A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA · A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA ... the Voice of Charitywas able to resume ... Fadi Tabet referred to this

TheMaronite Voice

A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA

Volume 1 Issue No. 6 June 2005

Lebanon’s Voice Of Charity Radio Destroyed In Blast

by Doreen Abi RaadBeirut, Lebanon

The Middle East’s only Christianradio station – the Voice ofCharity –was destroyed by a

blast May 6, [2005], in apparentretaliation for the broadcaster’sexpression of solidarity with familymembers of Lebanese detained inSyria’s prisons.

Approximately 600 Lebanese havebeen either missing or detained inSyrian prisons –some for as long asthirty years -- since Lebanon’s civilwar, which ended in 1990. Over theyears, the Lebanese government hasignored the issue and Syria has deniedthe existence of Lebanese prisoners.Syria’s 30-year occupation of

Lebanon ended with the final pullout ofSyrian troops and intelligence forcesfrom Lebanon April 24, [2005].However, it is widely believed that jointLebanese-Syrian security agencies arestill active in Lebanon.

On the day of the attack, the Voiceof Charity broadcast live from the UNHouse in Beirut, where family membersof detainees have been staging a sit-insince mid-April calling for internationalaction regarding the detainee issue. Inaddition to a Mass offered for theintention of the prisoners, the livebroadcast included testimony fromprisoners’families as well as accountsfrom former prisoners of the brutaltreatment they endured in Syrianprisons.

The evening blast was caused by anestimated fifty pounds of explosives

planted near the Voice of Charity, inwhat was formerly the St. John of theBeloved Monastery. The century-oldbuilding in the port city of Jounieh wascompletely destroyed. The MaroniteChurch of St. John, at the base of thebuilding, remains intact. A total oftwenty people were injured.

The Voice of Charity, whichcelebrated its 20th anniversary in 2004,is operated by the Congregation ofMaronite Lebanese Missionaries. Itbroadcasts continuously, 24 hoursdaily.

Within an hour of the explosion,the Voice of Charity was able to resumebroadcasting hymns from Our Lady ofHarissa Shrine, from where the stationbroadcasts the Rosary live daily. Tentsand a stage were erected on thestation’s grounds, and by May 9th theVoice of Charity resumed broadcastinglive, amid the rubble.

Voice of Charity Director FatherFadi Tabet referred to this period as a“resurrection.” “The prisoners are nowour mission. We are going to defendthem, and we’reworking on this withtheirfamilies.”A large wooden cross,etched with the names of the prisoners,now stands among the statues of theSacred Heart of Jesus, the BlessedMother and St. Joseph near the entranceof the demolished building. A signnext to the cross declares: “Theirfreedom is our case and their hope isour prayers.”

Families of the detainees, as well asa number of ex-detainees have visitedthe Voice of Charity daily since theblast to participate in specialprogramming, including daily prayersbroadcast live at 9:36 PM, the time theblast occurred.

“Wewill continue, because ourprayers arrive to God,” said Jocelyne Cherfan. Her uncle, Father AlbertCherfan, who entered the monastery atage nine and was noted for his liturgicalmusic compositions, would be 70 now.He and Father Sleiman Abi-Khalil, 68,of the Antonine Maronite Orderdisappeared in 1990, the day after Syriainvaded and gained control of Lebanon.One of the former detainees toldCherfan that he saw her uncle while inone of the prisons in January, 2004.

On May 29, Fr. Cherfan’schoralegroup performed live at the Voice ofCharity. Among the many groups andindividuals who visited the Voice ofCharity in the days following the blastwere representatives from a number ofMuslim movements and politicalparties, including Hezbollah. “Theycame to say that theydon’taccept thiskind of attack; to show their supportand solidarity,” said Father MauriceChidiac, co-director of the Voice ofCharity.

Damage to the Voice of Charity isestimated in the millions of dollars. Inlight of the current economic situationin Lebanon, Fr. Chidiac said thatdonations from abroad are especiallyneeded to rebuild the structure of thebuilding, its studios and offices.

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The Maronite Voice Volume 1 Issue No. 6 Page 2 June 2005

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 Our Lady 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$15.00 per year. Advertising ratesare available upon request.

Publishers•Most Reverend Bishops Robert J.

Shaheen•Most Reverend Gregory John

Mansour

Editor Msgr. George M. SebaaliConsultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,

Editing and proofreadingMary ShaiaAnne- Marie CondlinMichael Maynes

Printed in Richmond, Virginia.

A Note From Bishop MansourDear Maronites and friends of the Maronites,

It has been a few months since we began this joint effort of having one Maronitenewsletter in the United States. Your response has been encouraging, so has thework of Monsignor Sebaali. Bishop Shaheen and I are so very grateful to him and

to all those who work along with him for the good of the Church.In the past few months we have shared so many newsworthy events, Patriarch

Sfeir’svisit to the United States, the events of Lebanon’s peaceful transition, thepassing of Pope John Paul II, and the election of Pope Benedict.

We now look forward to the upcoming Maronite Convention sponsored by NAMand hosted by St. Ephrem Parish in San Diego, California, our MYO YouthWorkshop in Detroit, Michigan, and our Shrine Pilgrimage to North Jackson, Ohio.

In the midst of these gatherings ofGod’speople we also share in our own parishand family events. Some will go to Lebanon to spend a few days of vacation. Somewill take some time here to recreate. We pray that in all our endeavors and ourcoming and going out, the name of the Lord may be praised, and may our lives trulybe for Christ and through Him for our good and the good of His entire Church.

We wish you a blessed summer.Sincerely yours in Christ,+ Gregory John Mansour

Maronite CensusRegister your family in the

Maronite Censuswww.maronitecensus.net

email: [email protected]

or callEparchy of Saint Maron of

Brooklynat 1-718-237-9923

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

June 4-5, 2005Subdeacon Ordination, Youngstown, Oh.

June 11-12, 2005Groundbreaking, Tulsa, Oklahoma

June 17-19, 2005St. Sharbel Church, Warren, Mich.

July 7-9, 2005MYO Retreat, Plymouth, Mich.

Schedule of Bishop Gregory Mansour

June 4, 2005Ordination of Simon Abi-Nader to Diaconate in Orlando, Fla.

June 8-10. 2005Catholic/Oriental Orthodox Dialogue, New Rochelle, N.Y.,

June 12, 2005Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.

June 15-17, 2005Catholic Bishops Annual Summer Meeting, Chicago, Il.

June 17-19, 2005Pastoral Visit, Utica, N.Y.

June 20, 200525th Anniversary of Msgr. Peter F. Azar, Lawrence, Mass.

June 22, 2005Brooklyn Arab and Middle Eastern Christians Ecumenical Luncheon

June 23, 2005New York State Bishops’ Meeting

June 25-26, 2005Pastoral Visit, Danbury, Conn.

July 7-8, 2005MYO Annual Retreat, Detroit, Mich.


“Like a shepherd ... He will feed us”Bishop Gregory Mansour Makes A Pastoral Visit

To St. Anthony of the Desert Church in Fall River, Massachusetts

by Catherine B. AssadSt. Anthony of the Desert Parishioner

During the first weekend of April2005, the parish family of St.Anthony of the Desert of Fall

River, Massachusetts was visited by itsShepherd, the Most Reverend GregoryJ. Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy ofSaint Maron of Brooklyn. In the wordsof Chorbishop Joseph F. Kaddo, Pastor,“Thechoice, after serious considerationof our Patriarch with all the MaroniteBishops of the Synod, through thegrace of the Holy Spirit, to chooseBishop Gregory as the bishop of theEparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklynwas the gift of grace of God to us hispriests and the faithful of our Church.Through this visit extended to us thisweekend, we are, indeed, enriched inour individual spirituality as persons,and privileged as a parish family by hispresence.”

A multitude of parishioners joinedarea Maronite priests and others

representing the FallRiver Diocese at awell-prepared meal atthe Venus de MiloRestaurant to initiatethe three day long visitof the Bishop. Specialnote was made of thebrother priests fromCardinal MedeirosResidence for RetiredPriests located in FallRiver.

Robert Shaker,President of the ParishCouncil and Master ofC e r e m o n i e s ,welcomed all inattendance. Renditionsof the American andLebanese NationalA n t h e m s w e r erendered by TomKhoury and NicoleNasser. Toasts inArabic and in Englishw e r e m a d e b yDeacons Andre Nasser

and Donald Massoud. The HonorableEd Lambert, Mayor of the City of FallRiver, praised the contributions ofmembers of the parish family whethercivic, educational or cultural.

