Our Lady of Maronite 719 University Place • Lewisville, Texas 75067 Office: (972) 436-7617 • Fax: (972) 221-3430

August 5th, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

As you know, yesterday, August 4th at 6:00 PM (Lebanon Time), the city of was shaken by a devastating explosion, now referred to as "BeiruShima," recalling the nuclear bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in August 1945. This couldn't have happened at a worse time for Lebanon, when the country is already suffering from the effects of the Corona virus pandemic and is on the verge of a failed state and an economic collapse.

The seismological activity incurred during the blast yesterday was equivalent to a 4.5 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale. The latest reports indicate that the source of the blast may have come from a warehouse containing ammonium nitrate from an impounded cargo ship.

Beirut's 5 major hospitals were severely hit. They have suffered major damage and have no electricity. Beirut's seaport and the downtown center of the capital city have been devastated.

Our Catholic Maronite Diocese is working now to collect funds to support the Catholic and Christian families in Lebanon who are struggling as a result of these recent events. Please see the attached letter from our Maronite Bishops. If you would like to support this effort, please write a check to "Our Lady of Lebanon" with the memo "Lebanon." This way we can keep a record for your tax deduction at the Church. We will send one check to the Diocese on behalf of our parish that will go to the Catholic Charities in Lebanon under the direction of the Cardinal.

We pray that God will help the people of Beirut and the people of Lebanon to overcome this crisis. May God grant peace and stability to Lebanon and to all the world.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Assaad

Eparchy of Eparchy of Our Lady of Saint of Brooklyn Lebanon of Los Angeles

August 4, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, August 4, at around 6:00 PM (Lebanon Time), Beirut was shaken by a large blast that killed and injured many and caused great destruction. It is unclear who is behind the blast, but what is certain is that there were explosive materials which turned Beirut into an apocalyptic city. Hospitals, schools, houses, businesses, and much more is destroyed leaving people feeling hopeless and helpless.

It saddens us to see Lebanon, once designated by Pope St. John Paul II, as being “more than a country, it is a message,” a message of conviviality between Christians and Muslims, between East and West. This country is at the verge of a failed state and total collapse. We urge you to pray for Lebanon, and we ask for your support for our brothers and sisters at this difficult time and in response to this catastrophe. We appeal to all nations, all people of goodwill, to stand in solidarity with the Lebanese. We hope and pray Lebanon will regain stability and initiate a path of recovery toward peace and justice for all.

Yours in Christ,

+ Bishop Gregory J. Mansour + Bishop A. Elias Zaidan Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles

Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, 109 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, 1021 S. 10th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104