whenMsgr. Don Sawyer [of Austin, Texas]successfully planted the seed, and wasable to rally a group of people toestablish the foundation of the MaroniteCommunity in El Paso. He wasfollowed by Frs. Marwan and FadiTabet, who also left their mark on thecommunity. Later the Most ReverendJohn Chedid of the Eparchy of OurLady of Lebanon assigned Fr. GeorgeBou Msallem, O.L.M., as the firstofficial pastor who made a greatimpression on the community. Mr.Eddie Karam offered the churchfourteen and a half acres on Mesa Hillon the city’s west side during Fr. BouMsallem pastorate.

The Maronite Community grewunder Fr. Bou Msallem’s leadershipand was renting space from differentChurches for the celebration of theDivine Liturgies. He was followed byFr. George Channine for three years;he started the Construction Fund for anew church.

On March 20, 2004, Msgr. VictorKayrouz arrived in El Paso. Fr.

Channine and newly ordainedSubdeacon George Karam met him atthe airport. The Most Reverend BishopRobert Shaheen told him: “Go thereand check if this mission is viable ornot!” These words of the Bishop wereenough to put fire in his heart. Hebegan a journey of hope and put thismission under the patronage of OurLady of Lebanon.

Eight days later, Msgr. Kayrouzwas called to officiate at the funeral forone prominent member of thecommunity. After the funeral Msgr.Kayrouz was offered as a personal giftthe use of an empty church located inthe downtown area, a historic building,purchased by St. Clement EpiscopalChurch by one of its members, Mr. GusHaddad. The lease would be for fiveyears with a rent of one dollar per year.It took a year to get the building ready.

A week before Christmas, Msgr.Kayrouz learned that a fully equippedChurch/school in Santa Teresa, NewMexico, had just closed. He went to seeit and asked to see the pastor, Fr.Herrera, who asked him: “Father whatdo you want and what do you have?”“I have a church with bare walls and Ican use whatever you can give me,”Msgr. Kayrouz answered.

With a heart full of hope and trustin the Blessed Mother, and being in direneed of all that the church needed,Msgr. Kayrouz could not hold back hisemotions when a tear came down on hisface.

Fr. Herrera took a look at him forthe longest time and said: “Father goand take it all, so you can celebrateChristmas.” With this unexpected gift,St. Anthony of the Desert workedtirelessly to get the church up to code.Bishop Ochoa of El Paso blessed it onChristmas Eve of 2004.

From day one, Mr. George Karamworked with the Pastor to keep thechurch in a perfect shape and wastrained to be ready for theSubdeaconate. His Excellency BishopRobert Shaheen ordained himSubdeacon on September 30, 2006.Msgr. Victor Kayrouz, Pastor; Msgr.Richard Saad; and Msgr. Don Sawyerconcelebrated.

(Continues on Page 20)

Left to right: Msgr. Don Sawyer, Protopresbyter; Msgr. Victor Kayrouz, Pastor;Bishop Robert Shaheen; and Msgr. Richard Saad celebrate Divine Liturgy at St.Anthony of the Desert Church in El Paso, Texas.


Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Easton, Penn.,Celebrates 75 Years As A Faith Community

On October 14, 2006, Our Lady ofLebanon Maronite Church inEaston, Penn., celebrated its

Diamond Jubilee. Two days of spiritualp rep ara t io n wh i c h i n c lu d edconfessions, recitation of the Rosary,evening liturgies and Benediction withthe Icon of the Blessed Mother,preceded the actual celebration.

His Excellency Bishop Gregory J.Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy ofSaint Maron of Brooklyn, celebrated aPontifical Divine Liturgy.

