The Maronite Voice A Publication of the Maronite in the USA

Volume VII Issue No. VII July - August 2011 The Gift of Our Vocation

will also celebrate his 50th anniversary to priesthood. The in Washington, and her pastor, Chorbishop Dominic Ashkar, helped us to host the recent Benefit Dinner for the , and will now help host both 50th anniversaries as well as the dedication of a small Maronite stone chapel at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the in Washington, D.C.

Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, the first graduate of the Seminary, will celebrate a Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving in the Basilica, in the very chapel in which he was ordained a almost fifty years ago. God willing, , , subdeacons and wives, seminarians, religious sisters, faithful laity, members of N.A.M. and the Order of Sharbel, who have made, and continue to make, the a beautiful home, as our founding bishop, the late Francis M. Zayek would have wanted, hope to be present September 23 - 24, 2011, for the 50th anniversary and the dedication. The Inter-Eparchial History Committee is busy collecting and compiling the history of our Church here in the United States as early as the 1850s. They will be with us as well. All are invited to these two days of reflection, celebration and dedication.

Details of these three celebrations can be found inside this issue of The Maronite Voice and at our website at www.stmaron.org (see especially the article by Seminarian George Hajj on page 9). Also inside this issue, one will find stories of First Holy Communion, an ordination, parish ecently, even more than usual, I have been reflecting on activities, anniversaries, awards, the schedule of our annual just what a gift life is and how many blessings we so pilgrimage to our National Shrine, and many more reminders R often take for granted. Married people find that it of just how good it is to belong to the Church and live our brings them happiness to consider their spouse and children individual vocations to serve and love Her. a gift and their married life a vocation. In other words, God has had something to do with bringing them together and When I think of all the people, living and deceased, who have helping them stay together during good times and bad. When answered so generously the call to love and serve the Church, consecrated people think of their vocation as a real gift they I join with Bishop Robert J. Shaheen and pray in gratitude for then deem it a privilege to be in such a relationship with God this gift the greatest prayer ever prayed: Thank You. and to serve His people. By means of these happy and holy vocations to the priesthood, religious life and to marriage, + Gregory J. Mansour God assists the Church and makes it possible for Her to Eparchy of of Brooklyn prosper.

This year, some of our Maronite Missions will have full time priests for the first time because we have been blessed with a few more vocations. Likewise, our Seminary will turn fifty this year, and Chorbishop Seely Beggiani, Seminary Rector, Schedule of Bishop Robert Shaheen The Maronite Voice 4611 Sadler Road June 27 - July 2, 2011 Glen Allen, VA 23060 Maronite Youth Retreat, Latrobe, Penn. Phone: 804/270-7234 July 5 -7, 2011 Fax: 804/273-9914 E-Mail: [email protected] Clergy Conference, Philadelphia, Penn. http://www.stmaron.org July 7 - 10, 2011 http://www.usamaronite.org Maronite Convention, Philadelphia, Penn. The Maronite Voice, (ISSN 1080- July 18 - 24, 2011 9880) the official newsletter of the Personal Vacation and Retreat Maronite Eparchies in the U.S.A. August 12 - 15, 2011 (Eparchy of Our Lady of of Los Angeles and Eparchy of Saint Pilgrimage for National Shrine, North Jackson, Ohio Maron of Brooklyn), is published August 13, 2011 monthly. Meeting of Our Lady of Lebanon National Shrine’s Board of Directors, North Send all changes of address, news, Jackson, Ohio pictures and personal August 27- 28, 2011 correspondence to The Maronite Lecture Series, Heritage Center, St. Louis, Mo. “ Voice at the above captioned address. Subscription rates are $20.00 per year. Advertising rates are available upon request.

Publishers Fall River, Massachusetts • Most Reverend Bishop Robert Joseph Shaheen Sister Marla Marie’s Jubilee • Most Reverend Bishop Gregory John Mansour by Sister Therese Maria Editor Msgr. George M. Sebaali n Saturday, May 28, 2011, Consultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan, more than a hundred people M.L.M. O came together at St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Editing and proofreading Church in Fall River, Mass., to Mary Shaia attend the celebration of Sister Anne-Marie Condlin Marla Marie's 25th Jubilee of religious . Sister Marla Marie’s family, including her Printed in Richmond, Virginia. father, Lucas J. Lucas, and her two brothers, John Lucas and Michael Lucas, and clergy, religious and friends from various places Bishop Gregory and Sister Marla Marie, Maronite Convention 2011 attended the Divine Liturgy and joined by her family and Sr. Therese Maria. reception. St. Sharbel Church His Excellency Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Newtown Square, Pennsylvania Maron of Brooklyn, offered the Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Chorbishop Michael Thomas, Vicar General; Chorbishop Joseph Kaddo, Pastor; Fr. James Root, Rector of Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Fr. Rudy July 6 - 10, 2011 Gonzalez and Fr. David Desimone. The Divine Liturgy was followed by a reception dinner in the parish hall organized by Mrs. Therese Abouzied and Mrs. For more information Rosanne Solomon, members of Our Lady of the Cedars in Boston, Mass. They have been great friends and supporters of the Maronite Servants' mission. We contact the NAM office thank them dearly for all the sacrifices they made and their genuine love in at (914) 964-3070 organizing this successful event. or visit www.Namnews.org The lively program at the reception included a lineup of speeches given by close friends of Sister Marla Marie. Each personalized speech and presentation brought out the unique qualities of Sister, and the special witness of Christ she has given in living out her religious life. “

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 2 July - August 2011 North Jackson, Ohio all three days at 9 a.m. The Cedars Dining Hall will be open th from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. with many varieties of ethnic 46 Assumption foods and desserts. The National Shrine is located at 2759 North Lipkey Pilgrimage Road in North Jackson, Ohio. For further information on the Shrine call (330)-538-3351 or visit the website www.ourladyoflebanonshrine.org. “ ugust 13, 14, and 15, 2011, mark th the 46 Annual Pilgrimage to the A National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. “The Danbury, Connecticut years have passed quickly and many Subdeacon Ordination visitors and pilgrims have come to Mary’s home for many reasons. All have left with God’s blessings and graces,” says Monsignor Anthony S. Spinosa, Rector.