Bishop Gregory offered a tribute toPope John Paul II calling the Pontiff,“Aholy priest who lived generously asa good and faithful servant of our Lord,Jesus Christ: a bridge builder.” Then,he urged all of us to follow the exampleof our forefathers and continue thegreat legacy that was left to us.“Continue to make a personalcommitment and investment equal tothe sacrifices made by our ancestors,”said Bishop Gregory.

The highlight of Friday evening’sfestivities was the conferring of theMassabki Medal upon Deacon DonaldMassoud and his wife, Donna. Theywere referred to as “modern dayexamples of Christ among us and a pairof good Maronite Catholic Christianswho have served their parish and othersin the Fall River Diocese.”

Saturdayevening’sattendees of theHoly Mysteries heard the tragic news of

the loss of Holy Father John Paul II.Bishop Gregory focused his attentionon the lifelong sacrifices of John PaulII.“Hissuffering serves as an exampleto us. He lived through the‘darknightof thesoul’ as a resultof his dwindlinghealth, but lived generously as a servantof mankind bound to see the Light ofthe World. Let us remember himtonight as at all times,”shared thespiritual leader.

Sunday morning gave the Bishopthe opportunity to meet with thechildren of the parish during theirSunday School instruction time. Hevisited each class. He praised theteachers and encouraged them tocontinue their service to theparishioners’children. The childrenwere encouraged to continue to askquestions and not be afraid to think.“Beproud of your association withChrist,”the Bishop said. He appeared tobe warm, friendly and concerned aboutthem. Nine year-old George Karamcommented, “Ourbishop is a greatman... a very, very nice gentleman. Hehas a positive attitude.” JamesWolstenholme saw yet another side ofBishop Gregory when he offered theseremarks, “Heis a good speaker. He isnice. He should run for president.”

After visiting with the youngestmembers of his flock, Bishop Gregoryofficiated at the Sunday morningliturgy. He was greeted by the glorioussounds of our choir under the directionof Deborah Ganem. During thesermon, The Bishop praisedChorbishop Norman Ferris, PastorEmeritus, and the present PastorChorbishop Joseph Kaddo, as“dedicated and devoted priests,for it isevident that the people of their missionsare close toGod.” Everyone’s role wasmentioned. All were encouraged tocontinue their good works for theparish’sfuture.“Findthe true value oflife by turning to God. Don’t be afraidof living the life of Christ because itmay cause you discomfort. Life isn’teasy, but the true meaning of life isGod’s love,” exhorted our bishop.

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Bishop Gregory Mansour (left) with Msgr. Joseph F. Kaddo,Pastor of St. Anthony of the Desert Church.


Bishop Doueihi Celebrates FiftyYears of Priestly Service

On May 1-2, 2005, the Eparchy of Saint Maron ofBrooklyn honored His Excellency Bishop StephenHector Doueihi, Bishop Emeritus, for his 50th

Anniversary of Priesthood at Our Lady of LebanonCathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y. On May 1, 2005, Feast of OurLady of Lebanon, Bishop Doueihi celebrated the DivineLiturgy to a standing room only cathedral. Following theDivine Liturgy, the Cathedral Parish hosted a luncheon inBishop Doueihi’s honor.

On May 2, 2005 Clergy from both Maronite eparchiesjoined Their Excellencies Bishop Robert Shaheen, Bishop ofthe Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon and Bishop GregoryMansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklynat a Divine Liturgy in honor of Bishop Doueihi’s GoldenAnniversary. In his homily, Bishop Doueihi gave thanks toGod for his priestly vocation and expressed his gratitude toBishops Shaheen, Mansour and the Maronite clergy forhonoring his anniversary. After recalling his fifty years as apriest, he thanked the priests for their ministry and exhortedthem to always champion the cause of Christ. A cateredluncheon at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral followed theliturgy.

Bishop Doueihi was ordained in Lebanon on August 14,1955 at Dimane. However, due to his travel schedule, theEparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn decided to celebrate hisanniversary on the Feast of Our Lady of Lebanon.

Bishop Doueihi may be contacted at:Bishop Stephen Hector Doueihi

113 Remsen Street4th Floor

Brooklyn, New York 11201

Pawtucket, Rhode IslandSilver Massakbi Award

On Sunday, April 24, 2005, Fr. Paul Mouawad, Pastorof St. George Maronite Church in Pawtuckt, RhodeIsland, presented the Silver Massabki Award to Mr.

and Mrs. John and Jeanette Solomon. Following thepresentation, all were invited to the church hall for a fullbreakfast in honor of the recipients. Nearly sixty familymembers joined the crowd which filled the hall to capacityfor this most joyful day.

John and Jeanette have been lifelong members of St.George Church. Jeanette has often served as foodchairperson for theparish’sbiggest fund-raising events, theSt. Joseph Hafli and Heritage Day Festival. She is also amember of the Holy Rosary Sodality. John always assistsJeanette in whatever task she is undertaking. Additionally,both have been annual attendees at the National Apostolateof Maronites (NAM) Convention for many years. Fr. Paulacknowledged his gratitude on behalf of the parish for all thehard work and untiring efforts which John and Jeanette haveexhibited over the course of many years of service to St.George Church.

Eparchial Directives

For those interested in the Maronite tradition regardingfasting in preparation for the Feasts of Sts. Peter andPaul, the Synod of Mt. Lebanon states: Fasting from

midnight to noon and abstaining from meat and dairyproducts was prescribed beginning on June 15 and ending onJune 28. June 24, the feast of the Nativity of John the Baptistis exempt.

Annual Clergy Conference

Areminder that our annual clergy convocation will takeplace in San Diego, California from Monday, July 18,2005 beginning at 6:00 pm, to Thursday, July 21,

2005 ending at 12:00 noon.

Bishop Stephen Hector Doueihi, Retired Bishop of theEparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, delivers a homily at hisanniversary Liturgy on May 2, 2005 at Our Lady of LebanonCathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.


St. Anthony in Glen AllenCelebrates its 21st Annual Lebanese

Food Festival

SaintAnthony’sMaronite Catholic Church in Glen Allen,Virginia celebrated its Twenty-first Annual LebaneseFood Festival the weekend of May 13-15, 2005. A

large number of people in the Richmond Metropolitan areaenjoyed the food, music and dancing. A local radio stationprovided live broadcast of one of its popular programs fromthe grounds of the center.

Cooking for the festival began in late February.Parishioners gathered two days a week to roll grape leavesand cabbage, bake kibbi, and make meat and spinach pies andmany other Lebanese dishes and pastries. The week beforethe festival, parishioners set up fifteen food and drink boothsbehind the church.

Lebanese music was provided by the Mazloom Familyand by Gus Harika and his band. Over ninety dancersparticipated this year in traditional Lebanese dances. Havingpracticed since March, the six groups (ranging in age fromfive year olds to adults) performed four times each day to thecheers of family and visitors.

People in the Richmond area look forward each year tothe festival, and the number of visitors grows each year.Visitors also come from out of town. The Lebanese Festivalat St.Anthony’shas grown to become an opportunity to shareLebanese and Maronite culture and heritage with the greaterRichmond metropolitan community.

Somerset, New JerseySt. Sharbel Annual Festival

St. Sharbel Church in Somerset New Jersey will celebrateits annual festival on Friday June 24, thru Sunday June26, 2005.

Live music by Hisham Barakat and his orchestra.Lebanese and American Food plus games for children. FreeAdmission. Everybody is welcome.

Western New YorkLebanese Festival

AtSt. John Maron

ChurchIn Williamsville, N.Y.

The Seventh Annual Western New York LebaneseFestival is about to hit Buffalo and after six yearsBuffalonians know what to expect and mark their

calendars for the last weekend of July. This festival hasgotten bigger and better every year.

The biggest attraction is the authentic Lebanese cuisine.Many patrons will come all three days just to get a taste of allthe different foods offered.

Three different age groups will perform the dabkythroughout the three-day festival. The audience is oftenmesmerized by the precision of the adult dancers. Perfectioncould be used to describe their dabky performance. Theyounger dancers are always eager to start practicing andperforming so they, too, can someday be one of the adultdancers on stage.

The festival gives all of Western New York anopportunity to visit the beautiful church that St. John Maronparishioners call home. Since the renovation, people whovisit the church marvel at the artwork and stained glass thathas been incorporated into this institution that recentlycelebrated 100 years in the Buffalo community.

The festival is an ambitious endeavor and its success canbe attributed to the parishioners who so faithfully dedicatethemselves, year after year, to making this festival the prideand joy of St. John Maron Church. The festival will be heldJuly 29-31, 2005 at 2040 Werhle Dr., Williamsville, NY,14221. The hours are Friday, 6-11PM; Saturday, 4-11PM;and Sunday, 12-6 PM. Visit the church’s website fordirections and more information at www.stjohnmaron.org.


