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Volume 15 | Issue 9 | December 2018

BISHOP’S MESSAGE Wounded, Yet Amazing Church 4 by Bishop Gregory J. Mansour

SCHEDULES Bishop Gregory J. Mansour 6 Bishop A. Elias Zaidan

Synod On Youth 8 by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan

PARISH SPOTLIGHT Our Lady of the Cedars of 10 Lebanon Church Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts by Antoinette Zeina

PRIEST SPOTLIGHT Chorbishop Richard D. Saad 12 by Suzanne Tavani

14 Priesthood Ordinations 16 Deacon Ordination

The Challenges of Teaching Children 17 About Christmas by Fr. Anthony J. Salim

2 | THE MARONITE VOICE THE MARONITE VOICE A bi-monthly publication of Saint Maron Publications under the auspices of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn and Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles. ISSN 1080-9880

Eyes Fixed on Jesus— Publishers 20 Forty Years of Monastic Life Most Reverend Gregory John Mansour Most Reverend A. Elias Zaidan

Editor Mary, Mother of the Church: Chorbishop John D. Faris 22 Reflection On John’s Gospel Managing Editor by Fr. David A. Fisher Rev. Aaron Sandbothe

Art and Design Director Ms. Glory Rasi Tenth Annual MYA Conference in 24 Washington, 5-7 October 2018 Production Coordinator Mr. James Salamy

Parish News Editors A Contemplative Christmas Dr. Mabel George Howard 26 by Fr. Gary George C.Ss.R. (Eparchy of Saint Maron) [email protected]

Rev. Pierre Bassil Bethlehem Today (Eparchy OL of Lebanon) [email protected] 28 Feature Writers Suzanne Tavani Parish News 30 Antoinette Zeina • All submissions for publication must be in an electronic format. Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Images must be of high resolution 36 Los Angeles, Code of Ethical Conduct For and quality (300 dpi, jpg format). Clergy, Church Personnel And Volunteers • Subscription rates are $25.00 per Working With Minors And Vulnerable Adults year.

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Caring for the Sick: Contact Us 38 A Physician’s Perspective Phone: 804.762.4301 Email: [email protected] by Anne Borik, M.D. Mailing Address: 4611 Sadler Road Glen Allen, VA 23060

From the Editor Office Hours 39 Monday – Wednesday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm

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December 2018 | 3 Wounded, Yet Amazing Church by Bishop Gregory John Mansour

n the midst of all that is happening sidelines, but enters with charity to The Catholic Church, even with all in the world and in the Church today make a difference. This is the world her glaring wounds, her faults, and we are faced with two choices: We of humanitarian outreach, especially especially now with all her sorrow, can be passive observers or active radiant and amazing in our Catholic shame, and infighting, is still the participants. Church. largest, most engaging, efficient, I transparent, and trustworthy The world we “observe” is, Oddly enough Democrats and charitable institution God ever placed unfortunately, so often the world Republicans, Conservatives and on earth! of politics, of acrimony, of labels, Liberals, as well as those aligned with of Democrats and Republicans, one side or another, are all actively There are 165 National Catholic Conservatives and Liberals, etc., involved in this world of Catholic Caritas Organizations throughout the some of whom attack each other as if humanitarian effort. And in the world, and they all serve the poor, nothing else matters. Moreover, the service of the poor, labels really don’t regardless of religious affiliation. In media promotes this world, and seems mean that much after all! the United States we have not only all too eager to enter in. Catholic Charities USA, but also However, in our humanitarian Catholic Relief Services; the two This is certainly true here in the United outreach we must make a stern of them comprise our one national States, but it is also true internationally. warning: this world is not made for Caritas. It all depends on which side one is the faint of heart, or for the passive aligned. This sad reality makes it observer, but for the noble, the Thus, the Catholic Church in the especially difficult for countries like steadfast, the courageous, the open- United States is unique among the the Ukraine and Lebanon, for example. minded visionary, and the open- 165 national Caritas organizations, Their political process is often hearted missionary. in that we have a Caritas ad intra for paralyzed in tensions between those the poor here at home, and a Caritas aligned with Russia, China, Iran, and Two years ago, while I was engaged ad extra for the poor overseas! Now their allies, or with the United States, in the Muslim-Catholic Dialogue, the that’s glorious charity! the West, Saudi Arabia and their allies. Muslim co-chair rose from his seat as I was introduced and embraced and This in itself shows the big-hearted This is true also in places like El thanked me. He said Catholic Relief approach of American Catholics. Salvador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, Services (CRS) served his people better In addition to this amazing effort whose citizens are divided between than anyone else. When I was Pastor of CRS and Catholic Charities in a more socialist or a more capitalist in Uniontown, PA, the Jewish rabbi the United States, we also have very approach. The same is true in Nigeria, was a graduate of Catholic schools in strong organizations like the Knights and other African countries torn by Mumbai. He and I marveled that it and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre, Muslim and Christian tensions. Today’s was the Catholic Church, in a mostly the Knights and Dames of Malta, world seems to be a battlefield of Hindu country, that assisted him the the Knights of Columbus, Aid to the different sides. most. The Catholic Relief Service Church in Need, Catholic Near East Country Representative for Egypt is a Welfare Association, and this list goes But there is another world, not of Sunni Muslim! He works beautifully on and on. labels, of acrimony, of taking sides; with the Christian/Muslim staff and but rather a more real, and more the poor. This is the charitable work The noble work of all these Catholic humane world, where one does not of the Church! institutions is made more noble by simply observe, or watch by the the fact that we serve Catholics and

4 | THE MARONITE VOICE non-Catholics alike, and in several United States government, charitable in the Catholic Church and her countries, especially where Catholics foundations, and generous donors in massive humanitarian effort. In are a small minority, our charitable every Catholic Church in America. this way we are no longer partisan efforts are not only welcomed, but observers but, active participants. are the primary lead organizations, In Uganda, to help farmers grow a The Kingdom that Jesus himself and very much needed, treasured and cash crop the Catholic Church helps established shines through each of appreciated. them grow vanilla. This is not because us when we sincerely pray, “Thy we like vanilla, even though we do, Kingdom Come”, and then engage Caritas Ukraine serves Catholics and but because it helps a family send ourselves in Christ’s work of charity. Orthodox alike. Caritas Lebanon their children to school, and to build serves Lebanese Muslims and a brick house rather than the mud Brothers and Sisters, we Christians, as well as Syrian refugees, and straw home for the family. have a mission, spelled who are mostly Muslim. I also think of out in Matthew 25, the Catholic Schools and Universities Catholics have also created, thanks “for I was hungry, of Lebanon and the Middle East who to Pope Francis, the Santa Martha and you gave me serve Catholics and non-Catholics Group and the Holy See Mission to to eat.” We have a alike. We serve our brothers and sisters the United Nations, a world-wide leader, as spelled on the peripheries, not because they effort to address the social evil of out in Matthew 16, are Christian, but because we are human trafficking. What is the secret “You are Peter and Christian. weapon? Nuns who are tough (as you upon this rock know what) and visionary who work I will build This amazing charity, done in the closely with law enforcement officers my Church.” name of Jesus Christ, is done with to arrest traffickers and free young We have the so much efficiency, accountability girls or women from this slavery. message outlined and transparency, that the Global in John 3:16 Fund, the United Nations, the On top of all this, we serve others for “God so loved US Government, as well as other our own way, adhering to Catholic secular foundations, see our Catholic pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-chastity, institutions as their most worthy and pro-woman principles, as well as the dependable partners in the work to principles of Catholic social justice, eradicate Malaria, Ebola, HIV/AIDS, namely: subsidiarity and respect for and other scourges. each person’s inherent dignity and self-worth. Some examples: Instead of the father of the family having to seek But here is the bad news: the average employment at the coffee or sugar American watches so much news plantation, CRS in El Salvador helps every day that we swallow an almost him grow cocoa on his own land. This toxic dose of a view of the world is not because we love chocolate, even that is overtly partisan and though we do, but because this helps overly passive. marriages and families to flourish. The father of the family plants; his children There is, however, an pick; his wife grinds; and he sells it at antidote: a healthy market, all assisted by the Catholic investment of Church working with international love and care, chocolate companies, farmers, water and an active and soil specialists, and grants from the involvement

DECEMBER 2018 | 5 Schedule Bishop Gregory J. Mansour

Wounded, Yet Amazing Church Continued from page 5

the world that he gave us his only Perhaps some of the “fish” were APPOINTMENTS Begotten Son, that whoever believes Conservatives or Liberals, Republicans Eparchy of Saint in him will inherit eternal life.” or Democrats, aligned with these Maron of Brooklyn countries, or those ideologies, but they Our mission, leader, and message, are were all gathered into one Kingdom, Bishop Gregory J. Mansour has given to us by the King himself, the and they were gathered by Peter, an made the following appointments same King who will one day judge us, unworthy fisherman, yet used by God effective November 1, 2018: yes on charity! for a greater good. Rev. Raymond Khallouf as Lastly, as found in John 21, in the If you are thinking what should I do Parochial Vicar of Saint Anthony person and efforts of Saint Peter, we this Christmas to make this world a Church, Glen Allen, VA not only have a mission, a leader, and little better. Please don’t be a passive a message; we also have a net, 2,000 observer. Rather, belong, reinvest, care Rev. Robert Farah as years old, which gathered every variety for, love and support this wounded, Administrator of Saint Sharbel of fish known to man, 153 to be exact yet amazing, Catholic Church, so Mission, Raleigh, NC of varieties of fish known at that time. that her world of humanitarian love, Thisnet is the Catholic Church, which better labeled symbolically as the despite the pressure, did not break Kingdom of God, may continue to then, even with all the varieties of fish, flourish and grow in the image of Her and this net will not break today— Divine Spouse, Jesus Christ. Merry even with all the pressures applied to it. Christmas!