ChorbishopMichael Thomas, VicarGeneral; Msgr. Sami Hayek, formerPastor; Fr. Kamil Al-Chouefati,Administrator; Msgr. Ignace Sadek,Rector of Our Lady of LebanonCathedral in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Fr. JeanYounes, AssistantCathedral Rector;Fr.FrancisDoumit; Msgr.Sharbel Lischaa,Pastor of St. Sharbel Church inPhiladelphia, Penn.;Fr. Maroun Asmar,Pastor of St. Sharbel Church inSomerset, N.J.; Fr. Paul Mouawad,Pastor of St. Sharbel Church inNewtown Square, Penn.; Msgr. JohnCampbell, Pastor of St. Bernard/St.Michael and St. Joseph Church inEaston, Penn.; Msgr. Stephen Radocha,

Pastor of St. Jane’s Church in Easton,Penn.; and Msgr. Michael Corona,Pastor of Sts. Philip and James Churchin Phillipsburg, N.J.; concelebrated.

Deacon Anthony Koury assisted atthe altar. Our Lady of Lebanon Choirprovided the Arabicand English hymnsfor the liturgy.

Following the Liturgy, over 300people gathered in the Church Hall forthe Diamond Jubilee Banquet. Msgr.Michael Thomas gave the invocation.Mrs. Naomi Karam served as Mistressof Ceremonies. The Maronite priests inattendance led the singing of theLebanese National Anthem, and MissAntoinette Elias led the AmericanAnthem. Fr. Al-Chouefati gave thewelcoming address.

Mayor Philip Mitman of Eastonand Msgr. Sami Hayek offeredcongratulatory remarks. DeaconAnthony Koury spoke on the history ofthe parish. He recognized the formerpastors: Fr. Norman S. Peter (1952-1972); Chorbishop Bernard Khachan(1972-1974); Fr. Hares Zogheib (1974-1980); and Msgr. Sami Hayek (1980-2006) who was recognized for hisefforts in building the new church and

hall. Deacon Anthony also pointed outthat the first May Queen, DorothyKaram Mowad, was still alive as wellas Geraldine Boulous, the firstPresident of the St. Theresa Sodality.He thanked the Sodality for theirfaithfulness and services to the church.

Bishop Gregory Mansour spoke ofthe dedication of all the priests whoserved the parish, especially Msgr.Sami Hayek who devoted twenty-sevenyears of his priestly life in the EastonParish. As he commended theparishioners for working with Msgr.Hayek and all the priests who precededhim, he also encouraged them to workclosely with their current priest, Fr.Kamil Al-Chouefati. He alsorecognized the work of DeaconAnthony Koury over the years.

The Honorable Antoine Azzam,The Consul of Lebanon to New York;State Representative Bob Freeman; Fr.Bob George, Director of SpiritualActivities at Notre Dame High School;Fr. Christopher Wakefield, Pastor of St.Anthony Church in Easton; and Fr. BobHazel, a visiting missionary priest, alsoattended the banquet.

Proclamations were received fromState Senator Bob Wunderling andSandy Vulcano, President of EastonCity Council. Msgr. Ignace Sadek gavethe benediction and reminded everyonethat it was also a celebration of theimmigration of Kfarsghab’s (A town inNorthern Lebanon) to the U.S.A., andthen to Easton, Penn., 125 years ago.Those early immigrants were Karamand Hala Bou Arab and Unis andMalkee Bou Arab. They were laterfollowed by the founders of the parish,John Badway Karam, Yaoob JacobJoseph, Peter Shaheen, Anthony Sar,Joseph Samia, John Jabour and JohnBoulous Sassine.

The late Florence Sar Frangos andMerhej Sassine wrote of the history ofthe parish until 1987 and DeaconAnthony Koury continued from 1987until the present. Florence Sar Frangosalso detailed the immigration fromKfarsghab to the U.S.A.

Left to right: Msgr. Sami Hayek, Fr. Kamil Al-Chouefati, Bishop GregoryMansour, Choirbishop Michael Thomas, Fr. Paul Mouawad and Fr. FrancisDoumit.


Uniontown, Penn.K-Nine Rescue Dogs Visit St.

George MYO

by Joanne John, MYO Coordinator/Advisor

Members of St. George Maronite Youth Organization(MYO) in Uniontown, Penn., recently spent anenjoyable and informative evening with two canine

members of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Tactical Search andRescue Team and their owners who are also part of a thirty-five member local volunteer group who work together andhelp each other search for missing people.

