The Bible Is A Collection of Sacred Writings … St. Sharbel, St. Hardini and St. Rafkaand explore deeplywhatitmeans to be Maronite in this beloved country. These are just some of

TheMaronite Voice

A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA

Volume III Issue No. IX September 2007

The Bible Is A Collection of Sacred Writings Inspired by GodAnd Recorded With A Human Touch

Do We Take A Few Minutes To Reflect On PassagesFrom Scripture?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the first Psalm, King David reflects on the delights ofthose who meditate on the word of God night and day(Psalm 1:2-3). Do we do that? Do we sit and read the

Psalms, reflect on the Gospels, take a few minutes toreflect on passages from Scripture? This is the verymedicine the Church prescribes to keep us close to Christ.

Some say they do not understand the Bible, or do not havetime, or do not know where to start to read it. How aboutthis: take one of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke orJohn, read a chapter and take five minutes to reflect onhow God works in human hearts. Read a Psalm each dayand reflect on the goodness of God. You could begin withPsalm 23, 51, 62, 84, 91, or 139. Read one chapter of TheActs of the Apostles; read Saint Paul’s Epistle to theRomans, chapter 1, his Second Epistle to the Corinthians,chapters 4 and 5, the Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter 1,or the First Epistle of St. John. Here you will find simpleyet profound interactions between God and human hearts.

The Bible is a collection of sacred writings inspired byGod and recorded with a human touch. The more weenter into the Bible the more we draw close to the livingChrist who reveals Himself to us in the Scriptures and inthe Breaking of the Bread (Luke 24: 13-35).

“Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ”, said St. Jerome. The parables of Jesus found in the Gospels are a deepsource of wisdom and human sentiment that lead us to God. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-31), the story ofthe women who wept at Christ’s feet (Luke 7:35-50), the words of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18), the Beatitudes andChrist’s teaching on non-violence (Matthew 5-7), and more treasures, await our quiet reflection.

Let us then, “Be not afraid” as the angel comforted Mary (Luke 1:30). Let us not grow slack as Saint Paul urges us (Romans12:11), for Christ Himself said: “Behold I stand at the door and knock, anyone who hears my voice and opens the door, I willenter his house and dine with him, and he with Me (Revelations 3:20). This time of year, when students go back to school,let us enter once again into the “school of the Lord’s Service,” as Saint Benedict said, and may the God who is Love (1 John4:16) visit us a few minutes each day through His holy Word. By opening His Word, we should find the joy of the Psalmistwho said “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

Sincerely yours in Christ,+Gregory J. Mansour

Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn

The Maronite Voice Volume III Issue No. IX Page 2 September 2007

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.

Maronite Convention 2008

St. Sharbel ChurchSomerset, N.J.

“Journey Through Faith”

July 2-6, 2008

For More Informationcontact the NAM office

at (914) 964-3070or visit www.Namnews.org

Schedule of Bishop Robert Shaheen

September 1, 2007Maronite Outreach Board Meeting, St. Louis, Mo.

September 10-13, 2007Personal Vacation

September 15-16, 2007Lebanese Festival, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.

September 21, 2007Deacon Ordination at St. Elias Church, Birmingham, Ala.

September 30, 2007Investiture of Anthony Shaker and Sam Ibraham, Chicago, Ill.

October 5-7, 2007Pastoral Council Meeting, the Pastoral Center, St. Louis, Mo.

October 12-14, 2007Anniversary Celebration of St. Sharbel Church, Warren, Mich.

October 22-24, 2007USCCB Annual Audit, Protecting God’s Children, the Pastoral Center, St.Louis, Mo.

Schedule of Bishop Gregory Mansour

September 7-9, 2007Visit to Our Lady of Lebanon Church and to the Maronite Seminary,Washington, D.C.

September 10, 2007USCCB Pro-Life Committee meeting, Washington, D.C.

September 16, 2007Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.

September 20, 2007Oriental Orthodox-Catholic Dialogue, Bronx. N.Y.

September 21-23, 2007Eightieth Anniversary of St. George Maronite Church, Uniontown, Penn.

September 24-27, 2007Maronite Monks of the Most Holy Trinity Monastery General Chapter,Petersham, Mass.

September 28, 2007Installation of Bishop Zubik, Pittsburgh, Penn.

September 30, 2007Hundredth Anniversary of the Ukranian Catholic Hierarchy in the U.S.A.,Philadelphia, Penn.

October 1, 2007Closing Liturgy for the annual St. Theresa Novena, Wilkes-Barre, Penn.

October 2, 2007Eparchial Stewardship Council, Brooklyn, N.Y.

October 4, 2007Eparchial Leadership Council, Brooklyn, N.Y.

October 5-8, 2007Home Parish, Flint, Mich.


THE ORDEROF

SAINT SHARBEL

Perpetual MembersMr. Richard Coury

St. John Maron Maronite ChurchAnaheim, California

Annual MembersDr. George and Siham OleySt. Anthony Maronite Church

Glen Allen, Virginia

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

OrEparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon

Order of Saint Sharbel1021 South Street

St. Louis, MO 63104

Eparchy of Our Lady ofLebanon

The Time Has Come For BoldSteps

Something excitingand challengingis going to take place, with yourhelp. In order to ensure that the

Maronite Church will continue toflourish in the next century and beyond,we must act now, joining hands andhearts in a new adventure. Our goal isto build a Maronite Heritage Institute.

The first groups of Maroniteimmigrants to the United States at theend of the 19th and beginning of the 20th

centuries could only have dreamed ofthe time when the seed of their faithwould take root across the nation.Would they have predicted that we, theproud generation born of their visionand their sacrifices, would have to takebold steps in order to capture andpreserve the history of their strugglesand to ensure their stories will continueto nurture and embolden the growth ofthe Maronite Church for centuries tocome? The time has come for boldsteps.

The Maronite Heritage Institutewill be a center for education, researchand preservation. It will be a placewhere we can gather and present thehistory of our people, from the firstMaronites who came to this greatcountry to the present day. Usingmodern user-oriented educationaltechnologies, it will provide acentralized and dynamic means formaintaining our archives, our historicaldocuments and the richness of ourecclesiastical patrimony, all of whichdistinguishes our unique EasternCatholic tradition and liturgicalexpression. Maronites from across thecountry will be able to come andresearch their family histories or recordtheir own stories and the stories of theirparents and grandparents for the benefitof their children, grandchildren andfuture generations.

It is my intention that the MaroniteHeritage Institute will become thevibrant center for lecture and studyabout our place in the Church and theworld today, and about ouropportunities to shape the future. The

Eparchy of OurLady of Lebanonhas established arelationship withSaint Louis University, one of the topCatholic universities in the nation, toforward this purpose. This relationshipcan bring some of the best educationalminds and resources to bear on thereligious, cultural and political issuesthat affect and are affected byMaronites. Annual lecture series andpublications will inspire dialog abouthow to bring our ancient easterntraditions to inform and enhance ourculture of the west. And periodicspiritual seminars can teach laity,seminarians and clergy alike to re-rootourselves in the spirituality of St.Maron, St. Sharbel, St. Hardini and St.Rafka and explore deeply what it meansto be Maronite in this beloved country.These are just some of the excitinginitiatives that the Maronite HeritageInstitute will bring.

We must learn about the times andthe cultures of our ancestors. We mustunderstand our past to be able to buildfor the future. We must examine ourroots to learn more about ourselves sothat we can share with those who comeafter us a sense of our culture. For justas a tree without roots will soon die, apeople without roots will soon be weakand dried up, having no real basis forfuture growth and development.

As time passes on and newcommunities of Maronites continue tospring up throughout the United States,it becomes essential to have a central,forward thinking institution completelydedicated to studying our past,assessing our present, and planning forour future. For more information aboutthis new adventure, please contact theMaronite Pastoral Center of theEparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon at314.231.1021.