6 | THE MARONITE VOICE Schedule Bishop A. Elias Zaidan

APPOINTMENTS Eparchy of Our Lady Of Lebanon Of Los Angeles

Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, has made the following appointments and announcements:

• Rev. John Nahal, Rector of St. Raymond Maronite Co-Cathedral, St. • Chorbishop Louis Baz, formerly pastor of St. Maron Church, Detroit, Louis, MO, has been appointed President of Caritas Lebanon, U.S.A. MI, has been granted retirement, effective October 31, 2018. • Sister Martha Mechleb, Maronite Sister of the Holy Family, has • Rev. Roby Zibara, formerly Associate Pastor of St. Maron Maronite been appointed the Director of the Eparchial Office of Religious Church in Cleveland, OH, has been appointed Pastor of St. Maron Education, effective May 8, 2018. Maronite Church in Detroit, MI, effective August 1, 2018; and has • Rev. Albert Constantine has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of been appointed the Eparchial Director of the Office of Ministry, the Eparchy, effective July 1, 2018, and will continue as the Associate effective November 1, 2018. Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Lebanon Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA. • Rev. Elias Abi Sarkis, formerly pastor of St. Therese of the Child • Mrs. Mary Denny, formerly Fiscal Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Jesus has been granted retirement, effective October 30, 2018. Eparchy has been granted retirement, effective July 31, 2018. • Rev. Marwan Abi Nader, MLM has been appointed the • Mrs. Jamileh Koury has been appointed the Fiscal Officer of the Administrator of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Maronite Church in Eparchy, effective August 1, 2018. Tulsa, OK, effective September 25, 2018 with residence in Tulsa, • Rev. Elias Yazbeck, recently ordained priest, and formerly serving as OK, and will continue as the Administrator of Our Lady of Lebanon a Deacon at St. Maron Church in Cleveland, OH, has been appointed Maronite Mission in Norman, OK. the Associate Pastor of St. Maron Maronite Church in Cleveland, OH, • Mr. Alberto and Mrs. Lynn Tohme, of Our Lady of the Cedars effective August 1, 2018. Maronite Church in Houston, TX, have been appointed Co-Directors of • Mrs. Mary Milton, of St. Elias Maronite Church in Birmingham, AL, the Office of Family and Pro-Life, effective November 7, 2018. has been appointed the Vice President of the Order of St. Sharbel • Reverend Rami Razzouk, recently ordained priest, and formerly for the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, effective serving as a Deacon at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Church in October 1, 2018. Fairlawn, OH,has been appointed the Associate Pastor of St. Elias Maronite Church in Birmingham, AL, effective November 12, 2018

DECEMBER 2018 | 7 Synod On Youth by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan

he 15th Ordinary General The document came after 3 minutes of silence to reflect. The Assembly of the Synod of Bishops consultation with 300 interventions concerting some was held from October 3 to representatives of young people aspects of the working document. October 28 in Rome, Italy. The during the Pre-Synodal meeting in theme of the Synod was “Young Rome held from March 19-24, 2018 We also had group meetings T People, the Faith and Vocational as well as answers to the online- according to language preferences: Discernment.” The goal of holding questionnaire. To give a brief English, Italian, French, Spanish, the Ordinary General Assembly overview of those in attendance Portuguese and German. In is to gain a perspective of the below are the following statistics: my English group for example ministry of the Universal Catholic • 266 Synodal Fathers (246 the following countries had Church to the young people, with Cardinals, Archbishops, and representatives: United States, its challenges, needs, and hopes. Bishops, 10 Superior Generals Canada, Australia, Belgium, In his opening remarks, the Holy of Religious Orders, 10 Priests Poland, Lebanon, India, Malaysia, Father invited everyone attending: appointed by the Pope) Philippines, Ireland, Cameroun, “I wish, therefore, at the beginning • 8 Delegates from Ecumenical Nigeria, Liberia. Tanzania, of the Synod Assembly, to invite Churches Lesotho, Uganda, the Holy land, everyone to speak with courage • One special guest Brother Alois Belarus, Vietnam, Central Pacific and frankness (parrhesia), namely from the Taize Community Ocean, Papua New Guinea among to integrate freedom, truth and • 23 Experts others. At the group meetings, charity. Only dialogue can help • 48 Auditors the attendees would review the us grow. An honest, transparent Instrumentum Laboris, propose critique is constructive and helpful, Among the Synodal Fathers, changes, deletions, and additions, and does not engage in useless the Eastern Churches were to be submitted to the Secretariat chatter, rumours, conjectures or represented with 21 members for review. All the modifications prejudices.” from 15 Churches. I was elected helped create a new document that to represent the Synod of the was voted upon by the Synodal The focus of this meeting was Maronite Bishops. Representatives fathers and submitted to the Holy based on the Instrumentum Laboris came from the various parts Father as a suggestion for his (Working Document) put together of the world (114 countries). It upcoming Apostolic Exhortation. by the Secretariat of the Synod was a truly “catholic” universal of Bishops in June of this year, convocation. There were also several elections in Vatican City. The document is and appointments including: the divided into three parts: We had general sessions where Communications Committee the Holy Father attended most according to Continents, the Final 1. Recognizing: The Church of them. We began the General Document Committee, and the Listens to Reality Sessions with a prayer. Then we Representatives for the Synod 2. Interpreting: Faith and would listen to the interventions of Committee. Vocational Discernment the participants. Each person was 3. Choosing: Paths of Pastoral given 4 minutes to speak and after One special activity included in the Missionary Conversion five interventions, there would be Synod meeting was the walking

8 | THE MARONITE VOICE pilgrimage around the Vatican We are familiar with your inner For a month, we have walked that retraces the steps of the early searching, the joys and hopes, the together with some of you and with Christians and ends at St. Peter’s pain and anguish that make up many others who have been united Basilica. your longings. Now we want you to us through prayer and affection. to hear a word from us: we wish We wish to continue the journey For the closing Mass, the Holy to be sharers in your joy, so that now in every part of the earth Father reminded us that, “the your expectations may come to where the Lord Jesus sends us as Synod is not a Parliament. It is life. We are certain that with your missionary disciples. a protected space for the Holy enthusiasm for life, you will be Spirit to act.” The Holy Spirit will ready to get involved so that your The Church and the world urgently definitely guide the Church and dreams may be realized and take need your enthusiasm. Be sure to its ministry with the youth. shape in your history. make the most fragile people, the poor and those wounded by life At the conclusion of the Synod, Our weaknesses should not deter your travelling companions. the Synod Fathers wrote the you; our frailties and sins must not following letter to the young be an obstacle for your trust. The You are the present; be a brighter people of the world that I would Church is your mother; she does future. like to share with you. It captures not abandon you; she is ready to the desire and determination of accompany you on new roads, on Overall, even though the Synod the Church to be there for the higher paths where the winds of was long but it was a great and young people: the Spirit blow stronger—sweeping enriching experience of meeting away the mists of indifference, with bishops and people from We the Synod Fathers now address superficiality and discouragement. different parts of the world. It you, young people of the world, When the world that God so loved, gives us an opportunity to better with a word of hope, trust and that He gave us His only Son, Jesus, listen to the needs and aspirations consolation. In these days, we is focused on material things, on of the youth around the world, have gathered together to hear the short-term successes, on pleasures, sharing expectations and walking voice of Jesus, “the eternally young and when the world crushes the alongside them to build a better Christ,” and to recognize in Him weakest, you must help it to rise up world. May the Church always your many voices, your shouts of again and to turn its gaze towards have the excitement of the young, exultation, your cries, and your love, beauty, truth and justice once the maturity of the adult, and the moments of silence. more. wisdom of the seniors as she fulfills her ministry of love and care.

DECEMBER 2018 | 9 PARISH SPOTLIGHT

Our Lady of the Cedars of by Antoinette Zeina Lebanon Church Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

he parishioners of Our Lady of the succumbed to a heart attack on the pastor in 2010. “With so many Cedars of Lebanon Church have a sidewalk of the church that he had distractions in our daily lives, it is saying that has been passed down built and helped serve for thirty these annual events that attempt to through generations: “If there is a years. bring family and friends together problem Our Lady of the Cedars to celebrate their faith and culture.” T will be there to watch over you Despite the trials and tribulations and protect you.” And for 125 of the past, Our Lady of the Cedars With several events taking place years, Our Lady has watched over stands stronger than ever. Rosanne throughout the year, efforts are her parish community in Jamaica Solomon has been a parishioner made to gather the Maronite Plain, Massachusetts. from birth and takes pride in community of the parish as seventy years of service to the well as introduce the Boston Boston, Massachusetts is the proud parish. From an early age, Solomon community to the Lebanese birthplace of the first Maronite can recall her parents emphasizing culture. The Feast of Saint Maron church in the United States, with the importance of faith in their Hafli is an annual event that its history dating back to 1893. lives. Since the church within celebrates our patronal feast with Through the years, the parish has walking distance from her home, an abundance of our traditional had its fair share in ups and downs. there was never an excuse to not food and authentic Arabic music. In the early years of the church, the attend Sunday Divine Liturgy. Traditionally, November always parish endured some difficulties brings “Bazaar” an annual event as a result of a priest’s failing Reflecting on the past, she is since 1967. In 2014, Monsignor health, parishioners relocating profoundly grateful for those El-Khalli changed the name to the from Boston into the suburbs, lessons which were instilled at such Autumn Extravaganza Raffle—an financial issues, and a church fire. an early age. “Church has always event many parish members look In 1959, a homeless man started a been the biggest part of my life,” forward to each year. fire in the basement of the church Solomon said, “I have had all my where Chorbishop Douaihy was major milestones in the church. I The most popular fundraiser of storing newspapers for a paper was baptized in the church, I met the year is the Annual Lebanese drive. The church and the rectory my husband through the church. Festival which began in August were quickly engulfed in smoke. All my memories of my childhood 2010. What is known as a festival Despite the danger, Chorbishop into my adult life are here.” today started as a small outing on Douaihy ran to the sanctuary to church grounds. Families would save the Blessed Sacrament from Preserving the faith and culture of come together bringing food, being destroyed. Although he the parish proves to be one of the family and music to make an made it out with the sacrament most important goals of the parish intimate summer gathering for in hand, his failing health could according to Monsignor Georges parishioners. However, with time, not endure the trauma and he Y. El-Khalli, who was appointed the small get-together developed

10 | THE MARONITE VOICE into an event that brings together involvement. In fact, Our Lady of understands that the world is not only parishioners, but people the Cedars was the first parish to changing and so are people and from the Boston metropolitan start the MYO (Maronite Youth their priorities. She remembers area come to share an authentic Organization), which was founded the lessons that her mother Lebanese experience. and given a name coined by former taught her about the importance pastor Father Gabriel in the 1960s. of faith—the same lessons that Keeping a community of Just like the MYO, several of the she has passed down to her own parishioners engaged is not an parish organizations can date their children who have gone to live in easy task. Most parishioners live beginnings back for decades and different cities all over the country. closer to another parish in which continue to maintain a strong (Some of her children have moved they could practice their faith. presence in the church. to other cities. Despite distance A majority of parishioners drive from their “hometown” church, over ten miles to come to church The Daughters of Our Lady of all her children continue to attend every week and remain active in the Cedars, also known as the Divine Liturgy in the Maronite church endeavors—something “Mother’s Club,” was formed in churches in their resident towns.) Solomon says has been the secret 1929 and continues to be a leader It may seem like an easy task to to keeping their church doors in event planning and church engrain these habits, but according open for 125 years. “We try to offer functions. Since the early years of to Solomon, this must start at an something for everyone to try and the church, they have always been early age. “Life used to be simple engage all groups” Solomon said, considered the backbone of the and straight forward. Nowadays “It is an accomplishment to be church. In the years following the children and their parents are so still standing after 125 years. That Second World War, young men busy with activities that they forget is why we got to keep going and and women returned from the to bring their kids to Mass every keep reminding people that the war and started the Sacred Heart Sunday. Make it a priority and they church is their home and is their Society in 1945. The group is the will never lose these habits for as responsibility.” forerunner of what is known today long as they live.” as the St. Maron Society, whose Involvement has always been a members spearhead events and crucial element in the success fundraisers throughout the church of any parish. One of the main year. goals of Monsignor El-Khalli is to involve the entire parish The future of the parish is exciting community in several aspects of according to Solomon, however church activities—a factor that she has a healthy concern for will ensure the prosperity of the what is to come. Looking back parish specifically with more youth on 70 years in the parish, she