A Memorable Evening At TheBishop’s Private Residence

by Mary Asmar Smith

On May 11th, His Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansourand Vicar General Monsignor Michael Thomas invitedthe Ladies Confraternity of Our Lady of Lebanon

Cathedral and their friends to their private residence. Twenty-four ladies attended, and for the majority it was their firstvisit ever to the Bishop’s home. Monsignor Ignace Sadek,Cathedral Rector, also joined for a very interesting andunique evening.

His Excellency Bishop Gregory began with a prayer andthen welcomed everyone and expressed his gratitude for theConfraternity’sdedication and generations of commitmentand devotion to Our Lady of Lebanon. He then asked thateach person introduce herself followed by a brief statement.One by one the ladies spoke about their experiences at theCathedral. While each story was unique, they all shared loveand loyalty to the Cathedral and Msgr. Sadek, and expressedtheir deepest appreciation to Bishop Gregory and Msgr.Thomas for their hospitality and warm welcome into theirhome.

Bishop Gregory asked Confraternity President Mae Safeeto give an update on the latest events/fundraisers at theCathedral followed by a brief confraternity meeting. He thenspoke of the writings of both Pope John Paul, and BenedictXVI with regard to the“GeniusofWomen”.This genius is“knowinghow to love, care, nourish, uphold, honor anddefend all that is good and noble.”He covered the role ofwomen in the family, church and society and how they“makethe world a better place.”

Msgr. Thomas welcomed everyone to take a self-guidedtour of the residence. The women then had refreshments andmany discussions with Bishop Gregory, Msgr. Thomas andMsgr Sadek.

It was a memorable evening and the ladies obtained abetter understanding and closeness to our Bishop and VicarGeneral and their vital role in the Church.

Minneapolis, MinnesotaTaste Of Lebanon At St. Maron

Church

The parish of St. Maron Church in Minneapolis,Minnesota held its “Taste of Lebanon LebaneseDinner” on April 24, 2005 at its Cedars Social Hall.

This authentic Lebanese dinner has not been held for overtwenty-five years.

Around 1350 people were served from noon untilevening. Members of the Altar Society and St. Anne Club,the Saint Rafka Club, the MYO, the Lebanon American Cluband many other parishioners came together to prepare for thisevent.

This event was like a home coming to so many peoplewho have not seen the new church and hall. St. Maron Parishfeels it was a great honor to have had the opportunity to shareits rich tradition and heritage with hundreds of people.

New Castle, PennsylvaniaMay Crowning

St. John the Baptist Maronite Church in New Castle, Penn.,celebrated May Crowning on May 8, 2005. Pictured left toright are Lara Kanaan, Caitlyn Doran, Christina Riott, 2005May Queen Danielle Rand, Fr. Kevin Beaton. Crown Bearersare Michael Yeropoli and David Cuscino.

Bishop Gregory Mansour with members of the Ladies’Confraternity of Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral inBrooklyn, N.Y.


40th AssumptionPilgrimage

August 12 -15, 2005m a r k s t h e 4 0 t h

Pilgrimage to theNational Shrine of Our Ladyof Lebanon in North Jackson,Ohio. This year’s pilgrimagewill be a very exciting one forthe National Shrine and for allMaronites in the United Statesas it is the 40th anniversary ofthe establishment of theShrine. “The years have

passed quickly and many visitors and pilgrims have come toMary’shome for many reasons. All have left with God’sblessings andgraces.”says Msgr. Anthony Spinosa, Rector.The Assumption Pilgrimage this year will include a day ofspiritual preparation as we celebrate the Year of theEucharist.

Pilgrimage ScheduleOn Friday August 12, at 10:00 A.M., Bishop RobertShaheen, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon willordain Subdeacon Tom Craven to the Order of Deacon. Inthe evening, Msgr. George Appleyard, Pastor of St. AnneByzantine Catholic Church will preside at a EucharisticDevotion and Benediction.

On Saturday, August 13, His Excellency Nicholas J.Samara, Auxiliary Bishop of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton,Mass., will celebrate “Parakleses to The Mother of God” at4:00 P.M. The Most Reverend Basil M. Schott, O.F.M.,Metropolitan Archbishop for the Byzantine Catholic Dioceseof Pittsburgh will celebrate an evening (7:00 P.M.) ByzantineLiturgy followed by candlelight procession.

On Sunday, August 14, From noon until 4:00 P.M., therewill be Hayrides to Martyr Trail; Rosary on the hour from1:00 until 5:00 P.M.; and children’s activities from 2:00 -5:00 P.M. At 3:30 P.M., Fr. Gary George, Pastor of St.Maron Church in Youngstown, Oh., will conduct a spiritualconference on Eucharistic themes followed by MaroniteVespers chanted by the Antonine Sisters. Msgr. Robert J.Siffrin, Vicar General of the Diocese of Youngstown, willcelebrate the evening Divine Liturgy followed by acandlelight procession.

On Monday, August 15 (Feast of the Assumption)additional liturgies during the day are scheduled as well asthe blessing of the sick, the rosary every hour andconfessions. His Excellency Gregory John Mansour, Bishopof the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, will celebrate thenoon Liturgy followed by the blessing of the sick. Fromnoon until 4:00 P.M., again there will be Hayrides to MartyrTrail and children’s activities from 2:00 -5:00 P.M. At 3:30P.M., Fr. Gary George will conduct a second spiritualconference on Eucharistic themes followed by MaroniteVespers chanted by the Antonine Sisters. Bishops RobertShaheen and Gregory Mansour will celebrate an evening

(7:00 P.M.) Maronite Pontifical Liturgy. A candlelightprocession will follow the Liturgy.

Special Notes1. Nearby lodging (call for information)2. The Shrine opens every morning at 9:00 A.M.3. Children’sactivities on Sunday and Monday (2-5 P.M.)

include:a. Children’s bounce aroundb. Barnyard Pettingc. Gamesd. Arts & Crafts

4. A variety of foods are available all day and eveningfollowing the candlelight processions.

5. Extensive variety of religious articles and books in thelargest gift-shop in the area

6. Transportation aiding the elderly and handicapped to andfrom vehicles.

7. All visitors are asked to observe the dress code and to notenter the Shrine wearing shorts or immodest tops.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is located at2759 North Lipkey Road in North Jackson, Ohio. For furtherinformation on the Shrine call (330) 538-3351 or by Email [email protected] or check the Shrine web-site atwww.ourladyoflebanonshrine.org .

Lawrence, Mass.Mother’s Day at St Anthony

Maronite Church

The men and the children of St. Anthony Church inLawrence, Mass., honored the mothers after theMother’s Day Liturgy on Sunday, May 8, 2005.

Msgr. Azar, Pastor, augmented the Sunday Liturgy withthe traditional Crowning of Mary. Following the liturgy, thegirls from early Sunday School grades led the procession andstudents from the seventh and eight-grade crowned theBlessed Mother. Following the Liturgy, parishionersgathered in the church hall to show respect to the mothers.

Led by Wissam Merheb and George Saab, the children,ages 7 through 16, sang a beautiful song for the mothers andthe men and teen-agers served them coffee and pastry.


An Urgent Appeal

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon2759 North Lipkey Road, North Jackson, Ohio 44451

www.ourladyoflebanonshrine.org Phone: 330-538-3351; Fax: 330-538-0455

Dear Fellow Maronites and Friends of Our Lady’s Shrine:

This year is a very important one for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon and for all who visit this special placeof worship. It was forty years ago in 1965 that the Shrine was dedicated and pilgrims began to come to worship almighty Godand honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Forty years have passed and much has happened. The Shrine has grown and expanded to meet the needs of the many who visityearly. The Cedars Hall, Prince of Peace Chapel and Martyrs Meditation Trail are all part of this wonderful Shrine. Even theShrine Gift Shop offers our visitors a place to obtain beautiful devotional items as well as excellent Catholic reading materials.

As we enter the 40th Anniversary year we are faced with several major repair projects such as a new roof on the Prince ofPeace Chapel, a complete renovation of the parking lot and an updating of the waste treatment facility. The cost of theseprojects is in the area of $700,000.

At this time the replacement of the roof on the Prince of Peace Chapel is our primary concern. The current roof has many leaksand the sub-roof is beginning to deteriorate because of moisture. It must be replaced this year before the additional damageis incurred. It is our hope that this can be done for the 40th Anniversary Assumption Pilgrimage in August. To do this wewill need $150,000 for the Chapel roof alone. To accomplish this very important project we would like to have 150benefactors who could donate $1,000 each or 300 benefactors at $500.