Mrs. Valerie Faris and her dog, Herbie, and Mr. JohnMiller and his bloodhound, Katie, demonstrated how theysearch for someone lost, kidnaped or harmed in any way, byhaving members of the MYO take part in an outdoor trainingsession. The youth learned that looking for clues is mostimportant when searching for someone, and they were taughthow to do so.

Mrs. Faris later explained how everyone, even animals,has many special God-given talents and why we should beaware of them and use these talents. When asked why theyvolunteer so much time to search and rescue, both Mr. Millerand Mrs. Faris agreed that the most rewarding part of theirjobs is helping others, such as the elderly who may beconfused, or perhaps lost children, or possibly someone whohas been kidnaped. Most importantly they help to preventdeaths.

Mr. Faris said that she feels that God brought her dog,Herbie, into her life at a time when she most neededfulfilment. She is presently an educator for the Drug andAlcohol Abuse Center and travels to schools instructingteachers about the various drugs and their side effects. Mr.Miller is retired from the military and uses his free timeassisting the rescue team. Both have been with the team forapproximately six years. The MYO were presented withemergency whistle bracelets by their guests.

Halloween Fun in Danbury,Connecticut

To promote a safe and happy Halloween the children ofSt. Anthony's Church in Danbury, Connecticut mettogether for a Halloween Party on Friday evening

October 28, 2006. Dressed in their costumes the childrenplayed musical chairs, "hot pumpkin" and bobbing fordonuts, while the parents prepared dinner. The childrenranged in age from toddlers to twelve. There were prizes fortheir customes and bags of Halloween treats making for a funnight.

Come to the Wedding Feast: An Eight Session Course forTraining Catechists: Written by Chorbishop DominicAshkar, this eight session program helps lead catechists intobecoming more spiritually effective. Using the text of thewedding at Cana story as a base, this guidebook serves as aninvitation to a journey that connects your catechists withJesus and the disciples.

This 96 page book is available from Saint MaronPublications for $29.95 (40% discount will be granted tobuyers).

Discovering The Joy of Teaching: Seven FormationSessions for Catechists and Teachers by Dominic F. Ashkar,PhD. This easy-to-use training process is designed toreinvigorate catechists and teachers. Each of the sevensessions invites catechists and teachers to connect theirstories with the stories of Jesus. The program works wellwith Father Ashkar’s earlier book, TransfigurationCatechists, as an optional text and includes an outline ofsessions, handouts and stories.

Discovering TheJoy of Teaching is available from SaintMaron Publications for $29.95 (40% discount will be grantedto buyers).

To order your copy (ies) please write to:Saint Maron Publications, 4611 Sadler Road, Glen Allen,

Virginia 23060For a complete listing of publications carried by Saint

Maron Publications, please visit www.stmaron.org.

First row: Mrs. Valerie Faris and her dog Herbie and Mr.John Miller and his dog Katie. Standing: Anna Howard,Sarah Rogers, Abby Rozgony, Haley David, Brandy Risha,Emilee Madison, Danielle Risha, Mallory Sanner andAnthony Howard.


NAM Board Meets inSt. Louis

by Tommy Tedros

The National Apostolate of Maronites Board of Directorsheld their fall quarterly meeting this past October 27-29. His Excellency Robert Shaheen, Fr. Andre

Mhanna, Rector, and the parishioners of St. Raymond’sCathedral in St. Louis, Mo. hosted the weekend. After aproductive Friday meeting, the Board’s members participatedin the evening prayer, Ramsho, followed by dinner withrepresentatives of the various parish organizations in theCedars Banquet Hall. Bishop Shaheen welcomed them to hislocal community and presented each member of the Boardwith an assortment of Maronite keepsakes. The Cathedral islocated in the heart of downtown St. Louis and that night, theSt. Louis Cardinals clinched the Baseball World Serieschampionship. Volunteers from St. Raymond Cathedralprovided rides to and from the hotel during the course of theweekend.