DECEMBER 2018 | 11 PRIEST SPOTLIGHT

Chorbishop Richard D. Saad Pastor, St. Elias, Birmingham, Alabama by Suzanne Tavani

he early life of Chorbishop Richard Saad and three other Lebanese and Father Samuel Najjar, both of Saad mirrors that of millions of Americans to attend St. Basil whom provided a great deal of children across America. His Seminary in Methuen, Massachusetts. support not only for me, but also influences came from both his home While at St. Basil’s, the priest from a for members of the two parishes.” life and through the community. local Maronite parish took the four T The son of a Lebanese immigrant, seminarian under his wing. These Saad took the lessons of community he and his four brothers worked four young men eventually building with him when he returned alongside their parents at the family transferred to Our Lady of Lebanon to Birmingham in 1985. He says, grocery store after school and on Seminary in Washington, D.C. Saad “We have approximately 400 families weekends. While the Saad family was ordained a Deacon following here in Birmingham. The Wilkes- didn’t have much money, all the the completion of his theological Barre experience provided me with children attended Catholic school studies. He requested some a better understanding of what a and received love and support in pastoral experience and accepted pastor really needs to do in order to order to achieve their goals. While an assignment to St. Elias in support and strengthen the life of a in eighth grade, he was recruited to Birmingham, Alabama. It was in community.” play football, a career was cut short Birmingham that Saad, with the when he ran the ball down the encouragement of Chor-Bishop Community involvement became a field—the wrong way. An observant John Trad who taught him Aramaic, key ingredient in Chorbishop Saad’s nun witnessed the errant play and decided to take the next step and success as a pastor and a religious recruited him to play tuba in the become a priest. He was ordained leader. In 1998, he initiated the school band. Says Chorbishop on January 29, 1972, the anniversary annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Richard, “My musical career proved of his father’s passing, at St. Maron’s Festival which has since grown in to be more fulfilling than my in Detroit by Bishop Zayek. size and scope. He proudly says, athletic career!” “To date, St. Elias has donated Following his ordination, Saad almost a half million dollars to During this time, Saad was also arrived St. Elias, an association local, national, and international being formed by his Maronite faith. which would extend for another 46 charities from festival proceeds. He and his family, attended St. years with a one-year lapse in 1984- More important, however, the Maron Church in Detroit. While 1985 when he was assigned as pastor Festival has brought the parish still in his early teens, he decided to of St. George and St. Anthony in together each year to work as a attend Sacred Heart Seminary. Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. While church family and to showcase in Wilkes-Barre he was challenged what a Christian Lebanese faith In 1966, while Saad at Sacred Heart, to merge the two parishes into one community is really all about. It is Bishop Francis M. Zayek arrived in Maronite community. Although our hope that through our Festival America and established the first some would find this a daunting we are not only carrying on the Maronite Exarchate with task, Saad is quick to say, “I was traditions of our culture to the next headquarters in Detroit. Bishop blessed to have by my side Father generation, but we are also able to Zayek extended an invitation to (now Chorbishop) Michael Thomas display it to the community.

12 | THE MARONITE VOICE BORN January 11, 1946, the son of Louis and Mary Saad; Siblings: Harvey (Habib), Roger, Louis (Elias) and Ronald

STUDIES Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, MI Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary, Washington, DC St. Basil’s Seminary, Methuen, MA Augustinian College, Master of Arts, Theology St. Anselm College, Manchester, NH

ORDINATION January 29, 1972 by Bishop Francis M. Zayek, St. Maron’s Maronite Catholic Church, Detroit, MI Elevation to Monsignor: December, 1991 Elevation to Chorbishop: June 14, 2001

ASSIGNMENTS 1972 - 1977: Administrator, St. Elias, Birmingham, AL 1977 - 1984: Pastor, St. Elias, Birmingham, AL 1984 - 1985: Pastor, St. George and St. Anthony, Wilkes-Barre, PA 1985 - Present: St. Elias, Birmingham, AL Other: • Protopresbyter, Southern Region of the Diocese of Our Lady of Lebanon • Eparchial Vicar General of Priests, Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon • Member, various Eparchial committees • Member, Liturgical Commission • Secretary, Presbyteral Council • Director, Diaconal Formation (1994-2000) MILESTONES • Spiritual Director, National Apostolate of Maronites (2009-2016) • Presently Vicar General of Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, appointed by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan in 2013

Through our donations we are able five softball fields which are actively Saad proudly observes that through to give back to the community that used by the community. The parish, the years he has witnessed much has supported us each year.” under Saad’s leadership, has also spiritual growth and vibrancy in the been an active member of the parish. “I witnessed the ordination of Saad also points to his involvement Maronite community in America. three priests at the altar of St. Elias— in the larger Birmingham St. Elias has hosted the National Father Peter (now Msgr.) Azar in community as a key element of the Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) 1980, Father Paul Boackle in 1989, parish’s success and vibrancy convention three times—1972, and Father John Paul Kimes in 2000, through the years. He was one of 1993, and 2010. In fact, it was as well as the ordination of four the original members of the Glen during Saad’s first year of Subdeacons and two Deacons from Iris Neighborhood Association ordination in 1972 that St. Elias first St. Elias Parish. And, after 46 years, I where he served one term as hosted the NAM convention. The am now officiating at the marriages of President and has been an active parish has also hosted the last two the children and grandchildren of the member for many years. He Maronite Patriarchs—Patriarch people whose weddings I officiated speaks with great pride of the Nasrallah Peter Sfeir in 1988 and when I first arrived at St. Elias. That’s development of a park including Patriarch Peter Rai in 2014. quite a history!”

DECEMBER 2018 | 13 Priesthood Ordinations

Ordination of Fr. Rami Razzouk Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ghadir, Lebanon

On 20 October 2018, Fr. Rami Razzouk was ordained to the sacred priesthood by His Excellency, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Ghadir, Lebanon. In attendance were numerous priests, deacons, and family and friends.

When reflecting on the priesthood, Fr. Rami notes, “A priest is a liberator because he was liberated first. He met Jesus (in his ordinary, unordinary and extraordinary life) and he decided to be self-bestowed as he is.”

“God’s purpose is to free his people. Because of that, He sent His Son to be with us, to protect us and to reassure his beloved daughters and sons. When we truly believe that God is with us, He will set us free from all our burdens and we will become liberators in our turn.”

Ordination of Robert Y. Farah to the Priesthood by Asma and Joseph Zaccack

On Saturday, October 20, 2018, Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Washington, DC witnessed the ordination of Deacon Robert Y. Farah to the Priesthood for service in the Eparchy of Saint Maron. The ordination was conferred by Bishop Gregory John Mansour with two chorbishops and thirty- three priests, deacons, subdeacons, and seminarians in the sanctuary. Four hundred faithful from all over the world filled the church to participate in the ordination. The ordination was followed by a banquet in the church hall. The celebration was filled with many tears and prayers, much incense and chanting, but mostly love.

The parish of Our Lady of Lebanon stood proudly as one of their very own became a priest, but it was a bittersweet moment. Father Robert Farah and his wife Dr. Jocelyne Farah, the khourieh, have been prominent figures in the Washington area for over thirty years, known for their involvement in the Lebanese community. Father Robert and Jocelyne leave behind their past lives in D.C. to pursue a life of service and dedication to God and the Church. Their new home will be in Raleigh, North Carolina serving Saint Sharbel Maronite Mission.

14 | THE MARONITE VOICE Priestly Ordination at Most Holy Trinity Monastery

On a wet and cloudy Feast of All Saints, Brother Deacon Maron Henricks was ordained a priest at Most Holy Trinity Monastery in Petersham, MA. It is not often that our monastery has the privilege and honor of seeing one of its members ordained to major orders, but this year we were blessed with two back-to-back ordinations; one to the diaconate and another to the priesthood. (On October 31, Br. Bernardo Vargas-Castro was ordained a deacon and the following morning, Br. Deacon Maron was ordained a priest.)

Nearly a hundred people attended the ordination. The most moving part of the ceremony was when the newly ordained, Father Maron, was vested in priestly garb and given the Blessed Sacrament to carry in a chalice wrapped in an anaphora veil on top of his head while led by Father Abbot William Driscoll, his sponsor. Many were visibly moved at this tangible sign of the priest as another Christ. The twin sister of the new priest, Jennifer, who came up from Connecticut, later commented that she had never seen her brother so happy. Indeed, it was a joyous day for all, but none so much as the new priest who had been looking forward to this day for a long time.

Originally from Ohio, Father Maron spent most of his adult life in the New York City area. He majored in English at Kenyon College. After briefly working as a professional and volunteer EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer for three years in the Dominican Republic. He then obtained a doctorate in law (JD) from Boston College Law School, and worked as a legal/business consultant in Africa, in private practice, and finally in the business development department of a major New York law firm. In his spare time, he volunteered as a mediator and arbitrator. Raised Episcopalian, and after living a mainly secular life, he returned to the Episcopal Church and planned to follow his uncle’s footsteps into the priesthood. God’s Providence, however, had other plans for him, instilling a great love for the Blessed Sacrament in his heart and opening him to the immutable truths of the Catholic Church. He was received in the Church on December 17, 2000 at the St. Elizabeth Seaton Shrine in Manhattan. After discerning, with the guidance of Fr. Benedict Groeschel, a vocation to the contemplative life, he joined our monastery in the spring of 2009, and took solemn, monastic vows in 2013.

At Most Holy Trinity monastery, a priest differs from a brother monk only in the use of priestly powers, such as celebrating the Divine Liturgy and hearing confessions; otherwise, the two live the same contemplative life. Yet, as our rule states, “there is a natural harmony existing between religious and priestly consecration. Priesthood is primarily a configuration to and union with Jesus Christ, the one Priest and Mediator, who offered Himself in obedience to the Father as a Victim for the life of the world.” (Article 188b) Please keep Fr. Maron in your prayers as he offers himself anew to Christ as a priest and victim for souls and for the greater glory of God.

Editor’s Correction: Mr. Gus Harika directed the choir at the ordination of Subdeacon Michael Maynes.

DECEMBER 2018 | 15 Deacon Ordination

Diaconate Ordination at Most Holy Trinity Monastery

On the eve of All Saints Day 2018, Bishop Gregory J. Mansour ordained Brother Bernardo Vargas Castro, a monk of Most Holy Trinity Monastery in Petersham, MA, to the diaconate.

Br. Bernardo is a native of Mexico and has been with the Maronite Monks of Adoration since 2011. He was raised in a devout Catholic family and is even blessed with having a great uncle as a canonized saint. His father’s uncle was St. Rafael Guizar y Vanlencia, a Mexican Catholic bishop who cared for the wounded, sick, and dying during the Mexican Revolution and who was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. Of Br. Bernardo’s ten siblings, three others have also chosen to pursue a religious vocation.

Although Br. Bernardo had some thoughts of pursuing a priestly vocation in his youth, he decided instead to pursue a career in medicine. He went to medical school and after graduation practiced medicine for seventeen years.

He was eventually inspired to leave his career in medicine in order to pursue a religious vocation with the Benedictines in Mexico. He made his first vows with the Benedictines in July 2005 and his solemn vows on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) 2008. While spending some time at the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary’s in Petersham, Br. Bernardo became acquainted with Holy Trinity Monastery and felt an attraction to a more contemplative way of life, to the beauty of the Maronite liturgy and to a life dedicated to the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. God willing, Brother Bernardo will be ordained to the priesthood of the monastery next year.