The names of the donors will be placed on special plaques in the vestibule of the Prince of Peace Chapel.

Would you please consider helping us with this important project in order that Our Lady’s Shrine can be maintained in theproper manner for years to come? The attached form may be used for your contribution.

My sincere thanks to all who have helped the Shrine over the past forty years and to those who continue to help us with theirprayers and financial assistance. God bless you.

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus

Reverend Monsignor Anthony S. Spinosa, Rector-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Monsignor Anthony:

I would like to be a benefactor for the new roof on the Prince of Peace Chapel at the National Shrine.

( ) I am able to contribute $1,000 ( ) I am able to contribute $500( )A. All at once ( )A. All at once( )B. $100 for ten months ( )B. $50 for ten months

Benefactor Name:__________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________

Address:______________________________________City:_________________State:____________Zip:__________I would like the plaque to read as follows: (Maximum 4 lines & 30 spaces each line)

______________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________


Why Become A Member of The Order of SaintSharbel?

By Anthony T. Budway

As the President of the Order of St. Sharbel I would like to invite you tobecome a member of the organization. The Order of St. Sharbel wasfounded in 1980 by a group of dedicated Maronites to preserve and expand

the education of our seminarians at the Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C.It is the only Maronite Seminary established outside of Lebanon and serves botheparchies within the United Sates.

The current costs of educating our seminarians including tuition and alloperating expenses of the seminary currently run about $175,000 per year. Whenpossible, additional funds are used to increase the benefits to our retired priests.As a member of the Order of St. Sharbel you will be contributing to the greatergood of the Eparchy of St. Maron and the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanonsecuring the future for those who will serve. The men who are called to thisvocation must receive the theological education for the very difficult task ahead ofthem. It is this ordained Priest who administers baptism, first communion,marriage and funeral services to the faithful of his parish. After serving ourparishes for so many years, it is our responsibility to ensure that they are taken careof during their retirement years. This is what the Order of St. Sharbel is about!

If you wish to support the Order of St. Sharbel and its objectives, pleasebecome a member. The two categories of membership are Annual and Perpetual.To become an Annual Member a donation of $500 is requested. To become aPerpetual Member a one-time donation of $5,000 is requested. In either case, tofulfill the membership requirement, you can choose to pay in one lump sum or payby installments during one calendar year. The annual membership dues areearmarked directly for the seminary and the perpetual memberships are earmarkedfor the endowment fund used for the same purposes.

If you have any questions about the Order of St. Sharbel, you may contact meby telephone at 401-231-4057 or email me at [email protected]. You maycontact the Eparchy of St. Maron, Office of the Bishop, 109 Remsen Street,Brooklyn, New York 11201-4212 or the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, Officeof the Bishop, 1021 South 10th Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63104 or email the VicePresident of the Eparchy of St. Maron Bernadette Shalhoub [email protected] or mail the Vice President of the Eparchy of Our Lady ofLebanon, Wanda Elkouriet [email protected], for additional information anddetails.

Available From Saint Maron Publications

The Most Reverend Robert Shaheen, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady ofLebanon and Gregory Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron ofBrooklyn, have authorized Saint Maron Publications to reprint the three

volumes of The Prayer of the Faithful in English.The Prayer of the Faithful will be available toward the end of July of 2005. To

order your copy (ies) please write order to:

Saint Maron Publications4611 Sadler Road

Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

For further information, call (804) 762-4301. For a complete listing ofpublications carried by Saint Maron Publications, please visit www.stmaron.org.

THE ORDEROF

SAINT SHARBEL

NEW MEMBERS

Perpetutal Members

Mr. Haleem N. ZihenniScarsdale, N.Y.

***Annual MembersMr. Raymond Baurkot, III

Easton, Penn.

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 Maronites Eparchies

in the USA.For more information about the

Order, 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


Adult Religious Formation . . .By Fr. Anthony Salim

When Jesus taught the people, Hetaught simply. The EvangelistMark remembered it in this

way, in the 33rd verse of hisGospel’s4th

chapter: “Withmany similar parablesJesus spoke the Word to them, as muchas they could understand.”

In one of those parables, Jesuscompared the Kingdom to that ofpearls, for which, if one was willing todo the important work to discover them,this discovery would be worth morethan any other treasure. As Matthewrecalled: “Again, the kingdom ofheaven is like a merchant looking forfine pearls. When he found one of greatvalue, he went away and soldeverything he had and bought it”(13:45-46).

Indeed, one of the greatest teachersof the Syriac Church tradition, out ofwhich much of our own Maronitetradition flows, compared the teachingof the Church to a fine, yet hidden,pearl. If we wish to discover it, we mustbe willing to pay the price. That price,of course, can be paid in joy andenthusiasm; if so, we will enjoy theresults all the more.

Religious education is one way thatour common Catholic Tradition uses todiscover the precious pearls of Christianwisdom that help us discover what istruly meaningful for our lives and ourSyriac-Maronite Church is noexception. Under the guidance of theteaching office (teaching responsibility)of the bishops of the Church, known asthe “Magisterium,” under thewatchfulness of the Bishop of Rome,the truths revealed by God from Jesusand found in the Bible and in theTradition of the Church are madeknown to us.

However, the bishops generallydon’t teach us directly on a regularbasis. They entrust this day-to-day taskof teaching to the pastors of parishes,and with them, the catechists (religionteachers) in parishes and schools. It ison this very local level that the CatholicCommunity of Faith learns the truths ofthat faith (dogmas and doctrines) aswell as how to live it (morals). Throughthese very dedicated, and—it ishoped—trainedindividuals, the pearlsof Catholic wisdom are passed on fromone generation to the next. Or, to put itanother way, through these good

people, the call goes forth in theteaching, and is echoed back in thelearning. Indeed, the formal word forthis interaction in faith is catechesis.The Greek basis for this word is in fact“toecho”(kata, “back,”or “on,” andecho,“to call”).

The next thing to consider is this:To whom does the call go out? Tochildren, to young people, toadults—oris it to all, the whole community? Whois to find these pearls?

For too long now in formal theoriesof catechetical instruction, orformation, the presumption was thatchildren were to be the primary focus offormation. After all, many people think,where else should we begin inpeople’slives? Don’t we need to form childrenfrom the beginning to know, love andserve the Lord? Then shouldn’t weextend that to teens?

As important as this is, there isanother view that is being emphasizedtoday. It is this: Adults need to beformed properly first. Then they will bein a position to help pastors andcatechists form children and youngpeople.

To understand this requires a bigshift in our traditional way of thinking.Sad to say, for many in the Church ingeneral, and our Maronite Church inparticular, the prevailing thought is thatafter a certain time religious formationis not necessary any longer. Often thisis mistakenly judged to be immediatelyafter one’sreception of First HolyCommunion. Another “wrong” time isafter the child finishes Middle School.Or, if a family can still persuade one’schildren of the value of staying inreligious formation classes, this may beafter high school. One danger, ofcourse, is that, like Tom Hank’scharacter in the movie “Big,” we mayactually have a lot of children, inreligious education terms, walkingthrough life in big people’s bodies.Take a moment to think about this tosee whether this is, in fact, true ingeneral; even more, take a moment toobserve whether it is true in yourselvesand in the members of your family.

What people fail to realize is thatreligious formation is life-long. Askyourself: Can we ever truly learn allthere is to learn about the Faith? Theanswer, of course, is no. One may then

ask: If this is so, why bother to keeplearning? Here we have twoextremes—not having learned enoughand not being able to learn it all. Theanswer lies somewhere in the middle:what does it take to be a fully matureChristian in Christ’s Church?

The goal is, in fact, to be a matureChristian. As St. Paul says, we mustwork: “toprepare God's people forworks of service, so that the body ofChrist may be built up until we allreach unity in the faith and in theknowledge of the Son of God andbecome mature, attaining to the wholemeasure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants,tossed back and forth by the waves, andblown here and there by every wind ofteaching and by the cunning andcraftiness of men in their deceitfulscheming” (Eph 4:12-14). TheChristian Community then is as matureas its members.

In recent times the Vatican haspublished documents that clearlyemphasize the importance of theformation of adults. In the GeneralDirectory for Catechesis (addressed tothe whole Church) as well as theNational Directory for Catechesis(which is scheduled to be published inEnglish for Catholics of the UnitedStates), the bishops of the world urgepastors and catechists to offer to adultseffective formation of the People ofGod entrusted to their care. In addition,the bishops of the United States haveissued a very important documententitled,“WereNot Our Hearts Burningwithin Us?” This document has metwith great approval in the catecheticalcommunity in America. Yet itsimplications are yet to be fullyunderstood and implemented. This isour task.