Pilgrimage Schedule

Saturday, August 13

Deacon Paul Salamy of St. Louis Gonzaga Maronite Church, Utica, N.Y., will conduct a spiritual conference at 4:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in the celebrated by Bishop Roger W Gries OSB, Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland, and a Candlelight Procession. Sunday, August 14

10 a.m. Maronite Divine Liturgy Assisted by Fr. Jean Younes M.L.M and Fr. Jack Morrison, 2 p.m. Maronite Divine Liturgy with Anointing of the Chorbishop Michael Thomas ordains George Jabbour to the Sick celebrated by Bishops Robert J. Shaheen, Order of Subdeacon. D.D., Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, and Bishop Gregory Mansour S.T.L., here was a sense of joy and peace and of profound Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn fulfillment for George Jabbour as he stood before the Altar of St. Anthony Church, Danbury, Connecticut, 4 p.m. Spiritual Conference by Father Claude Franklin, T Pastor of St. John the Baptist, New Castle, Penn. and was ordained to the Orders of Cantor, Lector and Subdeacon on Saturday, June 5, 2011. He stood before 7 p.m. Bishop John Bura for the Eparchy of St. Josaphat, Parma, Ohio, will celebrate a Chorbishop Michael Thomas, the Vicar General of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, and his own parish Byzantine Ukrainian Liturgy followed by a Paraclesis to the Blessed Mary, which priest, Fr. Jean Younes M.L.M, along with Father Paul Mooradd, Pastor of our Lady of Mercy Church in Worcester includes Procession and Falling Asleep of the Virgin, led by Monsignor George Appleyard of Mass.; Father Jack Morrison Pastor of Our Lady of Purgatory Church in New Bedford; and Father Larry Jensen, Pastor of St. Peter and Paul, Carnegie, Penn. Church in Waterville, Maine; and many deacons and subdeacons. His wife Mariane and his two daughters, Monday, August 15 Claire and Lydia, along with George's brothers and sisters Feast of the Assumption stood proudly as he was ordained. After the solemnity of the service, a celebration dinner put together by the parishioners 10 a.m. Maronite Divine Liturgy with Anointing of the of St. Anthony followed in the Church Hall. “ Sick 12 noon Solemn High celebrated by Fr. Dennis Bouchard, FSSP, of Queen of the Holy Summer Break Rosary Church, Vienna, Ohio 2 p.m. Maronite Divine Liturgy he Maronite Voice wishes its readers an enjoyable, safe 4 p.m. Maronite Vespers chanted by the Antonine and God-filled summer. The Maronite Voice will not be Sisters T published in August. It will appear again in September. 7 p.m. Maronite Pontifical Liturgy celebrated by The deadline for the September issue is August 25, 2011. ” Bishop Robert Shaheen and Bishop Gregory Mansour. Candlelight procession will follow.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon will open

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 3 July - August 2011 This tradition is strong within the members of St. George San Antonio, Texas Maronite Church. Forty years of volunteering and Forty Years of Service two entire generations of children growing up participating in the culture of St. George and the community of San Antonio show how involved St. George has been in the past and will continue to be in the future. The faith of its members gives strength to the community of San Antonio and continues to spread the Maronite voice throughout the state of Texas. “ Roanoke, Virginia A Successful Lebanese Festival he 13th Annual Lebanese Festival at St. Elias Church in Roanoke, Va., June 3 - 5, 2011, drew thousands of T visitors and was pronounced a great success. Renee Turk, Pierre Ellis and Charles Aesy were festival co-chairs. For the first time, parish youth co-chaired many of the festival committees and were much in evidence, manning games, performing the traditional Lebanese dances and helping in food lines serving the food and Lebanese pastries. "Our youth have always helped out at the Lebanese Festival," Turk says, "and visitors always comment on how many they are and how much they do. Serving as co-chairs by Jason Mery is a way of getting their input and giving them additional on-the-job training for the festivals they'll run in the future. or forty years now, St. George Maronite Catholic The local CBS affiliate, WDBJ7, sponsored the festival, Church has participated in the Texas Folklife Festival as it has since 2007. For the first time, some popular F held annually at the Institute of Texan Cultures in Lebanese food items were frozen and sold for visitors to downtown San Antonio, Texas. The Folklife Festival is a bring home, in addition to the regular take-out orders. celebration of all of the diverse cultures present in Texas and Professional musician Samer Amso, a St. Elias St. George has been a member from the very first festival parishioner from Iraq, provided live music all three days. A forty years ago. In the beginning there were only ten cultures Silent Auction featured baskets of goods from popular valley represented at the festival. firms. Treats for children included games and a Moon Back in those days, the members of St. George worked, Bounce. There were frequent tours of the church, including danced, and cooked all day and all night to educate as many explanations of the Maronite rite and its beautiful ancient people in the culture of Lebanon. The food cooked then is liturgy. much the same as is cooked now. The shish-ka-bob, This was the first St. Elias Lebanese Festival for our new lemon-seasoned chicken, tabouli, and many of the various pastor, Father Kevin Beaton, who said he was impressed by pastries that have been served over the years are now famous the way St. Elias parishioners worked together to make the in Texas for their succulence and flavor, a fact which the festival successful. "It was truly beautiful to see everyone in local supermarkets have certainly noticed and taken the St. Elias family devoting so much time, energy and effort advantage of by marketing the spices used by the inventive to this event," he said, "and that kind of joint effort promises cooks at St. George. much for the future." “ In addition to the food is the performance of the dabke, the traditional dance of Lebanon. The St. George dancers Deadline for next month’s have been performing a combination of various dabkes and issue of The Maronite Voice is belly dances for years now, and the program of dances is August 25, 2011. being ever expanded to continue to awe the crowds of people The Maronite Voice is the who come to see these talented dancers year after year. official Newsletter of the Eparchy The participation in the Texas Folklife Festival is just one of Our Lady of Lebanon and of the of the many arms that St. George stretches to the community Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn. life of San Antonio. The members of St. George Parish itself Send all changes of address, news, pictures and personal are a microcosm of the culture of San Antonio and of Texas correspondence to: The Maronite Voice in general. Looking at the volunteers in the St. George booth 4611 Sadler Road and the dancers on stage at the festival one would of course Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 see both the old and new Lebanese members of the church, Phone: (804) 270-7234; Fax: (804) 273-9914 but they would also see the descendants of other Middle Email: [email protected] Eastern countries, Hispanics, Anglos, Africans, Italians, and Pictures must be original. Digital pictures must be in many others all working together to make this event a “JPG” format and in high resolution. The Maronite Voice is success. also available online, in PDF format, at www.stmaron.org. ”