This Christmas, Give a Gift that Makes a Difference Are you looking for a special gift to give a family member or friend this Christmas? Do you want to give a child or grandchild a gift that may help bring them closer to the Maronite Church and Community? OR RENEW CONSIDER YOUR ANNUAL GIVING A MEMBERSHIP TIMELESS GIFT OF TODAY. AN ORDER (ANNUAL ORDER OF MEMBERSHIPS SAINT SHARBEL RENEW MEMBERSHIP JANUARY 1ST EACH YEAR.) TO ENROLL, RENEW AS AN ANNUAL MEMBER OR BECOME A PERPETUAL MEMBER GO TO: www.orderstsharbel.org

16 | THE MARONITE VOICE The Challenges of Teaching Children About Christmas by Fr. Anthony J. Salim

s a pastor and a catechist for many years, I know that trying to educate children properly about the meaning of Christmas is challenging. This is so for many reasons.

A• For one thing, speaking to children of several age groups about Christmas—or any other truth of our Faith—in a one-size-fits-all article demands that we nevertheless respect the specific levels of ability to learn that vary with the ages of the learners. You don’t teach a kindergartner as you would a fourth- grader or an eighth-grader. So right off the bat the topic of this piece will take this challenge into account.

• Also, when reflecting on the truths about the Christmas Is Above All a Sacred Event Incarnation and the Nativity, we are dealing with For adults. In recent years there has been a rather subjects that are central to our faith yet not always public debate about whether Christmas should easy to explain—in fact, to any age group. be called a “holiday” or a “holy day.” The reality is that for Christian people it is both, especially when • We in the Western world, especially the United Christmas and New Year’s Day (also a holy day) States, have for a very long time now have been are spoken about together. The real issue is how to influenced by the very commercialized view of a convey the holiness of Christmas to children. When secular Christmas, without Christ. this is seen properly, much of what accompanies the celebration of the feast and the season are not in On the other hand, Christmas and all it involves is fact contradictory. Back in the day, Christian people especially attractive to children, and we find them spoke of “Keeping Christ in Christmas.” After all, the eager to learn more about it. Good-willed parents, very word “Christmas” says it all. relatives and guardians of children will want to present the proper mind of the Church in teaching For the children. Therefore, if children see that about this beautiful feast and season. Christmas is indeed first about the Birth of Jesus Christ, then many other things we do to celebrate— For this reason, I have chosen to write each section such as putting up and decorating a tree—may be of this article in two parts: the first for the education encouraged. In fact, adults can effectively strike a of the adult learner and second, recommendations balance between the sacred vision of Christmas for sharing the ideas with the children in their care. and the best of the secular expression without In this way, I hope that the interchange will benefit all. succumbing to a purely material or commercial

DECEMBER 2018 | 17 The Challenges of Teaching Children About Christmas Continued from page 17

scene. For several years, I put a banner across my sending God’s divine Son to become the human front porch railing that says, “Happy Birthday, Jesus,” Jesus: to save us from sin. To express this, theology for the many young people who pass my house on uses the term “soteriology,” a word based on the the way each day on the way to the local high school Greek word soter, meaning “savior.” Thus, we can and elementary schools. Children should also be describe Christmas as the Birth of the Messiah. The taught that it is more proper to wish others a “Merry prayer before the Last Supper words in the Anaphora Christmas” and not simply “Happy Holiday.” of St. Peter expresses it well: “You are holy, O God the Father, and abundant in mercy. Because of your Our Liturgical Year love for us, you sent your Son into the world and he For adults. Of course, at the heart of the Maronite became flesh of the Virgin Mary for our salvation.” Catholic Christian celebration of Christmas is the Liturgical Year. For some years now, the annual And again, in the familiar words often chanted in the unfolding of the Liturgical Year has thankfully become Liturgy: familiar. The Season of “Happy Announcements” that center on the Lectionary Bible Readings show us You have united, O Lord, how God worked intimately in the lives of the family your divinity with our humanity of Jesus. These lead us to the great announcement of and our humanity with your divinity, the angels at his Birth. The Liturgy for the Nativity your life with our mortality speaks of giving glory to God and engendering hope and our mortality with your life. to Believers, indeed, to the world. Importantly, it must You have assumed what is ours be stated here that as wonderful as Christmas is, the and you have given us what is yours greatest feast in the Christian Churches, including for the life and salvation of our souls. our own Maronite Church, is Easter. This must also To you be glory for ever. be borne in minds as we educate our children. For the children. From a very early age children For the children. Children must be taught that can tell right from wrong, and as they grow, this everything we do comes from hearing and reading sense of sin becomes more obvious. They need to God’s Word. This ought to be done frequently, even be told that if they admit their sins and ask Jesus daily, at home, but especially every weekend as they to forgive them, especially in confession, God will are brought to church for worship. When I was forgive them. And this is what Jesus was born to do: a child, very often my parents asked me and my to save us from our sins and make a way for us to siblings in the car on the ride home what the Gospel become united to the Lord. was about and what the priest said about it. During the Season of Announcement, doing something like The Incarnation this can serve an announcement and preparation for For adults. From the beginning of its existence, the actual celebration. This may also happen in the the Church commemorates as a matter of faith this Sunday School religious education classes as well. becoming human of the Divine Word in the body of Mary as the Incarnation. This term comes from the Jesus Came to Save Us Latin word carno, which means “flesh.” We are told For adults. In John 3:16 we read: “For God so by the Bible that this happened by the power of the loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that Holy Spirit, who overshadowed Mary, causing the everyone who believes in him might not perish but Eternal Word to become the human Being known might have eternal life.” This verse reveals something as Jesus. We might think of it as God speaking to very important about God’s Plan for the world in humanity and that Word materializing in Mary. We

18 | THE MARONITE VOICE might also think of this event as the creation of the humanity of God. Jesus remained God even as he lived out his sinless human life among us—a true mystery. And in fact, we ought to see the Incarnation (Announcement to the Virgin) and the Nativity (Christmas) as intimately linked.

For the children. Although the idea of the Incarnation is difficult for children to understand, they are able to grasp that God our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can know, and that he wanted to share himself with us in the Gift that is Jesus. When we see Jesus, we see the Heavenly Father’s goodness and love. See John 14:9—Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you secular experience. Santa is in so many ways the still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me embodiment of Christmas for children. Every parent has seen the Father.” knows how difficult it is to see a child in the struggle to realize that Santa isn’t a real person, despite the fact The Holy Family that he can be seen everywhere, and that the child, For adults. The Nativity shows us in a poignant up to a point, can even sit on Santa’s knee and tell way the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We him what he or she wants for Christmas. Fortunately, especially see the Spotless Virgin Mary, who is in one way or another, the child eventually grows called Theotokos in Greek, “God-bearer” and Oom out of the myth of Santa. The origin of Santa Claus, Allah in Arabic, “Mother of God.” St. Ephrem had nevertheless is probably real: St. Nicholas. Saint a special love for the Virgin Mary, and this is seen Nicholas of Myra (traditionally 15 March 270 – in his famous “Hymns on the Nativity.” Many of his 6 December 343, Feast Day, 6 November), was an liturgical poems, called memray end with a prayer to early Christian bishop of the ancient Greek city the Holy Virgin. We also see Righteous Joseph, who of Myra in Asia Minor. He is said to have been a although not the biological father of Jesus, acted as generous giver of gifts and help to the poor. such. Both Mary and Joseph are invoked repeatedly in the Christmas “Novena.” At our Initiation For the children. Once children have given up (Baptism and Chrismation) we become members of the myth of Santa, they can be told the story of St. God’s spiritual family. Nicholas, helper of the poor. They can also be told the value of giving gifts. In fact, some families encourage For the children. Many children can relate to the making of gifts. Also, because our current the reality of the family at Christmas. They are called celebration of the commercial aspect of Christmas, to relate to the Holy Family as models for our lives children need to have smaller expectations about and to appreciate God’s Family here on earth, the gifts. They can even be told that the best gifts are Church. giving love and being kind and caring.

Santa Claus Is Really St. Nicholas Father Anthony J. Salim is Pastor of Saint Joseph For adults. In many ways the figure of Santa Church in Olean, NY Claus is one of the obstacles to trying to get our children to see Christmas as a more spiritual than

DECEMBER 2018 | 19 Eyes Fixed on Jesus— Forty Years of Monastic Life

hile discerning a religious vocation Blessed Sacrament in the life of the The monks live a simple life of as a young man Father Abbot Church? Why could there not be prayer and work centered on the William Driscoll felt himself a small community of men living liturgy and the adoration of the drawn to the monastic way of life. a life of adoration in a monastic Blessed Sacrament. The structure He joined the Trappists and spent context under some monastic of the day is fixed by the times of W six formative and fruitful years rule—a life lived in simplicity, prayer: Morning Prayer at 5:20 am, at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, regularity, and fidelity to the Mass at 7:30am, Midday Prayer at Massachusetts. For reasons of monastic ideal?’” 11:30am, Evening Prayer at 6:20pm health, he was obliged to leave the and Night Prayer at 8:50pm. The monastery. The community had a simple and mornings are generally free for humble beginning in a vacated spiritual reading and adoration. After many years of religious life convent until they could find We apply ourselves to our daily in an order of Apostolic Life, he property suitable for a hermetical tasks during the afternoon work felt drawn back to the monastic monastery built on the ideals of period. In addition to their life and was led to found a new St. Sharbel. After a few attempts at liturgical prayer the monks spend order in the Church. “I thought finding a suitable piece of property, two hours in adoration before the to myself, ‘Why could there not in 1985 the community purchased Blessed Sacrament each day. Our be a monastic community of the property in Petersham, motto, “With Eyes Fixed on Jesus,” men devoted to the apostolate Massachusetts on which the current taken from the twelfth chapter of and ministry of adoration of the monastery now stands. the Epistle to the Hebrews, not only describes our life as religious, Early on in the foundation Abbot who look to Christ as their model William made the acquaintance in all things, but also sums up our of Archbishop Francis Zayek charism as adorers of Christ in who invited the community into the Blessed Sacrament. It is a life the Maronite Church. The deep centered wholly on Christ and monastic roots of the Maronite which strives to put into practice Church, together with the beauty the exhortation of St. Benedict to and simplicity of its liturgy and his monks: “Prefer nothing to the the shining example of St. Sharbel love of Jesus Christ.” were all motives to plant the seed of this new community in In striving to impart a vision of the the soil of the Maronite Church. monastic life to his monks, Abbot Since becoming Maronite, the William has always emphasized community has been blessed with that the monastic life is first and continual growth both in numbers foremost the life of the Gospel. and spiritually. This year the Following the teaching of all community celebrated its fortieth the great monastic founders we anniversary on September 8. recognize that the first rule of life