In practical terms, what can weexpect from embracing the concept ofadult formation? We should be able todemand of our pastors to organize adultreligious education formation classes.

(Continues On Page 11)


The “Born Again” ExperienceBy

The Most Reverend Gregory Mansour

Many non-Catholic Christiansand Catholic Charismaticsspeak about being “born

again.”Talk of this experience seems tobe silenced by some unwritten taboo,which associates it only with Protestantevangelicals. However, the “bornagain”experience is not the uniquepossession of the Protestant churches.The same God brings all Christians torebirth!

Catholics react to Protestants whotell them they must be born again byholding securely to infant baptism astheir rebirth. Protestants in turn, react tothis by claiming that an adult decisionmust be made.

Catholics sometimes allocate theSacrament of Confirmation –in theLatin Church –to the adult renewal ofthe baptismal rebirth. The EasternCatholics confirm as a part of theinitiation mysteries of the infant so theyare not as involved in this cycle ofreactions.

This seems to be confusing, but notreally, because there is a clarity ofthought for those who love God. Weneed not be ambiguous about God’sdesire to bring to rebirth His sons anddaughters. There is no question. Jesussays to Nicodemus:“Youmust be bornagain” (John 3).

The early Christians made a clearchoice to confess Jesus as Lord of theirlives at their Baptism. This, in fact, wastheir rebirth, their entrance into thecommunity of believers. As time wenton these born-again believers began tobaptize their children knowing that theywould learn to love the same God andone day would themselves decide totrust Him as Savior and Lord.

What leads to this rebirth? How dowe come to be born again? Thepreaching of the first apostles wasbasically this: Repent, stop trying towin God over by self-righteousbehavior or by self-made knowledge,but instead turn from your sinful ways,believe in God and receive His free giftof grace.

How do we receive this free gift?St. Paul’simage of the clay earthenvessel (II Cor 4:7) comes to mind: An

earthen vessel contains a valuabletreasure. We too, possess a valuabletreasure but in our frail humanity.Look at the life of an elderly personwho has lived in grace; a faithful,happily married couple; the bright eyesof a child; the love between friends; andthe joy of life well lived in faith.

We are painfully aware that thistreasure of life is safeguarded only by aweak earthen vessel. This fact is soclear when we see how we maydisappoint one of our elders, bringunnecessary sorrow into the life of amarried couple, dim the bright eyes ofa child, hedge on the trust betweenfriends, or extinguish the joy of othersby jealousy. Our capacity to fragment,alienate, belittle, and disvalue thetreasure of life is our broken, sinfulstate.

How do we bridge the chasmbetween God and our broken lives?How do we let God have his rightfulplace in our lives?

There are times when He wishes totake up residence within us and we turnHim away. This may be for a variety ofreasons. Most often it is because we donot want to rearrange our lives for Hiscoming. Instead, we choose to distanceourselves, to hide like Adam and Evedid after their sin. We actually chooseagainst Him even when it is mostnatural for us to welcome His desiredentry.

When we become aware of ourconscious or subconscious effort topush God to the periphery of our life,we then realize the brokenness of ourrelationship with Him. We cannotstorm the heavens to affect the mendingof this union – we can only prepareourselves properly to receive Hisheavenly gift. It is He who stands at thedoor and it is He who knocks, yet onlywe can open the door from the inside.

To welcome Him is our rebirth.Baptism is our rebirth. If we have notdone this, why not hasten to do it? If wehave done this once, why not do sooften so as to open ourselvescompletely to His great love.

Nicodemus asked the Lord how hecould be born again. Jesus replied“The

Spirit blows where it wills.”In theimagery used by the late Pope Paul IV,let us therefore“openwide oursails”tothis holy and gentle wind.“Noone can see the reign of God

unless he is begotten fromabove”John3:3.

Adult ReligiousFormation

Continued From Page 10

These might take many forms, fromBible Study to parish renewal programsand adult faith discussion groups. Itmay also mean learning more about ourMaronite liturgical tradition, the historyof our Church; or our theology andspirituality.

The resources for such classes areplentiful in the United States. All oneneeds to do is to contact such groups asthe National Conference forCatechetical Leadership (NCCL), forexample and request their catalogue orspeak to the staff at their nationalheadquarters. Until May of 2006 I serveas Vice-president of this organizationand can assist. Also, I have written aone-volume resource text specificallydesigned for the express purpose of thereligious formation of adult MaroniteCatholics entitled, Captivated by YourTeachings: A Resource Book for AdultMaronite Catholics.

I close with the thought of St. Paulagain, who urged:

All of us who are mature should takesuch a view of things. And if on somepoint you think differently, that too Godwill make clear to you (Phil 3:15).


Scranton, PennsylvaniaDedication of Veterans Monument

Memorial Day at St. Ann Maronite Church in Scranton,Pennsylvania was special. The day began withLiturgy dedicated to the veterans of the parish. This

was followed by a service at theparish’s cemetery held withthe local Melkite Church. A service honoring deceasedveterans was held by the American Legion and concludedwith a rifle salute and taps.

After their return to the church, members and friends ofthe parish gathered for a program led by the Very ReverendFrancis J. Marini, Pastor. The well attended program was forthe dedication of a newly installed Veterans monumentconsisting of 155 names of those men and women whoserved our country from World War I to the present. It wasspecial and unique since there were no fatalities whatsoever.

The program began with the singing of the NationalAnthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed bya prayer written by Archbishop John Carroll entitled "Prayerfor the Church and for Civil Authorities". The prayer wasgiven about the time the U.S. Constitution was adopted. TheMemorial was then presented by Paul P. Ackourey, Esq. andaccepted by Joseph J. Soma, MD. The donors and veteranswere then recognized and the Memorial blessed by Fr.Marini.

The principal address was given by Lt. Col. JosephVancosky, Deputy Commander for Administration,DiLorenzo TRICARE Health Clinic, The Pentagon., a nativeof Scranton and a member of St. Ann Maronite Church.During his address, Lt. Col. Vancosky presented the parishwith a United States flag which had been flown over thePentagon for the parishioners of Saint Ann Maronite Church.Benediction by Fr. Marini followed and the programconcluded with the singing of God Bless America.


Ecumenism From Pope John Paul II To Benedict XVI

by Fr. Samuel A. Najjar, J.D.Director, Ecumenism and Inter-Religious DialogueEparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn

In the last year of his pontificate,Pope John Paul II put a lot ofemphasis on Ecumenism. He was

dubbed the "Global Pope" because hetraveled to over 100 countries in histwenty six years as pontiff; touching thehearts of all with whom he came incontact. Inside the Vatican, he beganmaking sincere efforts at coming closerwith other Religions. On the Feast ofSaints Peter and Paul in June of 2004,he hosted Bartholomew I, TheE c u m e n i c a l P a t r i a r c h o fConstantinople. At that meeting, theysigned a Common Declarationcommitting their support for thecontinued effort toward Christian Unityas set forth by their predecessors (PaulVI and Athenagoras I) and the Fathersof Vatican Council II.

This effort continued with thereturn of the Kazan Icon of theTheotokos to Russia in August, 2004.For 1,000 years this was the symbol offaith for the Russian Orthodox Church.At the onset of Communism, the Icondisappeared from Russia andreappeared in the United States at the1964 World’sFair in New York, laterfinding its way to Rome.

Upon receiving the Icon, Patriarch

Alexei II stated, "Good relationsbetween the Russian Orthodox andRoman Catholic Churches, which 'theeverlasting Father, the Prince of Peace'(Is 9:6) calls us to realize not in wordsbut in deeds, are extremely importantfor the future of Europe and the wholeworld." This act was an expression ofthe deep communion of faith betweenthe West and East that exists despite themany difficulties, misunderstandingsand differences in faith.

In November, the relics of Sts.Gregory Nazianzen and JohnChrysostom, two Fathers of the EasternChurch, were returned to TheE c u m e n i c a l P a t r i a r c h o fConstantinople, Bartholomew I, at acelebration in St. Peter's Basilica inRome. John Paul II said, "This is ablessed occasion to purify our woundedmemories in order to strengthen ourjourney of reconciliation, to confirmthat the faith of these holy Doctors isthe faith of the Churches of East andWest."

With the election of Pope BenedictXVI, we enter into a new era in theChurch. In his initial message to theCollege of Cardinals the day after hiselection, he said, "I am fully determinedto encourage every initiative that seemsappropriate for promoting contacts andunderstanding with the representativesof the different Churches and EcclesialCommunities."