Bishop RobertShaheen


Eparchial Assignments

His Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour, Bishop of theEparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, has made thefollowing Eparchial appointments:

The Reverend Dominique Hanna is assignedas Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of CedarsMaronite Church, Jamaica Plain (Boston),Mass., effective July 1, 2007.

Seminarian Dany Abi Akr is assigned for thesummer months to Saint Anthony Maronite

Church, Lawrence, Mass., effective August 1, 2007 toSeptember 10, 2007.

Eparchial CondolencesNader Rachid Abi-Nader, age 90, the father of DeaconSimon Abi-Nader, passed away on July 2, 2007. He issurvived by his wife, Hind Elian Abi-Nader and theirchildren: Joseph, Camille, Simon, Louis, Jean, Jeanette,Clovis,Antoinette, Richard, Diamant andtheir families. Heisalso survived by thirty grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His brother, Father Maron Abi-Nader, preceded himalong with his son Antoine. Condolences can be sent toDeacon Simon Abi-Nader, 8 Rand Row, Bow, NH 03304.

Bishops Gregory Mansour and Robert Shaheen join theclergy and faithful of the Eparchies of Saint Maron ofBrooklyn and of Our Lady of Lebanon in extending heartfeltsympathy and the promise of our prayers to Deacon Abi-Nader and his family. May he rest in peace.

Emile Farid Lahoud, the brother of Chorbishop JosephLahoud, passed away recently in Lebanon. He is survived byhis wife, Amal and their children, Fredrique, Joseph, andFaris and their families. In addition to Chorbishop Lahoud,he is also survived by his brother, Fattan and his sister, Nawaland their families, as well as his brother-in-law TaniosWehby who was married to his sister Yumna who pre-deceased him. Condolences can be sent to ChorbishopJoseph Lahoud, Our Lady of Cedars of Lebanon Church, 61Rockwood Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

Bishops Gregory Mansour and Robert Shaheen join theclergy and faithful of the Eparchies of Saint Maron ofBrooklyn and of Our Lady of Lebanon in extending heartfeltsympathy and the promise of our prayers to ChorbishopLahoud and his family. May he rest in peace.

Somerset, N.J.October Fundraiser for Telelumiere

by Mary Asmar Smith

St. Sharbel Maronite Church in Somerset, N.J., will hostthe Board Members of NAM and Telelumiere andsponsor a fundraising dinner for Telelumiere on Friday,

October 26 at Pierre’s Caterers (582 Georges Road,Monmouth Junction, N.J.). Tickets are available for $100each. (Checks should be made payable to St. Sharbel

Church.) All proceeds will benefit Telelumiere to help spreadthe living Word of God. Msgr. Maroun Asmar, Pastor, isurging friends and parishioners fromsurrounding churches tosupport this event to help Telelumiere continue spreading themessage of hope, peace and love. It also provides a greatopportunity for people to meet with Board Members of bothNAM and Telelumiere over dinner.

Telelumiere, the only Christian Lebanese televisionstation, operates with the mission of spreading God’s Wordthrough its religious and educational programs to the MiddleEast and the whole world.

To reserve your tickets, to pledge your support or toobtain more information, call Msgr. Asmar at 732-828-2055or write to St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, 7 ReeveStreet, Somerset NJ 08873.

San Antonio, Tex.St. George Honors Graduates

St. George Maronite Church in San Antonio, Texashonored their 2006-2007 graduates at a specialbaccalaureate service on Sunday, June 3, 2007. Fr.

Ghassan Mattar, MLM, Pastor, paid special tribute to all thegraduates and reminded them that this was not the end oftheir labors but only the beginning.

This year’s scholars included high school graduatesEmily Andry, Abraham El-Nakat, April Loren Felan, RyanFernandez, and Trevor Mery. Those receiving undergraduatedegrees were Paul Ernest Casseb, Ashley Gildersleeve,Samantha Karam, Jason Palasota, Alana Wells, and AlexWhite. Aguarite El-Nakat earned her Masters’ Degree. PostGraduate degrees were earned by Karen Reed, Alba Deleon,Tiffany Colunga and Katie Karam.

Cleveland, OhioEagle Scout Achievement

He is the youngest Eagle Scoutin his troop. At 13,Alexander M. Domen of St.

Maron Parish of Cleveland, Ohio,has served as an altar boy sincesecond grade. To earn Scouting’shighest honor award, Alexander hadto earn twenty-one merit badges,serve as a leader in his troop, andcomplete a major communityservice project. He also earned the“Light is Life” religious emblem forthe Eastern Catholic Churches. Theprogram for this emblem isdesigned to be completed in twelve months. The overall goalof this program is deeper awareness of the scout in faith andmaturity in communal worship and in Christian formation ofhis world. Alexander had also earned the InternationalAwareness Emblem, the rosary patches and the Parvuli DeiEmblem. Congratulations, Alex.


Maronite Youth Meet For Their Annual ConferenceAt Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

“If you can pray well, you can livewell.”

It was the intent of Father GaryGeorge, Youth Director, that the2007 National Maronite Youth

Conference participants were able to doboth.

Bishop Robert Shaheen, Bishop ofthe Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon,with the help of Father Gary, FatherAndre Mehanna, Rector of St.Raymond Cathedral in St. Louis, Mo.,and the St. Raymond parish, hosted theannual retreat held July 3, 2007 throughJuly 8, 2007 in St. Louis, Mo.

FatherGaryplanned what the youthlater described as a “brilliant” programfilled with group sessions, spiritualdiscussions, liturgies, Eucharisticadoration, a penance service, a talentshow, sports tournaments andsightseeing.

Participants arrived Tuesdayafternoon at Washington University inSt. Louis, where they were greeted byFather Gary, his planning committee,and several parishioners from St.Raymond Cathedral.

The retreat opened with the fourthannual youth talent show, where theaudience was treated to many amazingperformances; highlights of the talentshow included sk i ts , vocalperformances, dancing, andmuch more.Father Gary was overwhelmed by thetremendous effort each group put intoits presentation, and the audience waswowed by each act performed.

On Wednesday, July 4, the youthbegan an action-packed day withmorning prayer led by the youth fromChicago, Ill. They, then, participated inice breakers and group sessions, beforebeing treated to a picnic sponsored bySt.Maron Parish in Youngstown, Ohio.Following lunch and the sportstournaments, the youth traveled to St.Raymond Cathedral where theypresented their history projects toBishop Shaheen. Prior to the retreat,the bishop asked each group to preparea project documenting the history of

their parish for the eparchial center.Bishop Shaheen then celebrated liturgywith the youth at the cathedral. Theevening concluded with the St. LouisCardinals baseball game followed byfireworks over the St. Louis Arch.

Morning prayer led by the youthfrom New Castle, Penn., openedThursday’s activities. After morningprayer the youth listened to talks fromboth bishops and some of the clergypresent, and in the afternoon FatherAndre led the youth in a spiritualconcert, where several parishes offeredintentions for peace, respect, and thehealth and safety of all youth world-wide. These intentions were thencarried into Eucharistic adoration,where the youth spent time in prayerwith the Lord. As a special treat, FatherGary took the youth to the bowlingalley where they were able to relax andsocialize with each other.

After Friday’s morning prayer ledby participants from Flint, Mich., SisterCeline Nohra, Father ArmandoElkhoury of Denver, Colo., andMonsignor sharbel Maroun, ofMinneapolis Minn., led a touchingpresentation about the importance ofvocations that was truly appreciated byall the youth participants. After lunch,participants traveled to the National

Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows,where they were able to walk thebeautiful grounds and explore thegrottos and chapels. During their timeat the shrine, participants were able topray for families, meditate, pray therosary, and walk the Stations of theCross, before gathering back togetherfor evening liturgy celebrated by bothBishop Shaheen and Bishop GregoryMansour. Before departing from theshrine, several hours were devoted to areconciliation service. The eveningconcluded with a small ice cream socialback at the university.