20 | THE MARONITE VOICE for the monk is the Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament. It would be a false caricature of Christian monasticism to see it as some esoteric form of life on the fringes of Christianity. It is simply the Christian life, lived according to appealed to me. If the good Lord the evangelical counsels of Christ called me to be a missionary in the found in the Gospels: poverty, tropical jungles, or a pastor in the chastity and obedience. concrete jungles of our over-sized cities, or a member of the teaching The various forms in which apostolate, I would have been very Christians live out their vocation happy to serve in these areas of are reflections of different aspects apostolic life. I never have thought of the life Christ. In order to have of myself here in the monastery In the words of Fr. Bede Griffiths, the entire life of Christ lived out as someone in outer space. One O.S.B., in his autobiography, The in an eparchy, in addition to the has only to recall a significant Golden String, “Paradoxical though pastoral clergy, there is a need statement recorded by the great it may appear, it was the monastic to have those who are called to St. Athanasius of Alexandria in life which made me realize as the ministry and apostolate of his monumental biography of nothing else could have done that being constantly in the temple, St. Anthony of the Desert. St. a monastery can never be merely worshipping God day and night Athanasius recounts that when an escape from the world. Its very in fasting and prayer (Luke 2:37). St. Anthony came out of his purpose is to enable us to face There are those who are called to hermitage-fort after twenty years the problems of the world at their sit at the feet of Christ to ponder of complete solitude, the first thing deepest level, that is to say, in his words: Mary has chosen the he inquired was: ‘How goes it with relation to God and eternal life.” better part, which will not be taken the Emperor?’ His first thought away from her (Lk 10:24). was for his country. The expression Everything in monastic life, down ‘flight from the world’ means a to the minutest details, has this In commenting on the withdrawn flight from worldliness, a flight view. We live for the Church, that and hidden aspect of the monastic from sin and godlessness. It means is, for souls. And since the good life Abbot William expounds, especially a flight to the things of Lord has raised up this monastery, “Historians of the monastic God to improve the world, a flight its first apostolic outreach for souls movement so often write up toward all God’s souls and a special is for all the wonderful souls of the monasticism as a ‘flight from love for all God’s creation.” Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn. the world.’ This thought never

DECEMBER 2018 | 21 Mary, Mother of the Church: Reflection On John’s Gospel by Fr. David A. Fisher

n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,…John 1:1,14

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, …When Jesus therefore saw I His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to his disciple, “Behold your mother!”… John 19:25-27

Introduction Holy Virgin and her role in salvation history, that The Gospel of John gives expression to the may not be immediately accessible from the Synoptic Incarnation of Christ in an approach that is different Gospels. from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). John does not mention the Annunciation, Mary, Mother of God the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, the Nativity, the The Third Ecumenical Council was held in the Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family, or the slaughter year 431AD in Ephesus, having been called by the of the Holy Innocents. As we see from the quote Roman Emperor Theodosius II, and presided over above, from the beginning of his Gospel John declares by St. Cyril of Alexandria. This Council affirmed the divinity of the Word, and that the Word became the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Symbol of Faith flesh. It is also significant that he chooses here to (The Creed), that had been defined by the first two use Word (Logos), rather than Son or Christ. The Ecumenical Councils, condemned Pelagianism, and term Logos in Greek, had by this time almost three Nestorianism. In condemning Nestorianism, the centuries of meaningful linguistic and philosophical Council proclaimed Mary, Theotokos (God-Bearer or usage. The term had been coined by the philosopher Mother of God). Heraclitus, to mean total, perfect, communication that is knowable and understandable not only to From the beginnings of the Christianity, there had human reason by in a totally all consuming manner. been movements that tried to diminish the teaching of John’s Gospel that, “the Word became flesh.” From In recalling the famous maxim of St. Irenaeus (140- the early gnostic heresy of Docetism, that denied 202AD), the Father is never present without his two the reality of Christ’s flesh or humanity, to Arianism hands, the Son and the Spirit. The Son is the Word of which taught that the Son was created by the Father the Father revealing to us the God of Love, and the before time, to Nestorianism which separated the Spirit is the dynamic, charismatic energy of the Father, humanity of Christ from the divinity of the Son; who confirms us in the truth revealed by the Word which taught that Mary was Christotokos, the Mother and brings us into the life of Holy Trinity (Theosis)— of Christ, but not of the Eternal Son of the Father who making us god-like by becoming Christ-like. united humanity to his divinity without confusion. In proclaiming Mary (Theotokos), the Fathers of the From this perspective of John’s Gospel, we can gain Third Ecumenical Council affirm the primary role access to unique aspects of our understanding of the of the Holy Mother of God, to protect the true and

22 | THE MARONITE VOICE full humanity of the Word of God. She is truly the will share in his Passion, Cross, and Resurrection. Mother of the Savior; our flesh, our humanity is united The presence of Mary at this miracle reveals how she to the divinity of the Eternal Word, through Mary. who guards the true and full humanity of Christ, also shares in the suffering and Cross of Christ. Mary, Mother of the Church Our Christian faith begins with the Cross and On the Cross Our Lord gives Mary to the Church, Resurrection of the Lord, the Apostolic Proclamation, as its Mother through the Apostle John: “Woman, “Christ is Risen.” In the Passion, Death, and behold your son!” Then He said to his disciple, “Behold Resurrection of Jesus, and giving of the Holy Spirit, your mother!” St. Ephrem the Syrian expressed this the Father reveals to us the God of Love, the Holy poetically in his Hymn on Virginity, XXV, 8-9: Trinity. It is given to the Apostles of the Lord to be the first to experience these truths, united in prayer The young disciple John saw in the woman with Mary. As they come to understand that the how much the Almighty had humbled Jewish Scriptures were about him, Jesus; and that himself,…For her part the woman marveled he would always be present to his Church in the that the disciple had been exalted, even to Eucharist, they go forth to proclaim the Good News resting on the bosom of God. (Gospel) of the Lord Jesus. Each admired the other for having been found From this perspective we can see that Mary, is the worthy of so great a grace. As they fixed their Mother of the Church because she shares in the Cross gaze on each other, they saw You, O Lord, of her Son and Lord, which is present in every step of in themselves. Your Mother saw You in the his earthly life and ministry. For example, John tells disciple, and he saw You in Your Mother. us of the first miracle of Jesus at the Wedding of Cana: Happy were they who saw You, O Lord, as they continually contemplated each other! On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. May we never cease to contemplate the beauty of 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his Our Mother, the Mother of the Church, the Holy disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother Mother of God. May we never cease to exalt in the of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” Eternal Word who took our flesh, and destroyed our 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this death on the Cross. have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever Father David A. Fisher, Eparchy of Our Lady of he tells you.” (John 2:1-6) Lebanon of Los Angeles, Adjunct Professor of Theology, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Sts. Cyril & Methodius The Wedding at Cana points toward the Passion and Cross, along with the Eucharist by which the Church

DECEMBER 2018 | 23 Tenth Annual MYA Conference in Washington, 5-7 October 2018

very year hundreds of Maronite and shared on the differences up interest in these vital topics. Young Adults, from across the between the Maronite and Roman Mrs. Fowler also provided examples nation look forward to reuniting to Catholic Liturgy. The Liturgy was of popular Catholic social media attend the National Maronite Young well attended, as young adults accounts, that have successfully and Adult (MYA) Conference. This year enthusiastically participated using continuously modelled effective ways Ewe celebrated the 10th National an outline to guide them in their to evangelize. Since the Conference, MYA Conference in our nation’s worship. Following the Divine there has been a significant increase capital, Washington DC. The Liturgy, attendees participated in a in the awareness of social media theme for this year was Maronite number of icebreakers and social tools and its impact on everyday Identity and Spirituality. In special activities to get better acquainted. faith and discipleship. MYA attendance were Bishop Gregory members have been intentionally Mansour and Chorbishop Seely The attendees also enjoyed small evangelizing online as they create Beggiani. We were also blessed to group discussions, prayer and and share uplifting posts to build have our seminarians from the Our interactive activities to deepen community and deepen their Lady of Lebanon Seminary join their connection with God and understanding of the Maronite faith. us, along with ten of our Maronite each other. To highlight, one of the priests, and the Maronite Servants guest speakers, Kate Fowler, a Social We pray that each attendee at the of Christ the Light. Media Evangelist, presented ways MYA Conference returned to their in which young adults can utilize local parish with excitement and The weekend began with the Divine their social media skills to share eagerness to inform their peers about Liturgy offered by Bishop Gregory their Maronite faith in beautiful their Conference experience. We Mansour and concelebrated by and impactful ways. We delved look forward to having more young Chorbishop Beggiani and other into creating informational and adults from around the country join Maronite priests. During the inspirational social media posts us at next year’s national conference. catechetical Liturgy, Chorbishop about Maronite saints, holy days of Stay tuned for more details! Beggiani beautifully explained the obligation, liturgical seasons and unique parts of the Maronite Liturgy Bible verses, in the hopes of stirring

24 | THE MARONITE VOICE MARONITE VIGIL FOR LIFE & MARCH FOR LIFE Everyone is unique from day one. For more information http://www.cedaroﬂebanonfcc.com/prolife.html

Thursday\ January 17, 2019 The Office of Family and Sanctity of Life of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn is pleased to host the Sixth Maronite Vigil For Life at:

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church • 7142 Alaska Avenue N.W. Washington D.C. 20012 All Maronite parishes are invited to join us for an evening of prayer, worship and fun. Please arrive around 5 pm. Our evening includes dinner, talk, Eucharistic Adoration, fellowship, movie and activities for the youth.

Bring your sleeping bags | Friday January 18, 2019 MYA and MYO can join thousands of people at the Youth Rally at the Capital One Arena. Maronite Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 8:30am at the parish followed by breakfast. We will meet with MYA & MYO at the Starbucks at the corner of Indiana Ave. and 7th St. at 11: 30 am to join the March For Life. Please RSVP with number of people attending by no later than Monday January 14th Contact Simona Hallal • [email protected] • 540-798-8450

Sponsored by: Office of Family and Sanctity of Life Marise Frangie, CFCE, Director • 914-393-8907 • [email protected]

NAM Convention | Miami, FL 26-30 June 2019

On Friday, 12 October 2018 a meeting was held at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church in Miami, FL for the congregation in preparation for the 2019 NAM Convention that the parish will be hosting 26-30 June 2019. Joining the meeting was Fr. Elie Saade, Pastor and Mr. Michael Naber, NAM Executive Director, who spoke about NAM’s background, purpose, and objectives.

During the meeting the chairperson for each of the twenty four committees were officially appointed as the convention planning is underway with activities for all age groups. The venue was highlighted as the amazing oceanfront Loews Hotel in South Beach, where sun, sand, and sea awaits beach lovers.

The parishioners of Our Lady of Lebanon are looking forward to hosting our Maronites from all over the United States and beyond, and promise everyone a spiritually fulfilling and fun convention. We hope to see everyone in Miami in June 2019!