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 4 July - August 2011 Somerset, New Jersey Danbury, Connecticut Parish Festival Pastor’s Graduation

Members of St. Sharbel Dabke group in their traditional Lebanese clothing. he Parish of Saint Sharbel in Somerset, New Jersey, celebrated its annual three-day festival June 10 -12, T 2011. The preparations started months before as all Fr. Jean Younes with his mother Naime. organizations worked diligently for the success of this event. The weather did not cooperate during the setup nor during the first twenty-four hours of the festival as winds were blowing by Yolla Harb away tents and tables, and rain was coming down on the volunteers. In his Pentecost homily, Fr. Tony Ackoury, n Saturday, May 21, 2011, St. Anthony Maronite Pastor, explained how on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the of Danbury, Conn., celebrated with Disciples of Jesus Christ courage, wisdom, knowledge and O its Pastor, Father Jean Younes, his graduation from power they never had before. Fr. Tony also stressed on Fordham University in New York. Fr. Younes, received his accepting what the Lord allows for us because good deed will Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy. come out of it. Sure enough the good deed was reflected in Many families throughout the area attended the Divine the pouring of the Lord's love. Volunteers joined hands and Liturgy and the graduation party in the Church hall to worked through challenges to turn around a possible celebrate with Father Younes and the parish. The celebration disappointment into a successful Festival. was coordinated by a committee of parishioners from St. The wind and rain cleared Saturday night and we had Anthony. “ beautiful weather on Sunday. Parishioners, neighbors, and friends came to enjoy Lebanese food, music, and games. The highlight of the festival was the two newly formed Saint Patriarchal Transfer Sharbel Church Dabke groups, who trained with Mr. Gaby Matar. They were watched with awe and applauded is Beatitude Bechara Peter Rai, Maronite enthusiastically during and after all four performances. Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, with the consent A couple new features were a hit during the festival: H of the Synod of the Maronite Church and having Photos in traditional Lebanese clothing, and Manakeech informed the Apostolic See, has transferred, in accordance Zaatar aal Saj. Everyone who came to the festival was a with canon 85 para. 2 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern winner and several guests won big raffle prizes including an Churches, Archbishop Paul Nabil El-Sayah of Haifa of the MEA airline ticket to Lebanon, a recliner chair, HD TVs, and , Patriarchal Exarch for Jerusalem, Palestine and more… In addition to being the Parish’s biggest fundraising Jordan, to the office of Bishop of the Patriarchal Curia. The Holy Father has allowed the prelate to maintain his title of event, the festival keeps our traditions alive, gives us a “ chance to get together in a fun environment, teaches our kids Archbishop "ad personam". to volunteer and support our church. Thank you to all who donated their time or money. “ Vatican Information Service (VIS) June 25, 2011

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 5 July - August 2011 scents of Lebanese food and desserts, refreshments, and a Brooklyn, New York variety of colorful garments and accessories for sale. People An Evening With the Maronites were able to share time among friends and family while savoring the calmness of the Friday evening before the festival would be carried into the streets. A repertoire of live entertainment catered to families would maintain a yearly tradition and a place in which Lebanese can connect and share a piece of their homeland through their parish. “

Utica, New York Scholarship Award

The main entrance of Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral facing Henry Street in Brooklyn, New York.