Saturday provided a thrillingconclusion to the program. BishopMansour celebrated morning liturgywith the youth before participantsdeparted for a day at the water park.After an exhausting day at the park theyouth returned to the dorms to preparefor the evening festivities. Afterevening prayer with Bishop Shaheen,the host parish provided dinner for theyouth followed by a hafli.

The youth concluded their six-dayretreat by celebrating liturgy togetherSunday morning with Bishop Shaheen,before departing back to their parisheswith renewed faith and vigor.

The youth are thankful to FatherAndre and St. Raymond Cathedral for

Participants at the Annual Youth Conference which was held at WashingtonUniversity in St. Louis, Missouri.


hosting this retreat and are excited at the prospect ofreturning to St. Louis next year for the annual retreat. It wasalso a great blessing to be joined by both Bishop Shaheen andBishop Mansour. The youth were touched by the love and thewisdom both bishops shared in their many interactions andsessions, and by their dedication to the youth program.Finally the youth would like to express their gratitude toFather Gary for planning an amazing week and forfacilitating a loving and respectful atmosphere for all youth.

The retreat strives to provide a loving and respectfulatmosphere for the Maronite youth to grow spiritually andculturally, according to Father Gary. Heroutinely encouragesthe youth to “step outside the box” in thinking about theirrelationships with God, their families and their friends.

Fifteen-year-old Diana Naoum of St. Maron inCleveland, Ohio, who has attended three summer retreats,said, “It was the greatest experience I’ve ever encounteredreligiously.”“Attending retreat is becomingcloser with God,’she added.

Monica Hanna, 16, of Our Lady of Lebanon in Flint,Mich., agrees. “My most memorable experience is when Icried so hard after confession because I realized how greatGod reallywas,” she said. It is spiritual experiences like this,and the friendships she has made over the years, that keep hercoming back, she added.

According to Father Gary, this yearly gathering alsoallows the youth to build friendships and bond over theirappreciation for and love of their ethnicity. In addition to thereligious activities, participants get to celebrate their uniquecultural attributes by eating Lebanese food and dancingdabke at several socials and the main hafli.

FatherGary said he is “amazed” bythe response from theyouth, and has noted a significant increase in attendanceyearly. For more information, please visit the nationalMaronite Youth website at www.maroniteyouth.com, orcontact Father Gary at [email protected] .

San Francisco, Calif.Assumption Day Pilgrimage

by Joyce Maroun

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church, San Franciscoand the Bay area took a pilgrimage bus trip to theMission of San Francisco Solano, Sonoma, Calif, on

the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the BlessedVirgin Mary.

The last and northernmost California mission, MissionSan Francisco Solano was the only mission founded afterMexico's independence from Spain. It was also the onlymission founded without the prior approval of the Church.This mission became the last and most northerly of thetwenty-one California missions. Construction began inOctober of 1823 led by Father Altimira.

After a prayer service in the chapel of the mission, thetrip continued to taste some of the best wine at the famousSebastiani winery in Sonoma Valley. It was a greatexperience to know why the Blessed Virgin Mary asked herSon Jesus Christ to turn the water into wine at the wedding inCana of Galilee!

World Youth Day

The next World Youth Day will be held in Australia July15-20, 2008 with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.Both Maronite eparchies in the United States are

forming a group of fifty people to participate in this historicevent. Bishop Ad Abikaram of the Maronite Eparchy inAustralia is eager to host us.

World Youth Day is for those age 18 to 35. Parentaland pastor approval are required, as well as proof of parishinvolvement. For more information, consult with thiswebpage: http://www.wyd2008.org or call Father ElieMikhael at (305) 856-7449 or Father Jean Youness, M.L.M.,at (718) 624-7228.

Bishop Gregory Mansourand Bishop Robert Shaheen attendthe Youth Conference.


Danbury, Conn.Fourth Annual Festival

St. Anthony’s Maronite Church in Danbury, Connecticut,opened its 75th Anniversary Jubilee with its 4th AnnualMahrajan on August 18 - 19, 2007. Other events

celebrating its anniversary will include a Regional YouthWorkshop October 12 -14, followed by a Re-Dedication ofthe Church with a Formal Grand Banquet on November 10 -11, 2007.

The parish, which began in 1932 with seventy familiesmeeting first in the basement of a local church, and then laterin a converted house on New Street, now boasts almost threehundred families who played host to a thousand visitorsunder a huge tent behind the church during its MahrajanWeekend. Neighbors and friends from the communityrepresenting every faith came to enjoy Lebanese Food andpastries prepared by the Ladies Guild. The kitchen teamswere headed by Hiam Asmar, Betty Lubus and Sandy Urbanwith special guidance from Laurice Saffi, who is stillworking at ninety-one. The General Chairmen of theMahrajan, Bob Hudak and his wife Janet, organized thewhole festival to be enjoyable not only for the guests, butalso for the parish workers. Scores of bright, youngvolunteers pitched right in to serve food, pick up trash,operate the carnival games and, in between, performed thetraditional Lebanese folk dances in 17th century costumes.

Our honored guest, Bishop Robert Shaheen, a native sonof St. Anthony’s, spoke to the gathering of the Mahrajan’shistory and beginnings in the early1960’s. He spoke of howpleased their grandmothers and grandfathers would be to seehowthey have kept the culture and traditions of our LebaneseHeritage and Maronite Faith alive all these seventy-fiveyears. Fr. Paul Mooradd, Pastor, welcomed all thegovernment officials attending the festival, many of whomwere members of our Parish, like Tom Saadi, a CitySelectman, Dan Jowdy, the City Treasurer, and DavidCappiello,Connecticut State Senator, whowill be running forCongress next year.

San Antonio, TexasVacation Bible Camp

by Wendy Tabish

This summer, forty-five children and fifteen volunteersfrom St. George Maronite Church in San Antonio,Texas were in a stampede of excitement as they

participated in a special Vacation Bible Camp calledAvalanche Ranch June 23 – 28, 2007. Volunteerstransformed the Maronite Community Center into a WildWest themed location where the children could be immersedin their faith. The children were surrounded by memorableScripture-based activities. They enjoyed singing catchysongs, learning new dances, playing teamwork-buildinggames, taking on daily challenges to celebrate God’s love,and experiencing Bible adventures. Throughout the weektheyalso created crafts based on the Bible lessons which theythen took home to share and enjoy with their families. Thechildren were also excited to have a special Divine Liturgycelebrated by Fr. Ghassan Mattar, Pastor.

A highlight for the week was “Operation Kid to Kid”when each child at the camp made special Prayer Bears tosend to children in Lebanon. The Prayer Bears were awonderful way for the kids to see that it is easy to spreadGod’s love to others. This service project also allowed eachchild to realize that it is spiritually rewarding to spread Jesus’love through giving and service.

Somerset, New JerseyAnnual Festival

The parish of St. Sharbel Church in Somerset, N.J.,celebrated its annual festival June 22- 24, 2007. Theturnout was the largest ever with several thousand

attendees from throughout the states of New Jersey, NewYork, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Attendees enjoyedhome cooked food, games, religious articles for sale and liveentertainment provided by Eddie Ossama and his Orchestra.

Msgr. Maroun Asmar, Pastor, thanked his committeesand all the volunteers for making this year’s festival the mostsuccessful. He praised the lay people whose “love for theChurch has been shown through their devotion. They are theunsung heroes who build up our parish community byextraordinary service.”