DECEMBEROCTOBER 2018 | 25 A Contemplative Christmas by Fr. Gary George C.Ss.R.

ach year I take time to leave behind the ordinary means to let go of what we want and allow our responsibilities of daily life and go away to a place of Creator to give us what we need; to allow the infant silence and solitude to refresh, replenish and nurture Jesus to grow and mature within, in order to finish the calling to work with youth and those discerning God’s work and desire for each of us. their vocation to the priesthood and religious life. EThis year was no different, but I felt a deeper longing Christmas poverty means, in humble obedience, to and hunger for silence and solitude than ever before. step away from the loud noises of technology, worldly opinions and pleasures where God is not heard, While walking one morning I came across a little and seek a place of silence and solitude where the chapel in the mountains with a very simple statue of voice of the Lord can be heard. This is contemplative Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in a basket with an unlit prayer in which contemplative hunger arises. This candle next to them. I sat in awe at the simplicity, is the point in which our Lord is able to then fill, and suddenly became deeply aware of my own nourish, strengthen, and refresh us. A place in which yearning to understand what it must have felt like he can communicate His will for us without the for these two simple parents to hold God in their distractions of contemporary life. Without entering arms. I reflected on the internal ambiguity they must into the stillness and solitude of silence we will not have felt when faced with an immeasurable task. I comprehend or fully understand the mystery and gift sat contemplating and comparing our sophisticated of God; why He chose to become an infant in order to contemporary lifestyle with all its technology, reveal Himself and His plan for us. education and knowledge with that of their very limited education, experience and amenities. This is what Mary and Joseph had and how they were able to carry out God’s purpose for them in their simple Why would God choose a period with no form way. No, they did not have the education, experiences of expedient communication, or travel, to reveal and technology we have; but what they had was Himself in the Incarnation of Jesus. Why would the ability, in spite of the difficulty of their ordinary he choose to rely on limited resources and people daily responsibilities, to sit in silence with great faith, to spread His message over the course of two trust and contemplative hunger and listen for His millenniums? Was there a value in time and will and desire. Their whole being was caught up in simplicity that would have been lost in the age of contemplative hunger for the coming of the Lord with technology and social media? How did the apostles, pure hearts filled with faith, hope and love. They didn’t and others with limited knowledge and literacy, need education and technology; they had God and a comprehend such a profoundly complex mystery? savior to help them know and fulfill their purpose. What did they have that we’ve lost today? From this experience I mapped out a reflection on the Today, it has become increasingly easier to rely Christmas poverty and contemplative hunger, which solely on technology and human wisdom for help Mary and Joseph epitomized in their existence. and answers. The Holy family, apostles, disciples and eventually the saints relied solely on God. That is how Christmas poverty doesn’t mean lack of material God was able to manifest Himself. When we turn goods or money, Christmas poverty means the toward the earth for answers we seemingly multiply emptying of self to receive something greater. It our problems. When we turn towards heaven, as did means during the advent season to once again the simple parents of Jesus, the Lord is magnified and prepare our hearts and soul for the indwelling of we are glorified by His response. God’s Spirit to be born anew. Christmas poverty

26 | THE MARONITE VOICE Obituary | Deacon Terry O’Connell

Bishop Gregory J. Mansour received the sad news of the passing of Deacon Terry O’Connell on 9 October 2018. He leaves his wife, Helen, his three sons, Christopher, Michael, and Brian; as well as his Knowledge, education and technology have shown grandchildren and one great grandchild. to be a tremendously valuable gift, as long as they do Ordained by Archbishop Zayek over two decades ago, Deacon Terry not become a substitute for God. As long as they do was a faithful servant of Saint Anthony Church in Springfield, MA. not cause us to lose the ability to hear and respond The funeral took place Saturday, 13 October, 2018 at Saint to His call or become like many who at one time said Anthony Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. yes to His call, but walked away due to materialistic Bishop Gregory joins the entire Eparchy of Saint Maron, clergy, temptations propagated by technology. religious, and laity, in extending to Deacon Terry’s wife, Helen, as well as their many family and friends, prayers and heartfelt condolences. I find today that our youth and young adults are confronted with what we might call “fake spiritualities,” because they are unable to turn away from self and the false god being created through relativism. God, truth and faith are progressively being replaced by subjective opinions that permeate The Order of Saint Sharbel many social media outlets. I believe it will take a New Members great deal of self-effacement, self-surrender and self-concealment as prominent attributes toward a successful contemplative vocation. I have come to understand that God’s hunger for us is infinitely greater than ours for him; that God sees something ANNUAL beautiful in us—which we cannot yet see in ourselves Jean Abiassi | St. George, San Antonio, TX —and that God yearns for us. During this season of announcements and preparation for the birth of our Alfred and Jeanne Boohaker | St. Elias, Lord, let us be brave and put aside the business of Birmingham, AL our world, the fake spiritualities of our lives and put Maral (Artinian) Issa | Saint Joseph, Atlanta, GA on Christ. Let us become like Joseph and Mary and sit with awe at this wonderful gift God is bringing to Laila Sholy | Saint Maron, Philadelphia, PA us. When we do this, then every earthly gift becomes insignificant compared to the hope offered by the PERPETUAL simplicity of the stable and manger. Elias Tawil, MD | St. Therese, Tulsa OK

I would like to put a challenge out there for all our Rene Adam | St. Sharbel, El Paso TX youth and families, especially those contemplating Thomas Milton | St. Elias, BIrmingham AL their calling, to take twenty minutes each day without phones or other technology, to sit in silence. I also challenge you to put aside these same technologies to The Order of Saint Sharbel is an organization of lay people and clergy who have pledged their spiritual strength and financial support for Our Lady of truly listen and share your care and struggles with each Lebanon Seminary and the retired Maronite clergy of the Maronite Eparchies other. Lastly, I would like to challenge you to spend at in the USA. least 5 minutes before each liturgy begins in silence contemplating this wonderful gift you are to receive. For more information about the Order ask your Pastor, visit www.orderstsharbel.org or write to: Eparchy of Saint Maron | 109 Remsen Street | Brooklyn, NY 11201 or Fr. Gary George C.Ss.R. is Pastor of Our Lady of Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon | 1021 South 10th Street | St. Louis, MO 63104 Lebanon, Millbrae, CA and Youth & Vocation Director for the Eparchy of Our of Lebanon of Los Angeles

DECEMBER 2018 | 27 Bethlehem Today But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah 5:2)

ethlehem holds a unique place in the hearts of Mary and Joseph would not recognize modern day all Christians. The Nativity, described in both Bethlehem, an expansive metropolis very different the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, lays claim to from the images that adorn our Christmas cards. Bethlehem as the location where the Son of God Also, they wouldn’t struggle to find somewhere entered the world for our salvation. “For today to stay in this thriving city, arguably the jewel in Bin the city of David, a savior has been born for the Palestinian crown. Located in the West Bank, you who is Messiah and Lord” (Luke 2:11). The Bethlehem has a population of approximately imagery that the Evangelist Luke invites us to 25,000 people. Although it is now predominately ponder conjures thoughts of this “little town of a Muslim city, it is still home to a significant Bethlehem” on the not far from Jerusalem and Palestinian Christian community. Here, Christians the journey that the Holy Family was obligated to and Muslims live harmoniously and provide a make, by decree and divine providence. witness to the world what the power of faith, hope and love can do. In the Old Testament, Bethlehem is recognized as the city where David was from and where he was This beautiful city, bursting with biblical heritage crowned king of Israel. The genealogy of Jesus, and wonder continuously attracts multitudes of provided in both the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, pilgrims coming to venerate the birthplace of Jesus identifies Joseph as a descendant of King David and Christ at the Church of the Nativity built over the thus the reason why Joseph of the “House of David” grotto that Mary gave birth to Jesus. Manger Square and Mary went to Bethlehem by decree from is at the heart of the city and the Mosque of Omar, Caesar Augustus “that the whole world should be just opposite the Church of the Nativity, emphases enrolled” (Luke 2:1). Bethlehem’s religious transformation.

Bethlehem celebrates the Nativity of our Lord— Today, Bethlehem thrives on tourism. Gift shops, every day. Since the birth of Christ, pilgrims restaurants and hotels have become part of its have been coming to Bethlehem to celebrate the modern identity, welcoming the incredible number incredible way God decided to enter into our of Christian pilgrims desiring to encounter Jesus presence, as an infant. We recall that night with and reminisce of that silent night, holy night when the infant Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, Christ the Savior was born. surrounded by Mary, Joseph, shepherds and the Magi, each year when we celebrate Christmas.

28 | THE MARONITE VOICE Although Bethlehem will always be known as the birthplace of the Prince of Peace, today it has made a name for itself that goes beyond it’s biblical significance. Two institutions that have put the city on the map in the fields of education and medicine are Bethlehem University and the Holy Family Hospital.

Bethlehem University is the first and largest that Bread for us. It was she who nourished the institution of higher education in Palestine, with an Lamb whose life-giving Flesh we feed upon.” How Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism that providential it is that the Son of God was born in one of the most popular degrees at the University. Bethlehem, the “House of Bread” and that is exactly The Holy Family Hospital is the largest neo-natal where we find him each time we celebrate the facility in Palestine, which delivers life, peace and sacrifice of the Eucharist. hope to all of Palestine. Both institutions provide witness to the world that both Christians and Muslims can prosper and thrive in a less than ideal situation that is the State of Palestine. Join the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Living within the confines of a security wall that of Jerusalem’s Eastern Lieutenancy on a 9-Day separates Palestine from modern Israel is the reality Spiritual Journey to Italy: of life in Bethlehem. During his visit to Bethlehem, May 8 - 16, 2019 Pope Francis said, “The time has come to put an end to this situation which has become increasingly Assisi  Orvieto  Rome  Vatican City unacceptable.” He emphasized that both sides need to make sacrifices to create two states, with internationally recognized borders, for the good of their own people. The iconic wall that Pope Francis at which prayed and alluded to is far from the scene Majestic Italy found on Christmas cards and manger scenes. The wall is covered in emotive graffiti and messages of hope, peace and justice that provide a sobering contrast to the touristic Bethlehem.

Still, it is the biblical significance of Bethlehem that will always attract the faithful. St. Peter Julian Eymard put into words our desire to encounter Travel arrangements by: Jesus and to witness the birthplace of our Savior when he said “the Eucharist began at Bethlehem in Peter’s Way Tours Mary’s arms. It was she who brought to humanity the Bread for which it was famishing, and which For more information, contact Peter’s Way Tours alone can nourish it. It was she who took care of Call: 516-605-1551 Email: [email protected]

DECEMBER 2018 | 29 Parish News

Claire has been involved in every aspect of the Maronite Church stemming from her faithful Maronite parents who arrived here as immigrants in 1918. Claire graduated from the Catholic College of New Rochelle in 1950. After working as a teacher for a short time, she accepted a position with Bankers Trust Co. in 1957. She managed the billing system for Bankers Trust and retired as a Vice President in 1993. Claire continued to serve her church in many capacities such as: NAM Convention Chair, the Eparchial Order of St. Sharbel, the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, Eparchial Finance and Parish Councils, Chancery and Cathedral Finance Committees, and as a Cathedral Trustee.

For this most important occasion, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Gregory Mansour, with Chorbishop Michael Thomas, Vicar BROOKLYN, NEW YORK General, and the Very Rev. Dominique Hanna, Rector of the Cathedral Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral concelebrating. Along with her fellow honorees, Claire was presented with Honoring Claire Habib, Dame of the a plaque and certificate from the Holy See and pinned with a medal by Order of St. Gregory of the Great Bishop Gregory. Following the induction, a lovely dinner was held for the by Salma Vahdat honorees, their families, and the clergy.