On April 25, the Holy Father metwith delegates of the Orthodox

Churches, the Oriental OrthodoxChurches and the EcclesialCommunities of the West. He said,"Our meeting today is particularlyimportant. It enables the new Bishop ofRome, Pastor of the Catholic Church, torepeat to you all with simplicity: 'Ducin altum!' Let us go forward with hope.In the footsteps of my predecessors,especially Paul VI and John Paul II, Ifeel strongly the need to reassert theirreversible commitment taken by theSecond Vatican Council and pursued inrecent years, also thanks to thePontifical Council for PromotingChristian Unity. The path to the fullcommunion desired by Jesus for hisdisciples entails, with true docility towhat the Spirit says to the Churches,courage, firmness and hope, in order toreach our goal. Above all, it requirespersistent prayer and with one heart, inorder to obtain from the Good Shepherdthe gift of unity for his flock."

With this in mind, let us join ourHoly Father, Pope Benedict XVI, inprayer for the strong interest inChristian Unity. Since the MaroniteChurch is scattered throughout theUnited States in diverse cultures andcommunities, it is difficult to pinpointone single way in achieving this goal. Iwill attempt to work with the pastorsand communities in an effort to assistwhenever possible. I am also open toany suggestions. Feel free to email meat: [email protected].

Maronite Charity begins at home… and in Lebanon !by Bishop Gregory Mansour

Along with our own parish and eparchial needs, howcan we support the Christians of Lebanon?There are six Catholic Communities that exist in

Lebanon: Maronite, Melkite, Armenian, Syriac Catholics,Coptic and Chaldean. There are also six specific Catholicservices that are the heart beat of the Catholics of Lebanon.These efforts are in need of our help:

1. Caritas Liban is the Catholic Relief Service forLebanon.

2. Catholic Schools’ Fundassists Christian families bymeans of subsidies based on need for all Catholicschools.

3. Telelumiere is the “EWTN”(Catholic Television) ofLebanon jointly owned and operated by shares from

every Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant denomination.4. The Voice of Charity is a radio station, which serves

as an outreach for all Christians in Lebanon. It wasrecently destroyed, over 1,000,000 in damages.

5. The Conference of Catholic Patriarchs and BishopsisLebanon’sversion of the USCCB. Maronite PatriarchSfeir presides over this body.

6. The five Catholic Universities of Lebanon.

These ecclesial entities are the backbone of Catholic life inLebanon. If the reader has any ideas on how we couldbetter support them it would be greatly appreciated.Moreover, if you would like to make a donation to any ofthese entities, your tax-deductible donation can be madethrough the chanceries of Our Lady of Lebanon or SaintMaron of Brooklyn.


Maronite Outreach“Dedicated to the preservation of Christianity in Lebanon”

by Antoinette Naddour

Fifty members of the MaroniteOutreach gathered for their secondannual national meeting on

Saturday, May 21, 2005 at StanfordUniversity. The meeting was hosted bythe Maronite Outreach chapter of OurLady of Lebanon in Millbrae (SanFrancisco), California. The attendeesgreeted each other warmly as manyhadn’tseen one another since lastyear’s workshop and many more werenew to this year’s meeting. MaroniteOutreach members representing theirchapters came from Texas, Arizona,Southern and Northern California, NewYork, and Mexico. From the East tothe West, they were all united by themission of “preserving Christianity inLebanon” through humanitarianprojects.

After a heartfelt prayer led by Fr.Toufik Nasr from Our Lady of Lebanonin Millbrae, the group began the nine-hour workshop. They reviewed thecurrent achievements, approved thenational organizational structure, andformulated goals and a strategic plan

for the future. There was emphasis onfine tuning the working model that upto date has shown great success throughtransparency, eff iciency, andpracticality. Enthusiasm and hope wereclearly visible as attendees reported ontheir respectivechapters’achievementsand actively participated in drafting acourse for the future.

Over the last five years, theMaronite Outreach has successfullygrown from a small committee at StJohn Maron Church in Anaheim,California, into a national organizationactive in seven parishes across theUnited States under the blessing andsupport of Bishops Robert Shaheen andGregory Mansour. So far, through thecontributions of parishioners andfriends at all seven chapters, theMaronite Outreach has provided 120scholarships, assisted in the rebuildingof six churches in Lebanon, facilitatedthe sponsorship of over sixty children,and linked over 200 Lebanese-American children to children inLebanon through the Piggy BankProject. Furthermore, in the summer of2004 the Maronite Outreach conducteda successful“Routeto ourRoots”tour

which hosted over forty people andguided them through all of Lebanonreconnecting many of them to their ownancestral history.

Building on the success and impactof their efforts, members of theMaronite Outreach drafted a plan toimplement their goals for the upcomingyear, creating action items with timelines for all current projects. Eachproject will be headed by a team ofyoung professionals who will report toan advisory board that was electedmidway through the gathering. As theMaronite Outreach has grown in orderto respond to the increasing economicand social pressures facing theChristians in Lebanon, all members andsupporters [pledged] to remain faithfulto the philosophy of the organizationwhich emphasized its belonging to thechurch, its emphasis on everyparishioner’s participation, and itsdedication to the less fortunatemembers of our family in Lebanon.

The Maronite Outreach leadershipand members would like to thank everypriest of every parish with an activechapter for their support and guidancewhich have allowed this dream to turninto a reality. The Maronite Outreachis grateful for its members, trusting andhoping that they will lead ourcommunity to greater success throughtheir trust in God.

To contribute to the MaroniteOutreach efforts with a donation orthrough becoming a member, pleasev i s i t t h e i r w e b s i t e a twww.maroniteoutreach.org or call Dr.Anthony El-Khoueiry at (213) 4580580.

Maronite OutreachActive Projects

Child SponsorshipChildren Helping Children

(Piggy Bank Project)Church RebuildingRoute to our Roots

Maronite Heritage Tour to LebanonStudent Scholarships

Members of Maronite Outreach with Bishop Robert Shaheen.


A ReunionOf

Faith, Hope, andLove

42nd

AnnualMaronite

Convention

Sponsoredby NAM

Hosted bySt. Ephrem

Church

July 20-24, 2005San Diego,California

by Sabine NaberPublic Relations Chairperson

The reunion of Bet Maroon is near. Thecandle of the promise of reunion is stillburning during Divine Liturgy,

awaiting your safe arrival in San Diego,California. The theme of our gathering thisyear is“MariamMother of Life - Under HerProtection.” We sincerely hope that youwill take advantage of the followingeducational presentations. They are includedin your registration package and are asignificant part of our annual gathering andan important aspect of your entireconvention experience. We are delighted tohave Reverend Mitch Pacwa, S.J.,former Professor of Theology at LoyolaUniversity, Chicago, Scripture and BiblicalLanguages scholar, and current radio andtelevision host for EWTN, lead apresentation on Mary Mother of Charity.Rosalind Moss, Jewish Convert and StaffApologist for Catholic Answers, will directa talk about Mary Mother of Hope. Ourown Naji Mouawad will lead some veryinteresting and insightful discussions onMary Queen of Heaven and Mother of FairLove. For many years, Naji has been adedicated parishioner and a blessing at SaintEphrem Church, in charge of weekly Biblestudy. You are not going to want to missthese presentations and discussions. Pleasemake time to attend.

Here is a detailed schedule of educationalpresentations so you can plan your day inadvance:

Mary, Queen of Heavenby Mr. Naji Mouawad

Wednesday, July 20, 20056:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dover Room

This presentation discusses the origin ofthis title in the Book of Revelation andshows the key role that Mary plays in

God’splan as set forth in the Apocalypse.As we study the vast expanse of the universeand we discover the millions of galaxies andbillions of stars that each day shine brightlyin the silence of the night, we are provokedto ask if we are the only creatures inhabitingit. A tendency exists amongst some tobelieve that the universe is populated bymultitudes of extra-terrestrial civilizationsand they speak of this possibility in waysdivorced from faith in God. We ask: whatdoes the title“Mary,Queen of theUniverse”mean? What claim does our faith make onthe universe and all that it contains when itboldly asserts Mary’squeenship over thecreated universe? Come and discover thepowerful implications of this title on the

dignity of the human being, on the meaningof our lives and on any potential closeencounter with UFOs.

Maronite Patriarchal Synodby Msgr. Ronald BesharaThursday, July 21, 2005

2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.Golden Ballroom

Msgr. Beshara will moderate this forum,presenting an informative review anddiscussion of the many issues concerning thePatriarchal Synod.

Mary. Mother of Hopeby Ms. Rosalind Moss, Jewish Convert

and Staff Apologist for CatholicAnswers

Thursday, July 21, 20057:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Pacific Salons 6-7

Maronites, like many other Eastern CatholicChurches, have a long-lasting and deepdevotion to Mary harkening back to St.Ephrem and the Fathers. They live in hope,imploring Mary as their Mother to intercedefor them. In Scripture, the Chosen People ofthe Old Covenant lived in hope and yearnedfor the Messiah and the Mother of theMessiah. Her birth would usher His coming.Come and learn about Mary in the OldTestament, her Jewish roots, and all thewomen who prefigured her, who announcedher coming and who were signposts ofGod’sprovidence and love for His children.