by Yumilka Pamela Ortiz ultural Festivals are celebrated for the particular reason to be connected to a diaspora and share the sentiment C of celebrating a place elsewhere called home. I was pleased to spend an evening with the Lebanese Maronite community of Brooklyn Heights in order to obtain an experience of Lebanon, through the Annual Lebanese Festival. My impression of the community of Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral was a sense of unity and brotherhood Chorbishop John Faris with St. Louis of Gonzaga Church’s among parishes that wish to preserve and promote the culture scholarship awardees and representatives of the golf outing and religion of the Lebanese people. organizers. “Being Lebanese is more than just a culture; it is a lifestyle” said nineteen-year old Patrick Abou-Chrouch, who embers of the MYO who graduated from high school has never visited Lebanon but takes pride in such heritage. and who are going to college in the fall were Being a Maronite plays a major role in his identity. He has M awarded $500 scholarships by Saint Louis Gonzaga been collaborating within the church as a volunteer for the Church in Utica, N.Y., on June 19, 2011, at the end of the festival, as well as serving a term of president for the Divine Liturgy. The awardees are Stephanie Ciaccia cathedral's youth group and a role model to others. For (daughter of Vince and Roseanne Ciaccia), who will attend someone who has never visited Lebanese soil and yet feels American University; David Lloyd (son of David and Susan deeply tied to his roots was a revitalizing experience. I was Lloyd), who will attend Mohawk Valley Community delighted to hear the words of the young man who was eager College; and Anthony Obeid (son of Dr. H. Joseph and to preserve the elements of language, religion, and culture Sylvie Obeid), who will attend Boston University. connected to his beloved Lebanon. The Pastor of Saint Louis Church, Chorbishop John D. On the other hand, Claire Habib, someone who projected Faris, recognized that the amount was not very much in the the impression of being a well-respected member among the "big picture" of the costs for higher education. However, rest for her seniority within the community, shared a nuance Chorbishop Faris went on to say that "the scholarship of being Lebanese-American. Her parents migrated from a represents the love and concern that the parish family has for town near the Bekaa Valley region of Lebanon. Born and these young people." raised in Brooklyn, Claire shares her long-term commitment The scholarships are made possible because of the with the Maronite Church, “ This is the place where I was Annual Golf Classic that will be conducted this year on baptized,” enthusiastically shared Claire. Her glance September 11, 2011, at Valley View Golf Course. Mr. Louis transmitted a trail of memories lived around the church both Raya and Mr. Richard Blank represented the organizers of the nostalgic and sweet. golf outing at the award ceremony. “ Although the parishioners of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Cathedral wished to launch the first night of the festivity along Remsen street, they worked within their means and created a welcoming atmosphere corralled in a narrow but warm space leading into a hall, decorated by the exquisite

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 6 July - August 2011 Westchester, New York Youngstown, Ohio Father's Day Hafli Ladies' Luncheon

by Sarah Clarke n Sunday, May 22, 2011, St. Maron Church in by Antoine Najjar Youngstown, Ohio, held a ladies' luncheon prepared O and served by the men of the parish. The luncheon he Westchester Maronite Mission celebrated Father's was held to honor daughters, mothers, aunts and Day with a dinner and concert event on Friday June 10, grandmothers. After the meal, the men "serenaded" the T 2011, in White Plains, N.Y. The evening started with women with a musical performance and gave away beautiful a Lebanese dinner followed by a concert of the "Sukoon" angel centerpieces. This luncheon was just one of the many musical group. It started with a mix of traditional "tarab" events being held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary music and popular Lebanese songs. The quality of the music of the church in Youngstown. “ and the singers brought the people to their feet very quickly. During the intermission the guests had the opportunity to finalize their bids for the silent auction and some prizes were NAM Spring Raffle he NAM Board of Directors wished to thank you aggressively sought. The second part of the concert was th mostly focused on Ziad Rahbani's creations, and at this point sincerely for participating in this year's raffle. The 19 the dance floor was filled by people of all ages singing and T Annual Spring Raffle 2011 was a great success, with dancing to the music. The concert ended at about midnight 366 tickets sold out of the 400 available. Since the drawing, after several repeat songs. “ NAM has distributed the $17,500 in cash prizes to the winners. The remaining proceeds of $19,100 are being allocated to NAM's general account to help continue the Birmingham, Alabama Apostolate's work for the Maronite Church in the U.S.A. th The drawing was held in St. Louis, Missouri, at the 60 Wedding Anniversary closing of the NAM Board of Directors' spring meeting hosted by St. Raymond’s Church and following the Divine red and Harriet Bostany Liturgy on Sunday, May 22, 2011. Several NAM Board of Birmingham, Ala., th Members supervised the drawing, and the winning tickets F celebrated their 60 were drawn by young members of the St. Louis parish. wedding anniversary recently Following is a list of this year's winners. with a family dinner at Ross Bridge Resort and Spa. iNadim Dergham of Gates Mills, Ohio, won the first prize Married on May 26, 1951, at of $10,000 (ticket No. 242) St. John Catholic Church in iChristopher Farhet of Columbia Heights, Minn., won the Peoria, Illinois, the couple second prize of $3,000 (ticket No. 34) renewed their vows at St. iTerri Elias of Cypress, Calif., won the third prize of Elias Maronite Catholic $2,000 (ticket No. 325) Church, officiated by iCheryl and Donald Butler of Berwick, Me., won the Chorbishop Richard Saad, fourth prize of $1,500 (ticket No.121) Pastor. The dinner reception iJamil Maroun, Somerset, N.J., won the fifth prize of was hosted by their children, grandchildren and $1,000 (ticket No. 103) great-grandchildren. Fred and Harriet have been members of “ Once again, we thank you for your support and pray you St. Elias for sixty years. have a prosperous and rewarding year. “

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 7 July - August 2011 Houston, Texas THE ORDER Silver Massabki Award OF SAINT SHARBEL