Claire Habib, Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, was feted by Our Family, friends, and parishioners celebrated their love and respect for Lady of Lebanon Cathedral on 28 October 2018. The Order of St. Gregory Claire, a wise, sweet, generous, talented, and humble lady. Her integrity is a Pontifical Order of Knighthood in the Catholic Church bestowed on and experience have helped to guide the administration of the Eparchy Catholic men and women in recognition of their service to the Church and and the Cathedral on a steady path. May Claire enjoy the gratitude of her the good example set in their communities and country. Cathedral family and friends and know that we, Beit Maroun, hold Claire in high esteem and love her.

STURTEVANT, WISCONSIN St. Sharbel Mission Fr. Nabil Mouannes

Here at St. Sharbel Mission, we live and grow by the breeze of faith and hope arising from the relics of St. Sharbel. The mission of St. Sharbel in Wisconsin is to open her door widely to a great spiritual “adventure,” to build a home of Beit Maroun for all people away from home. We are located at St. Sebastian Church in Sturtevant, WI. We have the Maronite Liturgy at 5 p.m. on Sundays. Here you can meet brothers and sisters full of energy and hope. During the “passing of the torch” from Chorbishop Sharbel Maroun to Fr. Nabil Mouannes, the grace of the prayers of St. Sharbel was abounding. Many people join us. Many spiritual miracles have come upon us through the presence of his relics. We render glory and thanks to God.

30 | THE MARONITE VOICE EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND Shrine of St. Sharbel First Anniversary TEQUESTA, FLORIDA The Family of St. Sharbel, USA has celebrated the first anniversary of the first Shrine of St. Sharbel in Mary, Mother of the the United States, at one of the most prominent shrines in the National Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes Light Church (16330 Grotto Rd. Emmitsburg, MD 21727). Renewal of Vows

On this occasion, Mass was offered by Father Theodore Tranko, and attended by the family of St. At the conclusion of liturgy on Sunday, Sharbel and the Lebanese community in the United States. 30 September Father Aaron Sandbothe, administrator of Mary, Mother of the Light After the Gospel, Fr. Theodore preached a sermon about the merits and monastic life of St. Sharbel. Maronite Church in Tequesta, FL, celebrated the renewal of vows for Subdeacon Elias Azzi and He recalled the long period that Father Sharbel spent in St. Peter and Paul Hermitage. He added that Helena Azzi on the occasion of their fortieth St. Sharbel lived a monastic life which allowed him to live the Passion of the Christ until he became a wedding anniversary. great saint.

After Mass, Mr. Raymond Nader presented, where he stressed the importance of Christ in our lives, as Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA St. Stephen Mission Festival of Lebanon

On 22 September 2018, St. Stephen Maronite Catholic Church celebrated its 5th Annual Festival of Lebanon. It was a beautiful day for thousands of people from the Charlotte area to enjoy delicious Lebanese food, music, dancing, and sharing traditions. The festival could not have been such a success without the hard-working volunteers. Looking forward to next year!

DECEMBER 2018 | 31 Parish News

almost unanimous comments made by those who were on the pilgrimage were that the beauty of the country was spectacular and the influence of Christianity, particularly of the Maronite Church, on the people and the culture was astounding. Frank Rizzo said pictures of Lebanon do not do it justice; with its mountains, the valleys, the Mediterranean Sea, and the cedars no picture can capture the beauty of the land. Kathy and Albert Andry said they were “stunned” by how much the Church influenced everything in Lebanon. Nancy Karam elaborated on this notion when she said, “it was so readily apparent that they were determined to preserve their faith; seeing their faith deepened my own.” Edmond Karam said he was impressed with how familiar he felt visiting the shrines and churches and participating in the liturgy when he visited his family’s original village. He also commented, that he strongly SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS perceived the influence of Christianity on life in Lebanon especially because St. George Church Christians are not the majority. The monastic roots of the Maronite Church were Pilgrimage to Lebanon by Regina Aune so self-evident when visiting the shrines, that the experience made what has always been understood about the monastic influence very real and tangible. How does one capture in a brief article the wonder and the excitement of The strong sense of family and family values were also evident, it seemed to visiting Lebanon for the first time, second time, or the twentieth time? Forty- trump everything. Those who visited with relatives – including relatives they one members and friends of St. George Church in San Antonio, Texas, embarked had never met - in the various villages were overwhelmed with the warm on just such a faith-filled and fun-filled pilgrimage to Lebanon on from 21 July welcome that they received. to 1 August. All the pilgrims commented on the sincere hospitality shown by the Lebanese To describe all the beauty we saw, the shrines where we prayed, and the places people. Everyone expressed how welcome they felt during the whole time of we visited would take many pages and fill more than one book. We visited so the pilgrimage and how anxious they are to return to visit family, to see more many shrines, celebrated the Divine Liturgy each day in a different place, and of the historical sites, revisit the shrines, and learn more of the history of the visited so many historical sites that it was hard to capture just what it all meant country. So much more could be said and written about the pilgrimage, with until we returned to Texas and had time to reflect on the whole trip. each one who made the trip having his or her own story to tell. Perhaps the one thing that can be stated, is that this pilgrimage was truly a journey of faith Perhaps the most poignant way to share our experience with you, is to share that increased the pilgrims’ understanding and appreciation for what it means the insights of those who made the pilgrimage. The two most frequent, to be a Maronite.

LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS St. Anthony Church | MYO Retreat

On 22-23 September 2018, St. Anthony Maronite Youth Organization in Lawrence, MA kicked off their year with an overnight retreat at Monadnock Christian Ministries in Jaffrey, NH. The MYO group and their advisors had an incredible time hiking, playing sports, and enjoying a bonfire with plenty of food. The MYO is looking forward to participating in faith formation sessions, community service opportunities, and other retreats focusing on events pertaining to deeper spirituality and how to follow Christ in our lives. At the end of the retreat, the forty-two members of the MYO attended Liturgy together at St. Anthony’s Church.

32 | THE MARONITE VOICE opportunity to experience three Catholic traditions (Maronite, Roman, and Byzantine) praying “together” in unison.

To continue the spiritual and financial support of the church, the Ladies Guild and the Altar & Rosary Society worked “together” to sponsor and host a Calendar Party held on 23 September in the church hall. It was a very festive and successful event, and the groups were “grateful” for the participation and hard work of so many dedicated friends and relatives.

Finally, on 11 November, the Altar & Rosary Society celebrated a Memorial Liturgy “together” honoring the deceased members of the Society. We remembered our loved ones and were “grateful” to them for their many spiritual and cultural contributions. The Society members recited the rosary UNIONTOWN, PA “together” as names of the deceased were announced and candles lit. St. George Church “Togetherness” & “Gratitude” Many would agree that it is important to demonstrate the virtues of by Dr. Mabel George Howard “togetherness” and “gratitude,” not only in the church, but in all walks of life. As written by Aesop: “Gratitude” is the sign of noble souls.” Mother “Togetherness,” and “Gratitude,” are two very powerful words. Parishioners Teresa simply stated: “I can do things you cannot. You can do things I cannot. of St. George are proud to exhibit “togetherness” and “gratitude” working “Together” we can do great things.” cooperatively on numerous church activities including the following. Patrons enjoying a variety of delicious ethnic foods and desserts, entertainment, prize auctions, and a kids’ carnival described the cheerful atmosphere at the annual St. George Church festival in Uniontown held on 12 August 2018. This was an opportunity for the congregation and community members to celebrate Uniontown’s Middle Eastern heritage. We were “grateful” that all church organizations worked “together” to make this event a great success for the common good of our church and Lebanese ancestry.

On 8 September, Father Habib, and parishioners celebrated a “Blue Mass” “together” to honor the men and women of the community who serve and protect the citizens. The “Blue Mass” pays tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty and those currently serving their communities. These public defenders included firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, 911 operators, rescue teams and the military. Our First Responders demonstrate courage and risk their safety for others in difficult times. We are “grateful” for these caring souls who strive to keep our communities safe.

Our annual Uniontown Rosary Walk organized and sponsored by the Altar & Rosary Society was held on 16 September. This spiritual event, honoring the Blessed Mother, Queen of the Holy Rosary, began in the St. George Church “Garden of Prayer” with the recitation of the first decade of the rosary. The Knights of Columbus led the worshippers in procession to five Catholic churches in Uniontown to pray a decade of the rosary in each church followed by a final benediction. The participants were “grateful” for the

DECEMBER 2018 | 33 Parish News

HOUSTON, TEXAS ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI Our Lady of the Cedars Church St. Raymond Cathedral Fall Village Night in Houston 51st Annual Lebanese Festival by Dr. Mabel George Howard On Saturday, 27 October, Our Lady of the Cedars Church celebrated the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in a festive Village Night full of tradition and fun. The community of Saint Raymond Maronite Cathedral in Saint Louis, Missouri, The evening started with Liturgy followed by a procession and benediction celebrated its 51st Annual Lebanese Festival on Saturday, 15 September with the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was very heartwarming to see the and Sunday, 16 September 2018. The rector of the cathedral, Fr. John Nahal community come together for a moment of prayer before the Village Night celebrated the Liturgy prior to the event. The opening ceremonies began on festival started. Saturday with the National Anthem and welcoming remarks by Fr. John. The wonderful two-day, outdoor festival drew visitors from near and far to enjoy As the festivities began, our talented youth choir and adult choir put on an delicious authentic Lebanese cuisine, and fun-filled activities including: live outstanding performance wearing traditional village clothing and singing entertainment, provided by famous singer Doris & Band, dabkeh performances classic Lebanese songs. The music, dancing, and singing lasted late into the given by the Saint Raymond Youth, various magic shows provided by Elliot the night with star singer, Ali Barada. For the little ones, we had face painting Entertainer, The Razzle & Dazzle Show and the Oh My Gosh Josh Show, balloon stations, a petting zoo, pony rides, and moonwalks. People flocked to the food twisting demonstrations, booths and games. Everyone enjoyed feasting on stations, where falafel, shawarma, mana’eesh, labne, jillab, baklawa, turkish a wide array of delectable foods, dancing merrily to Lebanese music, and coffee, and much more were freshly made and served. enjoying each other’s company. A sincere thank you is extended to Fr. John Nahal and Chairpersons: David Wahby, Linda Hill and Elie Hleiss for all of their The hype of the festivity had started a week earlier when many volunteers hard work. The weekend would not have been such a great success without from the parish organizations—Knights of the Cedars, Daughters of Mary, the loyal dedication of all the volunteers who labored tirelessly preparing food Parish Council, MYO, and MYA—worked tirelessly to make this event and working on the set up for the event and the generosity of the countless successful. The generosity of our parishioners was remarkable in donating sponsors and donors who contributed to the event to ensure an enjoyable and time, talent, and blessings, and we are grateful for all the hard work from our profitable festival. organizations.

After weeks of rain, we were blessed to have beautiful, sunny weather that Saturday. The festival was enjoyed by people of all ages, who came with their friends and families to embrace the Maronite tradition. Overall, we enjoyed this year’s Fall Village Night very much and hope to keep this successful tradition for many years ahead.