Mary, Mother of Charityby Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., TV Host for

EWTNFriday, July 22, 200510:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Golden Ballroom

Charity,God’sLove and Grace pouredin our heart, is the Christian gift to theworld par excellence. The Beatitudes

bring forth the love of God in ways that nohuman heart could have conceived, noneexcept the woman who conceived in herheart and bore in her flesh love incarnate.Come and learn about charity in the life ofMary, and what her example teaches us.Come and learn why Mary’s intercession isso powerful, and discover how you can joinwith her in asking forGod’sCharity, in yourfamily, amongst your friends and in thewhole world.


Mary, Mother of FaithRenowned Speaker

Friday, July 22, 20052:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Golden Ballroom

Mary stood at the foot of theCross and did not fail the test.She continued to believe in Her

Son and Redeemer even when nailed onthe Cross. Mary’s walk, likeAbraham’s walk, was in the dark nightof the faith. Come and learn aboutMary’s role as a teacher of faith, as anexemplar of living faith, and as a modelof faith in our modern life. Mary’sfaith never failed and neither will ourfaith fail as long as we stand next to herat the foot of the Cross and we say withthe apostles, “I believe, O Lord,strengthen my unbelief.”

Mary, Mother of Fair Loveby Mr. Naji Mouawad

Saturday, July 23, 200511:00 a.m. - 12 Noon

Dover RoomDiscusses how every romanticencounter and every long-lastingmarriage can be deepened and enrichedthrough an authentic devotion to Mary.

Young Adult “Town Meeting”with Bishops Shaheen and

MansourSaturday, July 23, 20052:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saint Ephrem Church

Our young adults are very important toour future. This "Town Meeting" willafford an opportunity for our youngadult Maronites to interact with ourbishops on various subjects and ourbishops will have the opportunity tohear the thoughts and concerns of ourfuture Maronite leaders. All youngadults (18-35 years old) should make aspecial effort to attend this meeting.

Update from the EparchialCommission for Lebanon

Chorbishop Seeley Beggiani andFr. Abdallah E. Zaidan, MLM

AndMaronite Outreach Workshop

Saturday, July 23, 20053:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.Golden Ballroom

Msgr. Beggiani and Fr. Zaidan arechairpersons for the Commission forLebanon for both of our Eparchies.They will moderate this forum,presenting an informative review anddiscussion of the many issues facingLebanon and the Middle East in thesecrucial and complex times.

The Maronite Outreach willconduct a workshop that will highlightthe humanitarian situation of theChristians in Lebanon and present theattendees with ways in which they canhelp. As needed and appropriate, theywill coordinate with a number ofcharitable organizations that theycollaborate and coordinate with inLebanon.

“I Like Me! Children’s Hour”Ms. Marion Coury

Thursday, July 21, 20052:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Friday, July 22, 20059:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 23, 20059:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Sunset Room/Meeting House

The theme of this presentation is“Believe In Yourself”, featuring the “ILike Me! Kids 'N Critters:” Abigail,Fergus, Lily, and Chester; the “OtterlyBrothers:”Quimby, Seaford, & Cye.;and the “Totter Otters”: Tony, Tatters,Incredible Quincy (I.Q.) and Baby "O."

This workshop is for children ages3-10. It is a 2-hour motivationalprogram designed to empower childrento care about themselves, others, andthe environment, with respect andacceptance. Each session will establishconsistent ground work for the themesthat follow in subsequent sessions.Discussions, stories on slides, cheers,songs, and follow-up activities will beincluded in this assembly filled withfun, laughter, music and a greatmessage! Please Note: This is astructured educational program for our

children and not “babysitting” ordaycare.

For hotel reservations call the Townand Country Resort & ConventionCenter at 1-800-77-ATLAS or directlyat (619) 291-7131, or visit their websiteat www.towncountry.com (AttendeeCode: NAM).

Special NAM Convention rates are$118.00 (single/double/triple/quad).Deadline for this special rate is July 1,2005.

You are encouraged to visit theChurch Website (www.stephrem.org)for more information or call (619) 337-1350.

For NAM information visitwww.namnews.org or call (718) 630-5868.

Active Chapters ofMaronite Outreach

St. John Maron, Anaheim, Calif.Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon, Los

Angeles, Calif.Our Lady of Lebanon, Millbrae,

Calif.St. Ephrem, San Diego, Calif.St. George, San Antonio, Tex.St. Joseph, Phoenix, Az.St. Sharbel, Newtown Square,

Penn.

Deadline for nextmonth’sissue of The Maronite

Voice is June 25,2005. Pictures haveto be original and

preferably in black andwhite. Digital pictures must be in“JPG” format.


Wednesday, July 20, 2005

9:00AM – 5:00 PM Board of Directors' Meeting Towne Rm / Mtng HouseNoon – 5:00 PM Registration/Banquet Seating Grand Ballroom FoyerNoon – 5:00 PM Displays and Exhibits Grand Ballroom FoyerNoon – 5:00 PM Hospitality Room Terrace Pavilion6:00 – 7:30 PM Convention Choir Rehearsal Sunset Room6:00 – 7:00 PM “Mary Queen of Heaven” - Naji Mouawad Dover Room7:30 – 8:30 PM St. Ephrem Choir Presentation Pacific Ballroom8:30 – 11:30 PM “Welcome to America’s Finest City”

Celebrate San Diego with Dinner and Dancingto DJ Tony Shamoun Golden Ballroom

11:00 – Midnight “Can We Talk?” - Informal discussion (TBD) Dover Room

Thursday, July 21, 2005

8:00 – 8:30 AM Safro (Morning Prayer) Pacific Ballroom9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Displays/Exhibits Grand Ballroom Foyer9 :00 AM – 5:00 PM Hospitality Room Terrace Pavilion9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Registration/Banquet Seating Grand Ballroom Foyer

Sittoo andJiddoo’s Parlor TBD9:00 – 11:15 AM Possible NAM Board of Directors’ Meeting Towne Rm/Mtng House9:30 – 11:00 AM Tour of St. Ephrem Church and “Mother of Life” Shrine

Meet at Hospitality Room – Terrace Pavilion Offsite11:00 – 11:30 AM Chapel open for private prayer and confessions Pacific Ballroom11:30A – 12:45 PM Divine Liturgy – Official Convention Opening Pacific Ballroom1:00 – 2:00 PM NAM Board Luncheon with Eparchial Staffs Towne Rm/Mtng HouseLunch – Free Time2:00 – 4:00 PM “Children’s Hour” – Marion Coury Sunset Rm/Mtng House2:30 – 3:45 PM Presentation on Patriarchal Synod

By Msgr. Ronald Beshara,Participant-Patriarchal Synod Assembly Golden Ballroom

4:00 – 6:00 PM Delegate Meeting Pacific Salons 6-75:30 – 7:00 PM Convention Choir Rehearsal Pacific Ballroom7:00 – 8:15 PM “Mary, Mother of Hope” – Ms. Rosalind Moss Pacific Salons 6-78:30 PM – 1:00 AM “South of the Border”

Dinner and Dancing to DJ and Mariachi Golden Ballroom10:00 – 11:00 PM Seniors’ Bingo Night TBD11:00 PM – Midnight “Can We Talk?” - Informal discussion (TBD) Dover Room1:00 – 4:00 AM Late Night Gathering -Middle-Eastern and

American DJ music by Tony Shamoun Golden Ballroom

Friday, July 22, 2005

8:30 – 9:45 AM Order of St. Sharbel Breakfast Meeting Royal Palm Salons/2nd Floor9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Displays/Exhibits Grand Ballroom Foyer9 :00 AM – 5:00 PM Hospitality Room Terrace Pavilion9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Registration/Banquet Seating Grand Ballroom Foyer

Sittoo and Jiddoo's Parlor TBD9:30 – 11:30 AM “Children’s Hour” – Marion Coury Sunset Rm/Mtng House

SCHEDULE - 2005 MARONITE CONVENTIONRegistration ScheduleWednesday: Noon – 6 PM / Thursday and Friday: 9 AM – 7 PM / Saturday: 9 AM – Noon

Hospitality Room Schedule*Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 5 PM / Thursday & Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM / Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM

*Hospitality Room will be closed each day during Divine Liturgy


SCHEDULE - 2005 MARONITE CONVENTIONFriday, July 22, 2005

10:00 – 11:15 AM “Mary, Mother of Charity” Rev. Mitch Pacwa, SJ (TV host, EWTN) Golden Room