Scranton, Penn.Annual Hafli and Silver Massabki

Award

by Dr. Joseph J. Soma

St. Ann Maronite Church of Scranton, Pennsylvania hadits second annual Hafli at the St. Mary’s Center on April28, 2007. Again it was a very happy night for all, with

the Tony Mikhael Band supplying the live music.The Hafli was chaired by Mary Theresa Mackarey

Fielding and Maria Mackarey, and the women of the parishassisted with the food preparation. Last year the Lebanesefood offered as a pre dinner mezze was extremely popular andmost enjoyed it more than the dinner. So, this year the foodavailable throughout the evening was all Lebanese. Ofcourse varied pastries followed.

During a band intermission, the Pastor, Father FrancisMarini, surprised all by presenting the Silver MassabkiAwards to Mary Theresa Mackarey Fielding and Dr. ThomasAziz Artabane. Mary Theresa is a tireless worker and isinvolved in all parish activities, especially our yearlyHeritage Day Festival. She has also been active with OurLady Queen of Peace Sodality and Parish Council. Dr.Thomas Aziz Artabane is a Parish Consultor and has chairedthe Parish Capital Campaign. He is also an active member ofthe Holy Name Society.

Deadline for next month’s issue of The MaroniteVoice is September 25, 2007. Send allchanges of address, news, pictures andpersonal correspondence to:

The Maronite Voice4611 Sadler Road

Glen Allen, Virginia 23060Phone: (804) 270-7234; Fax: (804) 273-9914

Email: [email protected] have to be original. Digital pictures must be in

“JPG” format. The Maronite Voice is also available online,in PDF format, at www.stmaron.org.

Tulsa, OklahomaSilver Massabki Award

Father Elias Abi-Sarkis presented the Massabki SilverAward to Mrs. Najat Abdo and Mrs. Annie Jabbour, fortheir dedication and hard work toward Saint Therese of

the Child Jesus Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

San Francisco, Calif.Adult Faith Formation

The new Adult Faith Formation group at Our Lady ofLebanon in Millbrae (San Francisco), Calif., held its firstmeeting in July of 2007. The group will be discussing manydifferent religious topics going forward, and they havechosen Vera Hatem as their Coordinator. The group’s namein Syriac is “Nouhro wa Shariro” and its patron saint is St.Ephrem. They will meet once a month during the summerand weekly during the school year.

If you are ever in the San Francisco area and areinterested in getting to know our community better, pleasefeel free to log onto our website at www.olol-sf.org, orcontact Fr. John at (650) 589-9653.


Youngstown, OhioSt. Maron Parish Education

Foundation Scholarships

On June 10, 2007, the Education Foundation of St.Maron Parish in Youngstown, Ohio, awarded severalcollege-level scholarships to twenty-nine parishioners.

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of thesescholarships.

The recipients of the Foundation’s awards range fromincoming college freshmen to graduate students. To beawarded a scholarship, each student must be an activemember of St. Maron Parish, accepted to an accrediteduniversity or college, plan to be a full-time student, andcomplete the scholarship application in its entirety. TheEducation Foundation Committee considers parishinvolvement, character, and school activities when formingits decisions. The Foundation’s awards include individualand general scholarships; special consideration is givenregarding each award. This year’s recipients of individualscholarships are as follows:

Anastasia Ishac—The Monsignor Dominic F. AshkarScholarship

John Dohar—The John J. and Anna L. StephensScholarship

Jeanine Awad—The Dr. John J. Stephens Scholarship Marie-Elizabeth Dohar—The Assad and Odette Naffah

Memorial Scholarship George Clarke—The Mary Louise and Edward R.

Beshara Memorial Scholarship Elizabeth Yazbek—The Josephine Hanna Memorial

Scholarship Samar Boulos—The Betty Claire Nohra Memorial

Scholarship Jeremy Yardas—The Thomas and Mary Zachea Joseph

Memorial Scholarship Chelsea Vross—The Saint Maron Educational

Foundation Scholarship for Special Achievement andDedication

Ashley Basile and Rebecca Caruso—The ElizabethJabaley Beshara Scholarship for graduate students

The recipients of general scholarships are: Joe Bako, KyleBanna, Samantha Basile, Sarah Clarke, Joseph Mike III,Mallory Naffah, Eddie Rohan, Gregory Rohan, DanielThomas, Julie Sharrow, Nicole Boulos, Elyse Healey,Michael Mike III, Kevin Nastase, George Rohan III, MarissaRohan, Nicholas Santisi, and Michelle Warchol.

The awards were announced during one of the Sundayliturgies, and a breakfast honoring the recipients immediatelyfollowed.

The St. Maron Education Foundation was established in1984. Monsignor Dominic Ashkar first thought of the ideafor the Foundation, or “Trust Fund,” and presented hisconcept to the Parish Council. The proposal was approvedand took effect on April 2, 1984; scholarships were awardedbeginning in 1987.

Msgr. Dominic Ashkar founded the EducationFoundation in 1984, primarily to contribute to the education

of St. Maron parishioners in Youngstown. The Foundationhas a variety of goals: scholarships to college students,support for parochial education and parish involvement,programs such as MCF to encourage Maronite traditions,encouragement of religious vocations, and programs to helpthe Parish community.

Contributions from parishioners and communitymembers help the Foundation to accomplish its goals andexpand itself even further. Fundraising programs arenecessary to help the Foundation to grow, and new efforts areregularly made.

The Foundation is composed of a Committee and anAdvisory Board which review candidates and handlefundraising. All fundraising for the Foundation is completedthrough an annual dinner, memorial contributions, and estateplans.

The newest fundraising program for the EducationFoundation is Cedars for Education. Cedar trees have alwaysbeen a strong symbol of Lebanese heritage and Maronitefaith. Cedar trees signify power, stability, protection, andbeauty, and have been used in the construction of countlessTemples and ships throughout Lebanon. Many believe thatCedar wood was even used to make the Cross of Jesusbecause of its long history in the region.

Although representing many facets of Lebanese andMaronite tradition, Cedar trees are growing increasinglyscarce, and only four hundred remain in Lebanon. They havebeen placed under the protection of the Maronite Patriarch,and the Lebanese government and the Church have begun areforestation project that includes planting six-thousand newtrees from seed. The goal of the Cedars for Education projectis to bring the trees to America and bring the legacy theyrepresent closer to home.

A Cedar tree can be obtained by a two-hundreddollar—completely tax deductible—donation to the St.Maron Education Fund. These trees are the only onesavailable for purchase in the United States. All contributionsare taken on a first come, first served basis, and no guaranteesfor the trees’ survival are made. The high altitude "cedars ofthe gods" are especially long lived. A typical survivor of theoriginal Lebanese cedars (Cedrus Libane) lives beyond 250years. The oldest of the surviving trees are 1000 years. Theprospect of owning a piece of Lebanese and Maroniteheritage is a unique opportunity that should not be passed up.

St. Maron Parish in Youngstown would like to extend itsheartfelt thanks to John and Anna Stephens, whosegenerosity, vision, and commitment have made this programpossible.

For more information, to acquire a tree, or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the St. Maron EducationFoundation, please contact:

St. Maron’s Parish Education Foundation1555 S. Meridian Rd.

Youngstown, OH 44511(330) 792-2371.


San Diego, Calif.A Sign of Hope at MaroniteFestival for Queen of Peace

The following was written by Ann Aubrey Hanson, areporter for the Southern Cross Newspaper in SanDiego, Calif., on June 7, 2007. The article appeared onpage 12.

For many people gathered at the May 26 [2007] Miriam,Mother of Life Festival at St. Ephrem Maronite Church[San Diego, Calif] it seemed that Mary, Queen of Peace,

was sending a sign that she had heard their prayers.San Diego Bishop Robert H. Brom joined Father Nabil

Mouannes, St. Ephrem’s pastor, for prayers and theProcession of Life, which ended with crowning of theparish’s 30 foot statue of Mary.