Fr. Pierre El Khoury presents the Silver Massabki Award to Tony and Suzanne Dib. Annual Members ach year the National Apostate of Maronites (NAM) allows parishes to iChristopher and Mia Hariz recognize NAM members who have unselfishly served their parishes with the Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon E Silver Massabki Award. This year Our Lady of the Cedars in Houston, Texas, Cathedral, Los Angeles, Calif. honored Tony and Suzanne Dib with this award for their service to the parish. The award was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Dib by Fr. Pierre El Khoury on Sunday, June 12, 2011. “ The Order of Saint Sharbel is an organization of lay people and Austin, Texas clergy who have pledged their spiritual strength and financial Seminarians support for Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary and the retired Maronite clergy of the Maronite Eparchies uring the Season of Resurrection, Our in the USA. Lady's Maronite Catholic Parish in D Austin, Texas, was privileged to have For more information about the four devoted servants of Christ participate in Order, ask your pastor or write the Divine Liturgies. Dr. Chris Fabre, a seminarian for the Eparchy of Our Lady of to Lebanon, is currently studying Philosophy at St. Edward's University in Austin. George Eparchy of Saint Maron Hajj is a visiting seminarian from Our Lady Order of Saint Sharbel of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in 109 Remsen Street Washington, D.C.; Vincent LaVigna is Brooklyn, NY 11201 currently applying to the seminary there as well. Sonja Weber will soon be joining The Or Holy Theophany Monastery in Olympia, Washington. She has been the Sacristan at Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon Our Lady's for more than five years; the Order of Saint Sharbel Parish will miss her devoted and selfless 1021 South 10th Street service. We wish them all the best in their St. Louis, MO 63104 spiritual journeys. “ (left to right) Dr. Chris Fabre, Vincent LaVigna, Rev. Msgr. Don Sawyer, Joe Crowley, Sonja Weber, and George Hajj.

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 8 July - August 2011 Washington. D.C. Schedule of Bishop Gregory Mansour Golden Anniversaries July 3, 2011 by Seminarian George Hajj Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y. July 5 - 10, 2011 t the wedding feast of Cana of Galilee, after mentioning the needs to her son, Mary asks the Annual Clergy Conference and Maronite Convention, A servants to "do whatever He tells you." Freely, they Philadelphia, Penn. chose to go and obey the commands of Jesus and to distribute July 17, 2011 His wine to all. Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y. We all long for this wine, and the Church, like Mary, is always calling and preparing faithful servants to go and "do July 23 - 24, 2011 whatever He tells you." This year, the Maronite Church in Feast of St. Ann, Troy, N.Y. the United States is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of that July 25 - 26, 2011 very house of Mary in which the priests of Jesus Christ are Feast of St. Ann, Scranton, Penn. being formed and where they are born as loving sons and faithful servants of the Church, the . By divine July 28 - 29, 2011 providence, Chorbishop Seely Beggiani, the Rector of the Board of Telelumiere Meeting, Chicago, Ill. Seminary, is also celebrating his fiftieth anniversary of July 31, 2011 priesthood, most of those years were spent in the service of the Seminary. At the same time of this year's celebration, a Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y. chapel will be dedicated to Our Lady of Lebanon in the August 7, 2011 National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y. D.C. This dedication comes as a special gift in gratitude to August 13 - 15, 2011 the many priests and faithful who have given of themselves over many years of labor in the vineyard of the Lord and as Pilgrimage for Our Lady of Lebanon National Shrine, new beginning, an inauguration of the next fifty years and North Jackson, Ohio many more to come. August 21, 2011 The Rector and the young men who are consecrating their Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y. lives to the service of the Church of Jesus Christ invite you to come and celebrate with them the life of their Mother August 28, 2011 House during this special year of celebrations. Pastoral Visit to Our Lady of Purgatory, New Bedford, Mass. Anniversary Schedule September 28 - September 7, 2011 Personal Silent Retreat. “ Friday, September 23, 2011

10:30 a.m. Prayer in Honor of Saint Maron and Dedication of Chapel at the National Shrine Project Roots 12:00 p.m. Lunch at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite he Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn and the Seminary Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon join together to help T people reconnect with their Christian spiritual roots in 1:30 p.m. Historical Perspective on the Seminary by Lebanon and the . An office in Los Angeles, Chorbishop Seely Beggiani Calif., under the responsibility of Fr. Abdallah Zaidan, M.L.M., will assist those interested to: 6: 00 p.m. Divine Liturgy (Chorbishop Beggiani to preach) at Our Lady of Lebanon Parish Church iObtain their sacramental records from their country of origin 7:30 p.m. Dinner in honor of both 50th Anniversaries at the iConnect with family members living in their place of Church Hall origins and throughout the world where they emigrated iObtain Lebanese citizenship, if desired Saturday, September 24, 2011 iObtain immigration records, if desired iRemain connected with the Maronite Church here and 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy (Bishop Robert Shaheen) at the throughout the world. Crypt Chapel of the Immaculate Conception No eparchial funds will be used, but the office will accept National Shrine financial help from those willing to help. For more information contact: 12:00 p.m. Lunch open to all at Our Lady of Lebanon Father Abdallah Zaidan, M.L.M. Maronite Seminary. “ 333 South San Vicente Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048 “

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 9 July - August 2011 Why The Land Is Holy? By Chorbishop John D. Faris