10 :30 AM Youth Excursion Departure (TBD)11:30 A–12:45 PM Divine Liturgy Pacific Ballroom1:00 – 2:15 PM Tour of St. Ephrem Church and “Mother of Life” Shrine

Meet at Hospitality Room – Terrace Pavilion Offsite2:30 – 3:45 PM “Mary, Mother of Faith” – Rev. Mitch Pacwa, SJ

TV host, EWTN Golden Ballroom2:00 – 4:00 PM “Children’s Hour” – Marion Coury Sunset Rm/Mtng House4:00 – 6:00 PM NAM Delegate Meeting Pacific Salons 6-7

5:30 PM - Delegate breakout sessions in other Pacific Salons5:30 – 6:30 PM Convention Choir Rehearsal Sunset Rm/Mtng House6:30 – 7:00 PM Ramsho (Evening Prayer) Pacific Ballroom7:00 – 8:00 PM St. Ephrem Choir Presentation Pacific Ballroom8:00 PM – 1:00 AM “A Night of Traditions” Amin Sultan and Ensemble

Dinner, Dabke and Dazzle- Lebanese Style Golden Ballroom8:00 PM–12:00 AM NAM's Famous Silent Auction Pacific Salon 311:00 P- Midnight “Can We Talk?” - TBD Dover Room1:00 – 4:00 AM Late Night Gathering – Middle-East and

American DJ music By Tony Shamoun Golden Ballroom

Saturday, July 23, 2005

8:30 AM – Noon NAM Continental Breakfast and General AssemblyClergy, Delegates and Board Golden Ballroom

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Displays/Exhibits Grand Ballroom Foyer9:00 AM – Noon Hospitality Room Terrace Pavilion9:00 AM – Noon Registration/Banquet Seating Grand Ballroom Foyer

Sittoo and Jiddoo's Parlor TBD10:00 AM – Noon “Children’s Hour” – Marion Coury Sunset Rm/Mtng House9:30 AM Youth Excursion Departure TBD11:00 – Noon “Mary, Mother of Fair Love” - Naji Mouawad Dover Room12:15 – 1:30 PM Divine Liturgy Pacific Ballroom1:30 – 2:00 PM NAM Board of Directors' Meeting Towne Rm/Mtng HouseNoon – 1:30 PM Lunch – Free Time2:00 – 3:00 PM Young Adult “Town Meeting”

With Bishops Shaheen and Mansour Offsite – St. Ephrem Church3:30 – 4:45 PM Eparchial Commissions for Lebanon: Report

Maronite Outreach – Presentation Golden Ballroom3:30 - 4:30 PM Convention Choir Rehearsal Sunset Rm/Mtng House4:30 – 5:30 PM Divine Liturgy for the “Sunday Morning Travelers”.

If you are not traveling on Sunday, please plan to attend our specialclosing Pontifical Divine Liturgy at the hotel Sunday morning. Offsite St. Ephrem Church

5:30 – 6:45 PM Pre-Banquet Cocktail Hour Grand Ballroom Foyer& Outdoor Courtyard

7:00 PM – 1:00 AM Grand Banquet & HafliAmin Sultan and Ensemble Grand Ballroom

1:00 – 4:00 AM Late Night Gathering – Middle-East and American DJ music by Tony Shamoun Grand Ballroom section

Sunday, July 24, 2005

8:30 – 9:30 AM Convention Choir Rehearsal Golden Ballroom9:30 – 11:00 AM Pontifical Divine Liturgy Golden Ballroom11:00 AM– 12:30 PM Farewell Breakfast

“Till We Meet in Chicago 06” Outdoor Courtyard


2005 ConventionExhibits & Displays

The convention committee for NAM 2005 is proud topresent you with the opportunity to sell your productsand services to almost 1,000 NAM conventioneers.

The convention exhibits & displays will be held betweenWednesday, July 20 and Saturday, July 23 , 2005 at the Townand Country Resort in San Diego, California.

If you are interested or you know of anyone who may beinterested in this exibhit space, please contact Elie Habchi atthe following: by email to [email protected]; by phoneat (619) 572-5451 or by mail to: 474 Murray Dr., El Cajon,CA 92020.

In order to participate in the exhibit, please fill out theattached application. Participants are to donate the following:$200.00 which covers four days of exhibition and display(One 6 foot table included, additional tables are $100.00each) and an item of $50.00 or more in value, for the silentauction (item, service or consultation).

Exhibit and Display spaces are limited, so please makeyour reservations ASAP. The NAM Committee reserves theright to accept or reject any application request in accordancewith the rules, regulations, and ethics of NAM.

Exhibit & Display Application RequestEvery attempt will be made to meet your space requirement,however adjustments may be necessary if space becomes

limited. Displays and exhibits must be set up and open by2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 and must bedismantled by 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2005 .

Application Requests Must Be Submitted No LaterThan July 8, 2005.

Name:________________________________________Company NameAddress:City:______________ State:_____ Zip:____________Phone#:____________________Fax#:______________E-mail:

Description of Products/Services Exhibited or Displayed:

Additional Table Space Required: (One 6 foot table isincluded with every exhibit): ______________________

Easels (included): _____ Electrical Outlets (notincluded):_____Telephone Lines (not included, charges may apply):______________________

Special requests (please be specific)

Signature_______________ Date___________


Lebanon’s Voice ofCharity Radio

Destroyed in BlastContinued From Page 1

Miraculously, the Voice of Charity’sinternet server, along with the computercontaining archives of approximately15,000 programs dating back to 1998,are in perfect working condition afterbeing retrieved from the rubble. Thesecond-floor office in which they werelocated was completely bottomed out.An image of Our Lady of Medjugorehad adorned the two computers at alltimes before the attack occurred.

In addition to the Voice ofCharity’sArabic programming anddaily broadcast from the Vatican,segments are also aired in French,English, Armenian and Italian, as wellas programming in eight languagesnative to Lebanon’s large Afro-Asianmigrant worker population.

The Voice of Charity can be heardworldwid e v ia th e in ternet(www.radiocharity.org). Through itssatellites, the station reaches Syria, theHoly Land, Cyprus and parts of Egyptand Jordan.

The Voice of Charity’s regularprogramming includes the Rosary threetimes daily, the Angelus and a livebroadcast of Sunday Mass from Bkerke,the Maronite Patriarchate. Its live and

taped programs, hosted by both lay andreligious from all rites of the Churchrepresented in Lebanon, focus on thebible, spiritual life, family issues andthe Church. Music ranges from Arabicliturgical to praise, including manyrecordings by Voice of Charity DirectorFather Fadi Tabet.

Pastoral Visit to St.Anthony of The Desert

In Fall River, Mass.Continued From Page 3

FollowingSunday’sliturgy, a receptionwith food prepared by Beverly Burkeand others, was held at St. Sharbel’sCenter. Dr. Bassem Nasser remarked,“Heis the answer to our prayers for theAmerican Maronite Church.”Moreover, Dr. Ibrahim Eid said,“Bishop Gregory is an asset inattracting the youth. His wisdom isadmirable. If anyone can get the peopleto come to church, it is he.”

Seated at the gathering was thePresident of St. SharbelMen’sSociety,Eloi Levesque. He shared thefollowing, “My first impression of himproved to be true. He is a loving andholy priest. I look forward to seeinghim often.” One of our revered elders,Joseph Azar, said,“Iam quite taken byhim. He is a great communicator.”

Parishioners Sam and Mary Swideyoffered these comments,“Hesmiles hiswords. He is a man of the people, notfull of himself.”Loretta George, amember of the Order of St. Sharbel,said, “Our bishop is a man of God. Heis extremely warm and loving. He hasthe gift of transmitting his love of Godto all people.” One member of ourMYO, Christopher Azar, spokevolumes when he simply gave hisimpression of Bishop Gregory, “Hiswords to us at CCD were verypowerful. He is very approachable. Hehas a high position in the church, but heis very easy to get to know. He doesn’tthink,‘Iam the bishop and you are outthere.’To me, he ishumble.”From themouths of babes! As Chorbishop Ferrissaid, “We are blessed tohave him withus. As a brother priest, he is a verysaintly and intelligent man. He came tobe among his family in Fall River. He isthe head of the family. He is truly lovedby all members of his Fall Riverfamily.”Mrs. Angie Khoury, a lifetimemember of St. Anthony of the DesertParish family said it best, “We arefortunate to have Bishop Gregory asour leader. He made us feel sacred. Welove him!”

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

Documents

A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA · A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA ... the Voice of Charitywas able to resume ... Fadi Tabet referred to this