As the bishop and Father Mouannes were praying, thecrowd suddenly noticed a ring around the sun. When seenfrom one perspective, the corona seemed to crown the Queenof Peace at the exact moment when her children were prayingfervently for peace in Lebanon, their homeland.

Gasps and ululations (a form of cheer in which womenchantwhile flicking their tongues against their lips) brokeoutof the crowd and everyone stopped their prayers to look inawe at what many took to be a heavenly sign that theirprayers had been heard.

“It is a blessing,” said Father Mouannes, pastor of St.Ephrem’s, delighted with the phenomenon. “It is truly amiracle.”

The fifth annual Miriam, Mother of Life Festival hadspecial significance to the Maronite Community in El Cajon[San Diego] because of the recent renewed outbreak ofviolence in Lebanon.

“We all have family there,” said one parishioner as shestood praying at the foot of the Marian statue after thecrowning of the statue. “For us, what happens there ishappening to us. We must ask Our Lord’s mother for herblessing on our country.”

“At times of trouble, we always turn to Our Lady forhelp,” said Father Mouannes. “She gives us great hope.” saidanother parishioner.

Bishop Brom joined the community for a meal after thecrowning procession, sitting in the shade and enjoying aLebanese treat of Falafels as the crowd continued to recountthe morning’s miracle of light.

Holy Days Of ObligationFor 2007-2008

These Feasts cannot be moved to a Sunday or besuppressed.

November 1, 2007 All Saints

December 8, 2007 The Immaculate Conception,Patroness of the U.S.A.

December 25, 2007 The Nativity of the Lord,Christmas Day

January 1, 2008 The Circumcision, World Dayof Peace, New Year’s Day

January 6, 2008 The Epiphany of the Lord

May 1, 2008 The Ascension of the Lord

August 15, 2008 The Assumption of the Virgin

The following Feasts are transferred to a Sunday(This year two of them happen to fall on a Sunday)

June 29, 2008 Saints Peter and Paul

September 14, 2008 The Holy Cross

----------------- The Patron of individualparishes

The following Feasts are to be celebrated(But not as Holy Days of Obligation)

March 19, 2008 Saint Joseph, the Husband ofMary

March, 2008 Easter Monday


Cincinnati, OhioSt. Anthony of PaduaWelcomes New Pastor

St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Catholic Church inCincinnati, Ohio, hosted a welcome reception party forits new pastor, Msgr.Louis Baz, on Sunday, August 26,

2007.The Church was full for the day of his reception,. Msgr.

Baz spoke in his homily about the parish family. How weneed to love and welcome all in our parish community and toforgive others and love as Christ’s example. At thereception, Linda Conour, president of parish council, read awelcome letter that expressed the parish’s joy with the newpastor and looking toward the future. After a meal, preparedby Chef Semaan and provided by the Chemaly family, Msgr.Baz spoke to the parish about being its shepherd, guiding andworking with them for a stronger, spiritually centered parishcommunity.

Minneapolis, Minn.50th Wedding Anniversary

The Church of Saint Maron of Minneapolis, Minn.,honored Duane and Elizabeth Nasser (left) and Jamesand Diane LeClaire who celebrated recently their 50th

wedding anniversaries.

Flint, Mich.Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of

Lebanon Church

Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Flint, Mich., wasblessed to have His Excellency Bishop RobertShaheen, Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of

Lebanon, culminate his visit with celebration of the Liturgyand First Communion celebration on May 6, 2007. BishopShaheen’s visit began on May 5, 2007 by meeting with theMaronite Youth Organization. It was an enlighteningquestion-and-answer session with the Bishop taking time toexplain how the past helps to teach us in preparing our future,the youth. After the meeting, a dinner was held in honor ofBishop Shaheen. The parish was able not only to hear theBishop speak about the future of the Maronite Church, butthe members were also allowed to speak with BishopShaheen on a personal basis. The celebration of First HolyCommunion by Bishop Shaheen is an event that the childrenwill always remember. Chorbishop Faouzi Elia, Fr. JihadYounes, and Fr. Victor Daw concelebrated the Liturgy. TheFirst Holy Communion class of: Andre Kalo, Brandon Kalo,Antonio Kalo, Noel Massoud, Rashel Sayeg, GabrielleLindhurst, Alexis Damouni, Cameron Lahoud, TeresaWalterhouse, and Elizabeth Walterhouse was taught byHeather Dakki.

Food For Thought

The one triune God is an ocean that cannot be crossed orexplored. High is the heaven, broad the earth, deep the seaand long the ages; but higher and broader and deeper and

longer is [God’s] knowledge. For [God] has beenadorned by nature, [God] who created it from nothing.

St. Columban, Irish Monk and Missionary, 6th century

Seated at the table with Msgr. Baz are Linda Conour,Subdeacons Joe Mousie and Tom Simon and their wives.


Roanoke, Va.,St. Elias Church Welcomes New

Pastor

The Parish Council and various heads of clubs welcomedtheir new pastor, Rev. Claude Franklin, Jr., upon hisarrival at St. Elias Maronite Church in Roanoke, Va.,

on Thursday, June 14, 2007. The family of St. Eliasgraciously welcomed their new pastor during the weekendliturgies of June 16-17, 2007. Fr. Franklin comes to St. Eliasfrom Our Lady of Victory Maronite Church (OLOV) inCarnegie, Penn., and is basically switching assignments withFr. Rodolph Wakim, who was pastor of St. Elias. Fr.Franklin, a priest of ten years, brings with him a wealth ofknowledge and experience after serving at two parishes inScranton and Carnegie, Penn., and completing his studies inRome, Italy. He is well versed in the Maronite liturgy, riteand traditions. Fr. Franklin was born in Fayetteville, N.C.,where his mother, sister and her family still live.

Farewell To Fr. Wakim

The Family of St. Elias Church in Roanoke, Va., sadlybid farewell to its pastor of ten years, Rev. RodolphWakim. Following his last liturgy on Sunday, June 10,

2007, a farewell luncheon was held to honor Fr. Rodolph andhis many years of service to his family of St. Elias. Theluncheon was attended by over 300 people, the majority fromSt. Elias and well wishers from the other local Catholicchurches. Fr. Rodolph received many gifts from the variousparish groups, and time was allotted for farewell pictures andspeeches. Though many tears were shed by all, everyonewished Fr. Rodolph continued success in his new assignmentat Our Lady of Victory Maronite Church in Carnegie(Pittsburgh), Penn.

St. Sharbel’s Kids sadly spent their last meeting bowlingwith their Spiritual Kid, Fr. Rodolph Wakim on May 26,2007, as this was always a favorite pastime for both the Kidsand Fr. Rodolph. The Kids presented Fr. Rodolph with aquilt they made to thank him for his support and for the greattime spent with him over these past years.

Newtown Square, Penn.Lebanese Heritage Festival

by Lilian Shahade

On July 15 -16, 2007, St. Sharbel Church in NewtownSquare, Penn., had the biggest and best two dayfestival ever. And “they” (the skeptics) said it

couldn’t be done. Under Fr. Paul Mouawad’s direction, thesmall core group of volunteers got together, with very shortnotice, formed committees and got the job done. Guestscame from throughout the area and the two-day event waspacked to capacity. The festival featured live music by ImadDaoud and his Middle Eastern band and the St. SharbelChildren’s Dance Troupe. Everyone had lots of good food,visited with friends and had a wonderful time just dancingand talking. Fr. Paul attributed the success of the festival tothe kitchen committee who did a fantastic job of preparingthe food with ease and efficiency.

New Bedford, Mass.,Memorial Day Remembrance

and Club Annual Meeting

On Wednesday, May 23, 2007, the members and guestsof the “30 Club” gathered at the Century House inAchusnet, Massachusetts, for their annual dinner.