This article is adapted from a presentation given by Chorbishop Faris to the Northeastern Lieutenancy-US of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

he Lord said to Abram, 'Leave has been destroyed twice, besieged your country, your kindred twenty-three times, attacked fifty-two " T and your father's house for a times, and captured and recaptured country which I shall show you…" "So forty-four times. Abram went as the Lord told him…" Abram passed through the country as So we must not presume that the far as the hold place at Shechem….The present turmoil of this land is a modern Canaanites were in the country at the phenomenon. Nor should we anticipate time. The Lord appeared to Abram and a speedy, painless resolution of the said, 'I shall give this country to your conflicts. And lastly, we should not offspring." [Abram] pitched his presume that a just resolution can be tent….There he built an altar to the achieved without consideration for the Lord and invoked the name of the religious significance of this place not Lord" (Genesis 12:1, 4, 6-8). only for its current residents (who are directly affected), but for more than And the drama begins. God called half the population of the world who Abram, a nomad living in Ur (a region are all concerned about the destiny of a in present-day Iraq), and told him to place they cherish as holy and their take his family and possessions and go co-religionists who live in it. to the region encompassing modern-day Chorbishop John Faris Israel, Palestinian territories, Lebanon, In the Holy Land, everything is and the western parts of Jordan. This beginning; let us consider for a moment religious - and everything is political. passage from Genesis ends with the situation as Abram found it. Religious beliefs are the basis of the Abram’s building an altar and invoking Genesis tells us that the land promised assertion of claims; religious affiliation the name of One God for the first time to Abram already belonged to someone is a factor included in the governmental in this new land. else, the Canaanites. In order for identification of persons; and religious Abram to possess the land, it had to be affiliation is the primary factor in The One God invoked by Abraham is taken from someone else! So from the self-awareness as a member of a today worshiped by the 3.8 billion moment of the call to Abram and the community. For example, in the descendants of Abraham, adherents of promise that this was going to be his Middle East, one is first a Muslim, or a three monotheistic religions, Judaism land, there was going to be conflict and Christian or a Jew and then the citizen (14 million), Christianity (2.14 billion), displacement. of a particular country. We must and Islam (1.57 billion). It behooves us remember that Middle Eastern nations to ponder why Divine Providence chose Another example is the Holy City, in their present form are creations of the such a region to have a central role in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is first mentioned twentieth century. In many cases, these religious history. The land had nothing in the Bible as being in the possession political structures have not entered into to speak for it: It was remote, lacking a Canaanite tribe, the Jebusites. King the popular consciousness. The purpose in water and other natural resources. It David wanted to take control of the of this paper is not a political exposition played no significant political, cultural city, but as would be expected the nor does it intend to justify any claims or commercial role in the region, much Jebusites resisted. The fortress there of any religion to certain prerogatives less the world. But Jews, Christians was reputed to be the strongest in all of in the Holy Land. and Muslims acclaim this land as holy Canaan and the Jebusites gloated that - each in a different way. As Christians their blind and lame could defeat Jews and the Promised who yearn for a peaceful and just David's army. David managed to resolution to the conflicts in this part of conquer the city by a surprise attack Land the world, it is beneficial for us to through the water supply tunnels. Once understand how these three religious Jerusalem had become an Israelite city, Undoubtedly, the Holy Land looms groups view the holy land. the Jebusites were reduced by King greatest in the religious minds and Solomon to the status of serfs. From hearts of the Jews. The Hebrew Bible Most sadly, conflict and displacement the start, the Holy Land has been refers to the Land of Israel, a land given were going to characterize the state of marked by victors and vanquished. by God to the Israelites. For devout affairs in the region for millennia. This Jews, this is the basis of their political has been the state of affairs from the Throughout its long history, Jerusalem claim. For the Jews, this land is