34 | THE MARONITE VOICE ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI Caritas Lebanon

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DECEMBER 2018 | 35 EPARCHY OF OUR LADY OF LEBANON OF LOS ANGELES Office for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults Code Of Ethical Conduct For Clergy, Church Personnel And Volunteers Working With Minors And Vulnerable Adults

Policy 10.1 Examples of Appropriate Physical Contact It is the policy of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles that Clergy, a. Short hugs (particularly side to side hugs); Church Personnel and Volunteers must maintain high standards of ethical b. Pats on the shoulder or back; conduct and personal integrity in their ministry as it relates to conduct and c. Handshakes; professional interactions with those who are entrusted to their pastoral care. d. “High-fives”; Furthermore, it is the Eparchy’s policy that Clergy, Church Personnel and Volun- e. Holding hands while walking with small children; teers must abide by the teachings of the Catholic Church, lead an ethical life that f. Sitting beside small children; reflects the precepts of the Gospel and avoid scandals. g. Kneeling or bending down to hugs with small children; or h. Holdings hands during prayer. Guidelines The Eparchy recognizes that those who minister to minors and vulnerable adults 10.2 Examples of Appropriate Behavior face many decisions that have moral and ethical implications. This policy has a. Maintaining professional relationship with minors or vulnerable been developed to help Clergy, Church personnel, and Volunteers to act in a adults and their families; manner consistent with Church teaching and ethical standards. . b Following appropriate instructions of parent or guardian; . c Informing parent or guardian of activities; or 1. It is a core Christian belief that the dignity of each person as made in the . d Acquiring appropriate signed permission forms for all activities. image and likeness of God must be respected by Clergy, Church Personnel, and Volunteers. 10.3 Examples of Appropriate Verbal Interactions 2. Clergy, Church Personnel, and Volunteers must commit in their pastoral a. Positive reinforcement; approach to protect the most vulnerable in our society, including those b. Verbal praise; or who are young, elderly, and those who are living with mental or physical c. Appropriate jokes and age-appropriate humor. disabilities. 3. Whenever possible adults must avoid situations which will place them in a 10.4 Examples of Inappropriate Physical Interactions position to be alone with a minor or vulnerable adult in the rectory or in a a. Lengthy hugs or forceful frontal hugs; closed room. The only exception is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. b. Kisses on the mouth; 4. In meeting and/or counseling situations involving a minor or vulnerable c. Holding minors over four years old on the lap; adult, excluding the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the presence or proximity d. Touching buttocks or genital areas; of another adult is required. e. Being in bed with a minor; 5. At least two adults are to be present when a group of minors or vulnerable f. Wrestling; adults engage in organized events or sports activities. g. Tickling; 6. Youth trips of any kind must have a minimum of two adult chaperones. h. Piggyback rides; or 7. While on youth trips, Clergy, Church Personnel, or Volunteers are never to i. Any type of massage given by or to Clergy, Church Personnel, stay alone overnight in the same motel/hotel room with a minor or minors. and Volunteers. 8. The sacristy door is always to be open whenever minors are present within the sacristy. 10.5 Examples of Inappropriate Behavior 9. Clergy, Church Personnel, and Volunteers must report any suspected abuse a. Giving personal email, telephone number or residence location to the proper civil and Eparchial authorities as specified in the Reporting to a minor, vulnerable adult or person to whom they minister; Policy Guidelines of the Eparchy. b. Allowing minors or vulnerable adults to break rules or violate 10. Careful boundaries concerning physical contact with minors and vulnerable the law; adults must be observed at all times and should only occur under public c. Offering alcohol to minors or illegal drugs to anyone; circumstances. d. Using pornographic or other inappropriate reading materials; e. Using audiovisual, internet, music, and printed resources in programs without screening or prior approval of the Eparchial Office for the Protection of Minors;

36 | THE MARONITE VOICE Supplement

Code of Ethical Conduct for Junior High and High School Youth Volunteering with f. Using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol Minors or illegal drugs in the presence of minors to whom they minister; All junior high and high school volunteering with minors in parishes in g. Transporting a minor or vulnerable adult alone; the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles are required to take h. Being the only adult in a bathroom, shower room, safe environment programs training which covers safe and appropriate locker room, or other dressing areas whenever minors or ways to interact with others. Following the Code of Ethical Conduct vulnerable adults are using such facilities; for youth volunteering with minors is a condition on your having the i. Giving regular and/or expensive gifts to minors or privilege of working with young people. vulnerable adults without prior approval from the parents or guardian and the pastor or administrator; As a youth volunteer, I will: j. Giving money to minors or vulnerable adults; 1. Respect the adults and supervisors with whom I interact. k. Imposing “secrecy” on minors or vulnerable adults vis-à-vis 2. Protect and care for all children or other youth in my care. their parents, legal guardian, police, etc. (e.g. under threat 3. Treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy and of physical harm, “punishment by God”, etc.); dignity. l. Violating these guidelines, as well as any sexual 4. Take care to be positive, supportive and caring in my speaking, misconduct; or writing and actions with children/youth. m. Failing to report these violations to the appropriate 5. Report suspected sexual abuse to my supervisor, parent, or pastor. Eparchial and/or civil authorities. 6. Maintain appropriate sexual, physical and emotional boundaries with children/youth. 10.6 Examples of Inappropriate Verbal Interactions 7. Dress appropriately and not wear any clothing with offensive a. Swearing; messages or pictures. b. Telling sexually suggestive jokes; 8. Avoid situations where I am alone with a child/youth. c. Shaming; 9. Seek to affirm good behavior in children/youth and avoid criticism d. Comments relating to the physique or body development; or comparison that could hurt. e. Involving minors or vulnerable adults in personal problems 10. Be aware that young people can easily become overly attached to or issues of adults; a youth leader or an adult. If I sense that is happening, I will not f. Derogatory remarks about a minor or vulnerable adults encourage it. I will make my parent, supervisor or pastor aware of it family; or so that he/she can help in the matter. g. Engaging in sexually oriented conversations unless part of a legitimate lesson in an approved program, in accord with As a youth volunteer, I will not: Church teachings. 1. Commit an illegal or immoral act. 2. Smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of children/youth. Guidelines With Regard to 3. Use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at Pastoral Counseling anytime. 1. Pastoral counseling must take place only in the professional portion of 4. Verbally threaten or physically abuse anyone. a rectory or parish facility, never in the living quarters. 5. Use profanity in the presence of children/youth. 2. Offices or classrooms used for pastoral counseling must have a window 6. Use discipline that frightens or humiliates a child/youth. in the door, or the door is to be left ajar during the counseling session. 7. Touch a child/youth in a sexual, overly affectionate or other 3. Another adult must be in close proximity during any counseling inappropriate manner. session. 8. Sexually harass, request sexual favors from, or make sexually explicit 4. Unless the subject matter precludes their presence and/or knowledge, statements to anyone. parents or guardians of minors should be made aware of the 9. Tolerate inappropriate or bullying behavior. counseling session. 10. Promote any view contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. 5. A referral for professional assistance is encouraged if counseling is 11. Place myself in a situation where my interaction with a child/ expected to extend beyond two or three sessions with a minor or children cannot be witnessed. vulnerable adult. Evaluation of the situation should be made with the 12. Participate in private visits, parties or other activities with children/ parents or guardians. youth unless approved by my supervisor. 6. The counselor is responsible to recognize any personal/physical 13. Develop inappropriate relationships with children over the internet attraction to or from a client. In such a situation, the client should or through other forms of communication unless approved by my be immediately referred to another qualified adult or licensed supervisor. professional. 14. Accept gifts from or give gifts to children/youth in my care without approval from my supervisor.

DECEMBER 2018 | 37 GOING DEEPER INTO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE…

Caring for the Sick: A Physician’s Perspective by Anne Borik, M.D.

s a medical physician, this is a topic that is very near and dear to me. In fact, I have spent more than half of my life in higher education and medical school learning how Ato care for the sick. But today, what I am going to talk about is not taught in medical school but rather is about empathy and love.

The word “empathy” comes from the root words “em” meaning “in” and “path or pathos” which means “passion or suffering ” To Matthew 25:40 Jesus says, “Truly, keep in mind that the purpose have empathy for someone, is to I say to you, as you did it to one of giving care to others is to do “feel into” their suffering. This is of the least of these my brothers, what is best for them at any given what Jesus did and this is exactly you did it to me.” This simple time, even if it is inconvenient or what we are called to do. attitude will give you the energy uncomfortable for us. to carry you through the days In Galatians 6:2 St. Paul tells us that are most difficult. In conclusion, let us continue “Bear one another’s burdens, on the journey of love paved and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Next, as caregivers, we must pray with empathy as we care for one Again from Philippians 2:3-4 “Do for the person or people we are another. Sometimes we may feel nothing out of selfish ambition or caring for. It is also important to desolate and alone but we must vain conceit. Rather, in humility pray for yourself asking God to persevere and always remember value others above yourselves, give you the strength and stamina that God keeps His promise not looking to your own interests, to do this work and thus fulfill when he says, “Ask and you but each of you to the interests of His will. shall receive, seek and you will the other.” find, knock and the door will Finally, everything we do we be opened to you. For everyone Keep in mind that as a caregiver, must do with love. This means we who asks receives; the one who it is important to remain spiritually must always will the good of the seeks finds and to the one who strong while caring for others. I other. As caregivers, we should knocks, the door will be opened.” would like to suggest a few things never waiver from this and always Matthew 7-8 that will help you as you continue the privilege of caring for others in this capacity. A PRAYER FOR CAREGIVERS Lord, help me to remember I am doing your work. Help me to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love. First, consider that the time spent Enable me to just be the conduit and means through which you work and help with the sick is holy time. In me to remember that it’s YOU through me. Thank you for trusting me with this role of caring for others. Amen

38 | THE MARONITE VOICE From the Editor

he middle of the twentieth-century witnessed a significant modification to church design. I am not referring to the alteration of the sanctuaries so that the priest would celebrate the Eucharist facing the people. The modification I am referring to is the installation of crying rooms. Some of us—including the parents of babies and small children—are strong advocates of crying rooms. They love their children, but cannot always calm a baby in T the middle of a meltdown. They are embarrassed and sensitive to unsympathetic glares. Others oppose crying rooms that isolate children from the rest of the congregation. They argue that the parishioners belong together and that parents should be applauded for contributing a future generation for the parish.

Whatever side we take, all of us agree that an infant, though much loved and most precious, can still be unreasonable, uncontrollable and disruptive.

At Christmas everything changes.

An infant is put on center stage—quite literally—and becomes focus of attention. The manger scene is the focus of the church and the infant in the manger is the center of the manger scene. All eyes are on the Infant Jesus.

Like other babies, the Infant Jesus takes great joy to see us, and demands our love, time and attention. Like other babies, the Infant Jesus will test our patience, make demands that we consider to be unreasonable, and will be uncontrollable.

Unlike other babies, Jesus will never outgrow any of these qualities. Throughout our lives, Jesus will take great joy in spending time with us. He will continue to make demands on our time and attention, to test our patience and to make challenges that seem to be unreasonable.

Jesus will never allow himself to be put in the crying room.

Merry Christmas!

DECEMBER 2018 | 39 The Maronite Voice NON-PROFIT ORG. St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church U.S. POSTAGE PAID 4611 Sadler Road PERMIT NO. 1370 Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6108 GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA

BISHOP GREGORY AND BISHOP ELIAS WISH YOU A HAPPY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON

As we prepare for the coming of Christ in our hearts and in the world, consider giving a gift to your Eparchy this Christmas.

Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon www.stmaron.org/donate www.eparchy.org