Prior to dinner, Father Jack Morrison, Pastor, was surprisedwith a birthday cake, and everyone joined in to sing “HappyBirthday” which he had celebrated the day before.

After dinner, monetary prizes were awarded, followed bya finale of presenting Father Jack with a $500.00 checkdonated to the Education Foundation.

On Sunday, May 27, 2007, following the morningLiturgy, parishioners processed to the Clasky-Common Park,where everyone gathered at the American-LebaneseMonument to remember all the men and women of the armedservices who have died. Prayers were said, followed by thesinging of the American and Lebanese National Anthems.


First Holy Communion In The Maronite Eparchies In The U.S.A.St. Ephrem Church, San Diego, Calif.

Jacob Mosses, Joey Wehbe, Danny Wehbe, Tiana AbouFadel, Marc Bejjani, Anna-Marie Hayek, RachelSaghbini, Sami Khoury, Elijah Thomas, Charbel Raad,

Luke Bauman, Maya Massamiri, Sabrina Habchi, andAnthony Godfrey received their First Holy Communion onSunday, May 6, 2007 at St. Ephrem Church in El-Cajon (SanDiego), Calif.

St. George Church, San Antonio, Tex.

Talina Bechara, Nichole Kuri, Christopher Tawil,Charbel Elward, Rebecca Tabish, Genevieve Karam,Alex Kuri, Andrew La Valley, Anel Kuri, and Sarah El

Bayeh received their First Holy Communion on Sunday,April 29, 2007 at St. George Maronite Church in SanAntonio, Texas.

Sts. Peter and Paul Mission, Tampa,Fla.

Falina Ogla, Joey Khalife, Joseph Ogla, Tony Ogla,Melissa Khalife, Cristopher Faddoul, Cassandra Oglaand Andrew Stephan received their First Holy

Communion on Sunday, May 13, 2007 at Sts. Peter and PaulMaronite Mission in Tampa, Fla.

Our Lady of Lebanon, Chicago, Ill.

Aeesa Yousif, Nicholas Hanna, Paul Maalouf, HannahChaoul, Yasmeen Chaoul, Chris Daniel, MichaelShehadeh, Mojica Samuel, Qintana Jennifer, Daisy

Munoz, Sandy Jahaira, Andrede Miguel received their FirstHoly Communion on Sunday, May 6, 2007 at Our Lady ofLebanon Church in Chicago, Illinois.


Summary of NAM Award Winners and New Board ofDirectors for 2007-2008

by Tommy Tedros

The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) sponsorsannual contests that are widely participated byMaroniteyouth throughout the country. The scholarships and

vocation contests take place during the year and the resultsare announced at each convention. At this year’s nationalconvention in Richmond, Va., the following winners wererecognized for their achievements and contributions.

NAM Scholarship Winners

The scholarship committee is pleased to announce thewinners of the NAM MYO Scholarships for the 2007-2008school year. Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarshippending notification of enrollment in college. Thisscholarship may be renewed for one additional year providedthe recipient maintains a 3.0 or better average on a 4.0 scaleand enrolls for an additional year in college.

John A. Solomon Memorial MYO Scholarship

Ryan Fernandez St. George Parish, San Antonio, Tex.Anthony Bolus St. Elias Parish, Birmingham, Ala.

Naomi and Paul Kassouf NAM Scholarship

Mary Michael St. Anthony Parish, Danbury, Conn.Joseph Saad St. Ephrem Parish, San Diego. Calif.

Thomas and Jennie Ayoob MemorialNAM Scholarship

Nicole Boulos St. Maron Parish, Youngstown, Ohio

Regarding the five scholarship winners from last year, pleasecontact the NAM office at (914) 964-3070 [email protected] for verification that each will qualify forthe second $1,000.

NAM Vocations Poster, EssayAnd Multimedia

Kindergarten / Grade One

Write a prayer thanking God for a priest, deacon,subdeacon or religious

Natalie Maynes St. Anthony, Glen Allen, Va.John El-Jor St. Anthony, Glen Allen, VaTia Cherabie St. Ephrem, El Cajon, Calif.

Grades Two And Three

Write a prayer thanking God for those studying for thePriesthood

Rachael Flammia St. Anthony, Glen Allen, Va.Holly Sutton St. George, Uniontown, Penn.Lily Moore St. Ephrem, El Cajon, Calif.

Honorable Mention

Melissa Safi Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral,Brooklyn, N.Y.

Grades Four Through Six

Write a letter of thanks to a priest, deacon, subdeacon orreligious

Pauline Cherabie St. Ephrem, El Cajon, Calif.Leah Bostany St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.Lauren Joseph Our Lady of Victory, Pittsburgh,

Penn.

Honorable MentionTori Toner St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.

Grades Seven Through Nine

Write an essay describing an event, in your life where apriest, deacon, subdeacon or religious made a difference

Michael Jaoudi St.Sharbel, Newtown Square, Penn.Miriam Semaan St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.

(no prize – duplicate entry)


2007 Poster Winners

Kindergarten / Grade One

Priests, Deacons, Subdeacons and Religious having fun

Mireille Semaan St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.Nelson Mills St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.Matthew Portzer St. Elias, Roanoke, Va.

Grades Two And Three

Families “Grow” Vocations

Maurice Rami Semaan St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.Will Mizerany St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.St. Sharbel MCF Newtown Square, Penn.


Grades Four Through Six

God is calling. Are you listening?

Zachary Duhon St. Elias, Roanoke, Va.Rebecca Skaf St. Sharbel, Newtown Square, Penn.Marisa DeLambo St. Maron, Youngstown, Ohio

Grades Seven Through Nine

God needs you to lead his flock

Miriam Semaan St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.Charles Skaf St. Sharbel, Newtown Square, Penn.


Jessica Bolus St. Elias, Birmingham, Ala.

NAM Board of Directors For 2007- 2008

Marlene Saad, a parishioner of St. Rafka,Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C., will start her two-year term asPresident of NAM. Her term commenced at Sunday liturgyclosing the national convention in Richmond, Va.

Tommy Tedros, a parishioner of Our Lady of MountLebanon Cathedral in Los Angeles, Calif., was elected VicePresident-President Elect and will begin his term as apresident at the end of the national convention in LosAngeles, 2009.

The following is a list of the 2007- 2008 Board members andtheir committees:

Therese Abi-Habib MYO Co-Chair, Mid Atlantic EastRegional Vice President

Rose AbiRadi Secretary, HeritageChuck Abou-Jaoude Ways and MeansMaroun Boohaker Membership, Southern Regional

Vice PresidentPattie Boulous National CoordinatorKathie Calabrese EducationLisa Chedid 2008 Convention Co-ChairPaul Elkourie B y l a w s / P o l i c y / P r o c e d u r e ,

ParliamentarianAmine Harb Far South Regional Vice PresidentKamal Jowdy Mid Atlantic West Regional Vice

PresidentMargot Karam Public RelationsRev. John Paul Kimes Spiritual DirectorAntoine Loubnan 2008 Convention Co-ChairJoe Maalouf Mid America Regional Vice

PresidentMichael Macary New England Regional Vice

PresidentMike Naber Executive DirectorKim Richey MYA Co-Chair

Marlene Saad PresidentRose Sayhoun Mid West Regional Vice PresidentRose Summers Southwest Regional Vice PresidentTommy Tedros Vice President, MYA/MYO Co-Chair

These board members come from all parts of the country toserve the apostolate and your local communities. Their fallboard meeting will be held at the end of October in Somerset,New Jersey. We wish them much success as they representthe Maronites throughout the United States.

NAM Convention Raffle Winners

The 44th Maronite Convention is pleased to announce thewinners of its raffle:

First Prize: Journey of Life Pendant (1.0 total caratweight, 14 K white gold, courtesy ofHannoush Jewelers, Springfield, Mass.)went to Michael Abi-Habib, Brooklyn,N.Y. (ticket No. 2368).