The NAM Board reconvened at the Cedars on Saturdaymorning for a full day of meetings where they reviewedregional and committee reports and entertained new businessand other pending issues. During the lunch break, BishopShaheen gave a tour of the neighboring Maronite PastoralCenter. That night, Bishop Shaheen hosted a Lebanesedinner atone of their local restaurants. On Sunday, the Board

attended liturgy at the Cathedral, and a NAM presentationwas made encouraging membership and interest in theorganization. NAM President Richard Coury presentedFather Andre with a plaque on behalf of the Board thankingBishop Shaheen and Father Andre for their hospitality. Afterliturgy, refreshments were served in the Cathedral’s socailhall with an opportunity to visit with old and new friends ofthe community. The winter quarterly meeting is scheduled tobe in January in San Francisco, Calif.

Rose Sahyoun Visits Ohio Mission

Our Lady of Lebanon Mission in Columbus, Ohio,extended a warm welcome to Rose and SalloumSahyoun on November 4, 2006. Rose is the Regional

Vice-President of NAM from Canfield, Ohio, and also an“honorary parishioner” of the Columbus Mission. Herpresentation was part of the ongoing efforts to encouragegrowth and awareness of the Mission among the Maronitefaithful in the greater Columbus area. Rose remindedeveryone that “prayer, participation, patience andperseverance are the keys to building a church. Even theestablished Maronite Parishes in the eparchies had humblebeginnings, and their parishioners and priests had toovercome many obstacles through the years.” For moreinformation about Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Mission inColumbus, Ohio visit: www.ourladyoflebanon.info. E-mail:[email protected].


NAM '07 Host City Richmond, Va. is a Tourist's Delight

Richmond, Virginia, home to the2007 convention of the NationalApostolate of Maronites (NAM),

is in the heart of a region rich in funand educational attractions that appealto all age groups and interests.

Among the attractions in the city orwithin easy driving distance are:

Historic Jamestown, which will becelebrating the 400th anniversary ofthe founding of the first permanentEnglish settlement in North America,thirteen years before the Pilgrimslanded at Plymouth Rock.

Two of the nation's best amusementparks, the scenic and family friendlyBusch Gardens and the rollercoaster-packed Paramount's King'sDominion.

Numerous Civil War battlefields,war re-enactments, the White Houseof the Confederacy and the nationalCivil War Visitors Center.

Colonial Williamsburg, wherevisitors relive the days leading up tothe American Revolution with thehelp of expert craftsmen, re-enactorsand guides in this reconstructedcolonial city.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, ahome rich in historical, architecturaland scientific importance.

"Nowhere else in the country is theresuch a collection of historical,recreational and entertainmentattractions," said Arthur Zohab, NAM'07 General Chairman. "Richmondwould be a great place to spend avacation even without the convention.There is more to do and see than thereis time."

The 44th annual NAM conventionwill be held July 25-29, 2007 at theRichmond Marriott Hotel in downtownRichmond. The convention will besponsored by NAM and hosted by St.Anthony Maronite Church, Glen Allen,Va., and its pastor, Monsignor GeorgeM. Sebaali. It will be the first NAMconvention in the eastern United Statesin three years.

The attractions in the city include:

The White House of theConfederacy, where Jefferson Davislived for most of the Civil War;

St. John's Church, where a re-enactment of Patrick Henry's "GiveMe Liberty or Give Me Death"speech occurs each summer Sundayon the spot where Henry made hisimpassioned plea;

The Edgar Alan Poe Museum, whichhighlights Poe's time living inRichmond;

The Virginia State Capitol, whichwas designed by Thomas Jefferson;

The Civil War Visitor’s Center at theold Tredegar Iron Works, wherenearly half of the Confederacy'sartillery was cast;

White water rafting in what is knownas the "best urban whitewater" in theUnited States.

Richmond is also known for itsabundance of restaurants, ranging incuisine from traditional Southerncooking to Brazilian, Cuban and, ofcourse, Lebanese.