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 10 July - August 2011 different than any other part of the because of its association with the birth, Constantine the Great and his planet. ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of mother, Saint Helen. Jesus of Nazareth, his Blessed Mother Although the fact that God Himself and the Apostles. Early Christian maps iMt. Olivet - The Acts of the Apostles gave the land to them is sufficient for of the world portrayed Jerusalem in the (1:9-12) places the site of the them, there are other reasons why the center, with the rest of the inhabited Ascension on Mt. Olivet, a mountain Jews cherish the land as holy. In world revolving around that. ridge in eastern Jerusalem. The site Jewish law, certain religious obligations is marked by the Chapel of the could be fulfilled only in the Land of According to the New Testament, Ascension, built around the rock Israel. Some commentators also regard Jerusalem was the city to which Jesus which is said to bear the imprint of the land to be holy because God's "holy was brought as a child to be presented the right foot of Christ. It is people" settled there. At the end of at the Temple (Luke 2:22) and to attend venerated as the last point on earth Joshua, the land was distributed among festivals (Luke 2:41). Jesus preached touched by Christ during his earthly the Israelite tribes and the promise to and healed in Jerusalem, especially in life. Abraham is fulfilled and the land the Temple Courts. There is also an becomes the Holy Land. account of Jesus' cleansing of the After the Pentecost, the New Testament Temple at the Temple Court, chasing tells how, James was the leader of the Further, certain places in the Land of various traders out of the sacred early Jerusalem church. He and his Israel are considered as more holy than precincts (Mark 11:15-19). successors were the focus for the others. Some cities of ancient Israel Jewish Christian community until are imbued with even greater holiness. There are numerous places in and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman Jerusalem, as the site of the Temple, around Jerusalem that are identified emperor Hadrian in 135 AD. It seems has been esteemed as the holiest city in with the passion and resurrection of that the interest of Christians in Judaism and the spiritual epicenter of Jesus. Jerusalem and the Holy Land was not the Jewish people since the 10th very strong in the first three hundred century BCE when the site was chosen iGethsemane - Jesus spent his last years of Christianity. Jerusalem had during the lifetime of King David to be night of his earthly life in agonized been destroyed in 135 AD. One must the location of the Temple. Because of prayer and was arrested at also recall that Christians were being the many religious obligations that Gethsemane, a garden at the foot of persecuted until the early fourth could be fulfilled only in Jerusalem, the the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem century. Interest resumed in 325 AD city is mentioned 669 times in the (Luke 22:43-44). when the emperor Constantine and his Hebrew Bible. Jerusalem is held to be mother, Helen, endowed Jerusalem with the site of Mt. Moriah, where Isaac was iThe Cenacle - The term "Cenacle" churches and shrines, making it the to be sacrificed to the Lord (Genesis designates the "Upper Room," the foremost center of Christian pilgrimage. 22:14). Elsewhere the Holy Scripture site of many important events in the seems to identify the location of this history of : The term Muslims and the Night event as the hill on which Solomon "cenacle" evolved from the Latin later built the Temple, now known as word cena ("dinner") and originally Journey the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (2 designated a little dining room, Chronicles 3:1; Psalm 24:3; Isaiah 2:3 usually in an upper story. The Upper Muslims are obliged to pray five times and 30:29). Room seems to have been the place in the day facing Mecca. It might be of where the disciples stayed when they interest that in the early years of Islam Since the Roman retribution for several were in Jerusalem (Acts 1:13). It is (610 - 623 CE), Muslims prayed toward Jewish revolts culminating with the the site of the Washing of the Feet, the Noble Sanctuary in Jerusalem. revolt in the second century, Jews have the Last Supper, some appearances Seventeen months after the sought to remain in, or return to this of the Risen Lord, the gathering of Mohammed's arrival in Medina in 622 land for over almost two thousand the disciples after the Ascension of CE, orientation of prayer was years. Jesus, the election of Matthias, and re-directed to Mecca. Some of us are the descent of the Holy Spirit on aware that Jerusalem is of concern to Christians and the Holy Pentecost. the followers of Islam, but few know why. Sites iVia Dolorosa and Golgotha - The Way of the Cross, now known as the The Quran does not mention Jerusalem, hristians have a very different Via Dolorosa, is the path on which but according to Islamic tradition the view of the Holy Land. We do Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha, Prophet Mohammed took a two-part C not claim it to be a gift of God to the place of the crucifixion. "Night Journey" there around the year us. Jesus never stated that with the 621: it is known as the Isra and Mi'raj. New Covenant, the land was to pass iHoly Sepulchre - The Holy The Isra begins with Mohammed from the Jews to us. For us there is Sepulchre is traditionally believed to praying in the Kaaba in Mecca, when nothing in the land that intrinsically be the location of Golgotha and Archangel Gabriel appeared and gave differentiates it from any other land. Jesus' nearby tomb. The original him the mythological horse of the Rather, this land is cherished as holy church was built in 336 by prophets, Buraq. Buraq carried

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 11 July - August 2011 Mohammed to the "Farthest Mosque," Godfrey de Bouillon, was elected in the population. the Masjid Al Aqsa, which Muslims 1099. Out of humility and deference These Christians are helpless and need believe is the Al-Aqsa Mosque in to Jesus, he refused to be called king in our prayers and support. If they leave, Jerusalem. At the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a city where he thought only Jesus had the land where Jesus, His Blessed Islamic tradition holds that Mohammed the right to that title; he would only call Mother and the Apostles walked, they led the other prophets, among them, himself Jerusalem's protector. Godfrey will no longer have a living church, but Adam, Moses and Jesus, in prayer. also has the distinction of being the will be reduced to a place of memories. founder of the Knights of the Holy In the second part of the journey, the Sepulchre. Chorbishop John D. Faris Mi'raj ( for "ladder"), Buraq Saint Louis Gonzaga Maronite Church, takes Mohammed to the heavens, where In 1187, when Saladin captured the Utica, New York he tours the circles of heaven, and city, the Holy Sepulchre and many June, 2011 “ speaks with the earlier prophets such as other churches were returned to the care Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. He is then of Eastern Christians. taken by the Archangel Gabriel to meet God. According to Islamic tradition, From the 17th to the 19th century, God instructs Mohammed about the various European nations petitioned the If the Lord number of times that Muslims must Ottoman Empire for control of the holy is Calling pray each day. (Originally the required places. The are the number was fifty, but tradition holds traditional Catholic custodians of the You, that Mohammed, upon the holy places. Control swung back and The encouragement of Moses, negotiated a forth between the Catholic and Church reduction to five times a day.) Orthodox churches throughout this period. The sultan, Abd-ul-Mejid I, Needs It is interesting that in its initial stages, perhaps out of despair, published a You! Muslim faithful directed themselves to firman that laid out in detail the exact Jerusalem, only later to change the rights and responsibility of each If you feel that you have a vocation direction to Mecca. community at the Holy Sepulchre. This to the Priesthood or religious life, document became known as the Status please contact your Pastor or write Conflict and Conquests Quo and is still the basis for the to: complex protocol of the shrine. Five After the death of Mohammed, one of Christian communities currently have Msgr. sharbel Maroun, Director rights in the Holy Sepulchre: the Greek the first targets of Muslim conquest was Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon Jerusalem. In 638, the Jewish Patriarch Patriarchate, Latins (Western Rite Office of Vocations Roman Catholics), Armenians, Copts of Jerusalem handed over the keys of c/o St. Maron Church the city to Muslim forces. The Muslim and Syriac Orthodox. 600 University Ave. NE authorities in Jerusalem were not kind Minneapolis, MN 55413 to their Christian subjects, forcing them Modern Demographics to live a life of "discrimination, Or servitude and humiliation." We have described how more than half the population of the globe looks to Fr. Dominique Hanna, Director The perceived holiness of the land was Jerusalem as a religious center. It is of Eparchy of Saint Maron one of the motivational factors behind no surprise - and indeed nothing new - Office of Vocations the efforts of the , which that there is conflict regarding who c/o St. Joseph Church sought to win it back from the Muslims. possesses the land and who has the 502 Seminole Ave., NE The mistreatment of Christians would right to live there. Atlanta, GA 30307 only worsen as the armies of the First Crusade approached Jerusalem. Fearing In this struggle, Christians find that the Christians had been conspiring themselves in the midst of with approaching Crusaders, the super-powers – religious, political and Muslim authorities massacred a economic. The picture is not very sizeable part of the Christian bright for us. population; the terrorized fortunate escaped the city. On July 15, 1099, the iIn Israel, out of a total population of army of the First Crusade captured seven million, there are 147,000 Jerusalem. Most of the city's Christians, or 2.1 per cent of the total population were killed. population.