Second Prize: $1,000 cash went to Paul Gee, Richmond,Va. (ticket No. 236).

Third Prize: Palm (TX) PDA went to Kathleen A.Hobaica, Utica, N.Y. (Ticket No. 2608).

The drawing took place at the Convention’s Grand Banqueton July 28, 2007. Congratulations to the winners and thankyou for your support.

Dates and Locations for FutureMaronite Conventions

The dates and locations for the next three conventions ofthe National Apostolate of Maronites have been chosen.They are:

2008 – July 2-6 St. Sharbel Church in Somerset, N.J.The convention theme is "JourneyThrough Faith."

2009 – July 1-5 Our Lady of Mount Lebanon Church inLos Angeles.

2010 – July 7-10 St. Elias Church in Birmingham, Ala.

For more information onthe MaroniteConvention and allof NAM’s programs and events call the NAM office at (914)964-3070 or visit WWW.NAMNEWS.ORG .


A Life Changing ExperienceRepresenting Maronite Outreach in Virginia

by Cynthia Asaad

Four weeks before the AnnualMaron i t e Conven t ion inRichmond, Virginia, Anthony El-

Khoueiry, the Executive Chairman ofthe Maronite Outreach, requested thatLayal Srour and Cynthia Asaadrepresent the Maronite Outreach at theConvention. Our task was to work withhim in holding a workshop at theConvention presenting the MaroniteOutreach to fellow Maronites anddiscussing our primary goal: thepreservation of Christianity in Lebanon.

Having been a member of thecharitable organization for only eightmonths, I was excited about thisimportant responsibility. Layal Srour,a five year veteran with MaroniteOutreach, encouraged me to participateto raise awareness about theorganization and its numerouscharitable projects, particularly thosehelping disadvantaged children andfamilies in Lebanon.

In preparation for the Convention,Layal and I became more involved inour role as volunteers with MaroniteOutreach’sChild Sponsorship Program.We came to understand the tragicstruggles and hardships that children inLebanon are forced to deal withbeginning at a very young age.Reviewing the profiles of the 120children sponsored through theMaroniteOutreach along with feedbackletters these children send theirsponsors, we desperately wanted toexert all possible efforts to further raiseawareness and increase the sponsorshipof children in Lebanon.

Before the Convention, our biggestconcern was that all of our hard workand the outstanding presentation thatAnthony put together would fall ondeaf ears, or worse, no ears at all.Attendance was crucial to gainincreased recognition in the Maronitecommunity and hopefully inspirepeople to join our cause. Therefore, weactively sought to generate publicityforour event. We strived to motivate

young adults and get themexcited about our severalprojects, by focusing ourpublicity efforts on theMaronite youth. After all,Maronite Outreach is knownfor the commitment of itsdedicated young professionals,and we would like to continueto encourage the activeparticipation of youngprofessionals.

When we arrived at thehotel, we set up our displaybooth and finalized ourpresentation for the followingday. People would casuallystop by our booth, take abrochure, and promise toattend our presentation thenext day. As the next dayapproached, I becameincreasingly anxious. It wasthree o’clock, our presentationwas moments away, and we hoped allour efforts were effective in drawing alarge crowd. Our prayers were morethan answered! Over one hundredpeople attended our presentation, anddozens of sponsorship/donationapplications were given out. In fact, afew parishes across the nation wereinspired to establish their own MaroniteOutreach chapter.

The presentation highlighted thesocio-economic challenges facingChristians in Lebanon. Thepresentation outlined MaroniteOutreach’s projects geared atresponding to those challenges, andthereby contributing to the preservationof Christianity in Lebanon. Throughoutthe presentation, I felt a great sense offulfilment and accomplishment. It wasinspiring to see my peers so dedicatedto this cause and eager to make adifference. In particular, BishopMansour’s attendance and activeparticipation in the question and answerportion of the session added a great dealof depth to the discussion and made mefeel truly blessed as a volunteer in thiseffort.

This trip was by far the best thatLayal and I have ever taken, and itdefinitely changed our outlook on life.We can now see hope in places where

we were once convinced that hope waslost. We have become optimisticallyinspired to take the initiative to make adifference wherever possible. Lastly,we must give credit where credit ismost definitely due. If it were not forAnthony El-Khoueiry’s encouraging usto go to Virginia, this wonderfulexperience would have never occurred.He also put up with two chatty girls ona five-hour plane ride which is no easyfeat. We also want to thank all theconvention organizers from NAM andfrom St. Anthony Church in Virginiafor making this event a great successfor all. Needless to say, we lookforward to seeing you all in New Jerseyat the NAM Convention next year!

For more information about theMaronite Outreach and its projects, orto become a volunteer, please call us at(213) 458-0580 or visit us atwww.maroniteoutreach.org.

Anthony El-Khoueiry, Executive Chairman,standing with Cynthia Asaad and Layal Srour nextto the display table of the Maronite Outreach at the44 th Annual Maronite Convention in Richmond,Va.


More Than 800 Attend the 44th Annual MaroniteConvention in Richmond, Va.

Discussions of how to apply thefindings of the most recentMaronite Patriarchal Synod to

everyday life, a visit from the governorof Virginia, a trip to where the UnitedStates was born, and a 13½-foot-longcake decorated in Lebanese nationalcolors were among the highlights of the44th annual convention of the NationalApostolate of Maronites.

The convention – hosted byMonsignor George M. Sebaali and theparishioners of St. Anthony Church ofGlen Allen, Va.– was held July 25-29in Richmond, Va., More than 800people from around the countryattended all or part of the convention.

The convention’s theme, “AChurch of Hope,” was encountered inmany ways throughout the week. It wasthe subject during Divine Liturgy,workshops and in various other places.

“This was a remarkableexperience,” said convention GeneralChairman Arthur Zohab. “We sawmany, many times how people pullingtogether, praying together and playingtogether can make one another strongerand give the gift of hope where it isneeded most.”

Members of St. Anthony were ableto share their hospitality in a specialway at the “Welcome to Virginia”cookout, halfi and casino night onThursday. Buses took conventionattendees from the conventionheadquarters at the Marriott Hotel indowntown Richmond to St. Anthony’s15-acre complex in the city’s westernsuburbs for the event.

Once there, there were endlessopportunities to enjoy the evening infellowship, food and fun. The eveningstarted with evening prayer in St.Anthony’s Church.

After the religious service,attendees were treated to an abundantbuffet of homemade Lebanese foodprepared by St. Anthony parishoners,which drew rave reviews. Seating was

available in the church’s 300-seatpicnic pavilion and tents set up for theevent that occurred during a perfectVirginia summer night.

The “pièce de résistance” wasdessert – a cake 13½ feet long by 4 feetwide decorated in Lebanese nationalcolors by covering it in strawberry andkiwi slices, other fruits and icing. It wasmade by St. Anthony parishoner NawalMakhlouf. “It tasted as good as itlooked,” agreed parishoners Tom andBecky Anthony. Live Lebanese musicwas provided by Shadi Naddaf andBand, playing on the church’s outdoorstage.

Younger attendees were able toenjoy a pool party at the parishswimming pool well into the night.There also were games on thebasketball court and baseball field,other activities, and the playground wasavailable for the youngest set.

Adults were able to find somerecreation, too, in the casino night inthe church social hall and live musicoutdoors that followed the cookout

Educational workshops started atthe Marriott on Wednesday. That iswhen Deacon Lou Peters led a programon religious education. That was alsothe day of the “Welcome to Virginia”barbeque that was held at the hotel,featuring traditional Virginia foods.

Bishop Gregory J. Mansour of theEparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklynand Bishop Robert J. Shaheen of the

Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon ofLos Angeles made a special effort toaddress and meet with the youth whoattended the convention. They attendeda special “Meet Sayednas” session onSaturday and discussed the importanceof helping young people develop,maintain and strengthen their faith.