Many other attractions, such asWilliamsburg, Jamestown, the

amusement parks, outlet shopping andMonticello, are less than an hour's easydrive, either on interstate highways orscenic country roads. A collection ofhistoric plantations along the JamesRiver is another way to spend anenjoyable day.

For those interested in roaming alittle farther, Washington, D.C., MountVernon and Virginia Beach are lessthan two hours away by car. There alsois an excellent train service toWashington from Richmond.

More information about Richmond-area attractions is available at theseWeb sites:Visiting the Richmond Region:http://visit.richmond.com

A list of Richmond attractions at TripAdvisor:

h t t p : / / w w w . t r i p a d v i s o r . c o m /At t rac t ion s -g6 0 8 9 3 -Act ivi t ies-Richmond_Virginia.html

The official state tourism site:http://www.virginia.org

Commonwealth of Virginia site:http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal2

For more information aboutRichmond, visit the Wikipedia entry onthe Web athttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Richmond_Virginia.

For more information on theMaronite Convention of 2007 and all ofNAM’s programs and events visitWWW.NAMNEWS.ORG or call(914) 964-3070 or email [email protected].

For more information from the hostparish contact Monsignor George M.Sebaali at St. Anthony Church, 4611Sadler Road, Glen Allen, VA. 23060.He also may be reached by telephone at804-270-7234, by fax at 804-273-9914,or by e-mail at [email protected], orvisit the church’s website atwww.StAnthonyMaroniteChurch.Org.

Governor Palace, Williamsburg, Va.


Christmas Is AboutLove And Therefore

SacrificeContinued from Page One

When a father leaves home to work ina place that he does not necessarily likein order to provide for his family, thatis sacrificial love. When a mother risesearly, after little sleep, to get thechildren ready, or to fix the favoritemeal of her family, that is sacrificiallove. When a single aunt takes time tohelp with homework or to shop for herextended family, when a priest giveshimself generously to his parish, or aSister to her consecrated life, these areall examples of sacrificial love.

In this year, dedicated to Vocations, ourfocus should be not so much on what Iwant, but rather on what God wants.Thus, everyone who lives in this way,whether married, single, a priest orreligious, lives his/her vocation to love.St. Theresa used to say: “I want to belove in the heart of the Church.” Thatwas her “vocation” and it is ours aswell.

Christmas is about love and God’s self-giving to us in Christ Jesus. His comingamong us is the ultimate act of love,

and His death on the Cross, the highestform of sacrifice. However, just as inthe time of His birth there was no roomin the inn, there is still today so littleroom in our own self-seeking world forthis loving, self-sacrificing God. Hisgenerosity is no comparison to ourstinginess.

Beloved, Christmas is not all about meand what I want, but rather about Godand what others need. This is the truespirit of Christmas.

St. Theresa, master of the “little way,”help us to lay down our lives for othersand to live the true meaning of thisfeast.

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely yours in Christ,+Gregory J. MansourEparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn

The Making of AMission

Continues from Page 15

Bishop Ochoa; Msgr. F. Smith,Vicar General; and many priest friendsof George Karam attended theordination. Deacon Lou Peters of SaintLouis, Mo., organized and directed theceremony. In a letter addressed toMsgr. Kayrouz, Bishop Shaheen said“my sincere thanks for your kindnessand hospitality. I truly enjoyed beingwith you and your beloved community.There is a great potential in El Pasobecause of the faith of the people.Please continue to nourish it as youhave been doing ...”

St. Anthony of the Desert MaroniteCatholic Mission had its beginning inthe El Paso area about ten years ago.From a humble beginning it has grownto many families. Many successfulevents have taken many wonderfulvolunteers.

It is with great joy and gratitude toGod that St. Anthony of the Desertwelcomes its new Subdeacon theReverend Mr. George Karam. May theLord continue to greatly bless hisservice for many years to come.

Article prepared by Mr. Joe Nebhan,Mr. Richard Sowder and Msgr. VictorKayrouz.

The Maronite VoiceSt. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church4611 Sadler RoadGlen Allen, Virginia 23060-6108

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO. 1370GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA

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