On Thursday, Father Mark Lane,Vicar for Clergy for the RichmondCatholic Diocese, presented aninformative and entertaining programon Christian sacred art.

Friday was also a day when morethan one hundred people hopped onbuses for a side trip to HistoricJamestown, which is celebrating its400th anniversary this year. Jamestown,of Sir JohnSmith and Pocahontas fame,is the site of the first permanent Englishsettlement in North America and isoften considered the beginning of theUnited States. The first landing in 1607came thirteen years before the Pilgrimslanded at Plymouth Rock.

On Thursday and Friday, membersfrom four parishes around the countrypresented their findings on topicscoming out of the 2003-2006 MaronitePatriarchal Synod. The paneldiscussions were presented by membersof St. Elias Church of Birmingham,Ala. (The Laity in the MaroniteChurch), St. Anthony Church of GlenAllen, Va. (Catechesis & ContinuingAdults Faith Formation), St. MaronChurch of Minneapolis, Minn. (The

Bishops Gregory Mansour and Bishop Robert Shaheen celebrate the Convention’sclosing Liturgy on Sunday, July 29, 2007.


Family), and Our Lady of LebanonChurch of Miami, Fla., in conjunctionwith the Young Adult Ministry, (Youthin the Maronite Church).

Saturday’s Banquet and GrandHafli lived up to all expectations.Chorbishop Michael Thomas, VicarGeneral of the Eparchy of Saint Marongave the Invocation. That was followedby the national anthem of Lebanon,sungby Ghassan “Gus” Harika, and theUnited States national anthem, sung byPeter Mazloom, Jr., both of St. AnthonyChurch.

Mary Shaia of St. Anthony wasmistress of ceremonies for the banquet.She introduced those seated at the headtable, including Bishop Mansour;Bishop Shaheen; Bishop Francis X.DiLorenzo of the Richmond CatholicDiocese; Monsignor Sebaali ;convention Chairman Zohab and hiswife, Barbara; NAM President RichardCoury of Corona, Calif., and his wifeMarion; Incoming NAM President,Marlene Saad; Fr. John Paul Kimes,NAM’s Spiritual Director; and NAMExecutive Director Mike Naber. Allthree bishops addressed the banquetgathering, as did other members of thehead table.

In his farewell address, NAMPresident Coury thanked the membersof St. Anthony’s for their hospitality.He also introduced the new NAMPresident, Marlene Saad of Moore, S.C.Father Kimes gave the benediction.

After a dinner of filet mignon andcrabcakes, the entertainment took over,once again provided by Shadi Naddafand Band.

As it was at liturgies throughout theweek, celebration of Sunday’sPontifical Divine Liturgy was led byBishop Mansour and Bishop Shaheen.St. Anthony’s choir was joined bymany Maronites from other parishes toprovide the music.

On Sunday, worshipers werejoinedby Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine,who is a Latin Catholic. Seated next toGov. Kaine were Harry and MargaretShaia.

The convention ended with thetraditional farewell brunch, after whichattendees packed up their cars orheaded to the airport or train station fortheir trips home.

The Gold Massabki Medals weregiven to Gary and KathleenHousey of Detroit, Mich., for the

Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, andto Joseph and Judy Soma of St. AnnChurch in Scranton, Penn., for theEparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn.

The presentations were made byBishop Gregory J. Mansour of theEparchy of Saint Maron and BishopRobert J. Shaheen of the Eparchy ofOur Lady of Lebanon at the conventionGrand Banquet on July 28.

The Massabki Medal is the highesthonor bestowed on a member of theNational Apostolate of Maronites. It isnamed after three martyred MaroniteBrothers who refused to renounce theirfaith and is presented to members of theMaronite Church who have contributedtime, talent and treasure on a parish,regional or national level.

The Gold Massabki Medals areawarded at the National Convention.The Silver Massabki Medals areawarded at the parish level.

Order of Saint Sharbel

Inducted into the Order of SaintSharbel were Richard Coury of St.John Maron Church in Anaheim,

Calif., and George and Siham Oley ofSt. Anthony Church in Glen Allen, Va.

The Order of Saint Sharbel is anational organization of people whohave pledged their spiritual strengthand financial support for Our Lady ofLebanon Maronite Seminary,seminarians and retired clergy.

For more information about the Orderof Saint Sharbel, 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

Dr. Joseph and Judy Soma of St. Ann Church in Scranton, Penn., were therecipients of the Gold Massabki Medal for the Eparchy of Saint Maron ofBrooklyn.

Two Couples Receive Gold Massabki Medals atMaronite Convention



WhatVocational

Crisis?3,200 Youth

Show Readiness toFollow Call

When the leaders of a Loreto[Italy] Youth rally made avocations call, some 2,000

men and 1,200 women stood up toshow their readiness to become priestsor consecrated persons.

Monday'srally[September 3, 2007]gathered about 100,000 youth from theNeocatechumenal Way, as a follow-upto the visit from Pope Benedict XVI,who had been with the youth the twodays before.

Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko,President of the Pontifical Council forthe Laity, presided over the meeting,accompanied by several other bishops.

A Neocatechumenate communiquéexplained that since Pope John Paul II's1984 meeting with youth in Rome, themovement has called together its youngpeople for a vocation meeting, in orderto harvest the fruits from the encounterswith the Holy Father.

The meeting on Monday included aprocession of about 1,000 priests and areading of the Gospel.

Archbishop Rylko commented onthe Gospel reading, saying: "The HolyFather wants to convey a message to all

young people, that being a Christian isbeautiful."

After more commentaries, theleaders invited those youth who thinkthey have a call to the priesthood orconsecrated life to stand and receive ablessing from the bishops. That's when2,000 young men came forward toshow their interest in the priesthood.And 1,200 women expressed a similardesire for a life consecrated to God.

If these youth continue this path,they will be joining others of theNeocatechumenal Way who havefollowed a vocation to follow Christwith the evangelical counsels. Themovement says that some 4,000 of itsyoung women have entered variousmonasteries, mostly cloistered ones.

"The large number of the youngparticipants -- mostly Italian, but alsomany delegations from all the countriesof Europe -- is a sign that in manyfamilies, the faith is being taught to theyoung people," the communiqué said.

To prepare themselves for themeeting with Pope Benedict XVI, theyouth made a pilgrimage, stopping instreets and plazas to witness to theirfaith and talk with other young people.

Cardinal George Pell of Sydneywas inspired by the rally and invited theyouth to engage in a similar preparationfor World Youth Day, to be held inAustralia next July.

September 4, 2007, Zenit.org

Pontiff To YouthSee You in Sydney

Pope Benedict XVI twice remindedyouth of his next appointmentwith them: World Youth Day

2008 in Sydney, Australia. On twooccasions during his meetings with theyoung people, the Holy Father recalledhis appointment with them in Sydney.

During the prayer vigil [onSeptember 1] on the outskirts of Loreto,the Pontiff spoke of his dream of beingpresent at the World Youth Day. "Iwould like to make an appointmentwith you young people in Sydney,where a year from now the next WorldYouth Day will be held," he said. "Iknow, Australia is a long ways fromhere, and for Italian youth it is literallythe other side of the world," PopeBenedict XVI noted. "Let us pray thatthe Lord, who works every wonder,grant to many of you the chance to bethere. "May he grant it to me, may hegrant it to you. This is one of our manydreams that we entrust to Mary."

The Pope again spoke of theappointment during the Mass hecelebrated for the young people thefollowing day. "I invite you to prepareyourselves for this great manifestationof youthful faith, meditating on themessage that treats the theme of theHoly Spirit, to live together a newspringtime of the Spirit."

September 2, 2007, Zenit.org

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