Jerusalem became the capital of a Latin iIn the Palestinian Territories, with a Kingdom with a and a population of 3.8 million, there are Latin Patriarch, all under the authority an estimated 40,000 - 90,000 of the . The city's first Latin ruler, Christians, or 1.1 - 2.4 per cent of

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 12 July - August 2011 part in the Liturgy by serving as lectors, presenting the Phoenix, Arizona offering, leading the prayers of the faithful and the prayer of Silver Massabki Award thanksgiving. Following Communion, the graduates were called forward and each was introduced by name, the high school from which they graduated and where they would be attending college. Each graduate was presented a gift from the parish by Fr. Pierre ElKhoury. After Liturgy Fr. Pierre and the graduates cut a cake in honor of the occasion. The 2011 graduates are: Judy Adijoud, Jonathan Abou Jaoude, Lara Al-Fady, Diana Al-Nemri, Nancy Assaker, Bernadette Carrum, Christina Nemry, Johnny Maakaroun, Rita Obeid, Rebecca Skaff, Christian Tannous, Channel Youssef, Razzouk Moussa, Katrina Nemri, and Michael DeBakey. “

Danbury, Connecticut Graduation Day

Fr. Ghattas Khoury presents the Silver Massabki Award to Mrs. Marie Medawar. arie Medawar received the Silver Massabki Award at St. Joseph Maronite Church in Phoenix, Arizona. As M an active member of St. Joseph Church, Mrs. Medawar serves as a member of the Parish Advisory Council, the Moderator of the Young Adults, a member of the Ladies Guild, and a member of the Maronite Outreach. “

Houston, Texas Fr. Jean Younes with Class of 2011 and members of the Class of 2011 parish.

by Phyllis Moses n Father's Day, June 19, 2011, St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church of Danbury, Conn., honored the O fathers and the twelve 2011 high school graduates of the parish at the annual buffet breakfast, catered and served by Ferris Nasser and his kind assistants. Gifts from the parish family, service awards from the MYO, and four additional scholarships given in memory of deceased members of the parish were awarded by Father Jean Younes and members of the Awards Committee to the following: Christopher Ackell, Christopher Burns, Colin David, Shannon Gruda, Lydia Jabbour, Jacqueline Jowdy, Gabriel Lahoud, Philip Shakro, Alexandra Sweeney, Andrew Sweeney, and Alexandra Salame. All twelve will be attending college in the fall. “ his past May a new tradition was born at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Church in Houston, Texas. This T new tradition is honoring the accomplishment of our high school seniors as they graduate from their respective high schools. This year fifteen high school graduates were honored at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 29, 2011. The graduates took

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 13 July - August 2011 First Holy Communion in the Maronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.

St. Louis, Missouri Phoenix, Arizona

oseph Rounds, Amelia Cornelius Hurley, Joe Rask, Mary Miller, Christian Gutierrez, Kadan Risk, Alayna Hessler, J Manny Meadows, Jenna Elking and Mitch Gamma lexandra Chamoun, Reva Francis, Vannesa Ghosn, received their First Holy Communion on May 1, 2011, at St. Rania Affas, Maria Dirani, Chris Thomasian, Charbel Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Missouri. “ A Medawar and Sharbel Ashkar received their First Holy Communion on May 8, 2011, at St. Joseph Church, Phoenix, Arizona. “

Fairlawn, Ohio Lombard, Illinois

hassan Antonios, Lindsey Dwyer, Nathaniel Enriquez, Natalee Jaber, Nikolle Pang, John Sharshar, Theresa G Tenn and Kennedy Grace Williams received their First Holy Communion on May 1, 2011, at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church, Lombard [Chicago], Ill. “ ara Kahwaji and Lucy, Julia and Joseph Lutman received their First Holy Communion on May 8, 2011, S at Our Lady of the Cedars of Mount Lebanon Maronite Church, Fairlawn [Akron], Ohio. “

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 14 July - August 2011 First Holy Communion in the Maronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Williamsville, New York

arie Mekhtafi, Sophia Moran, Miranda Frnak, Kayla rystan Wielgopolski, Nicole Joseph, Sarah Chekan, Yax, Joseph Khoury, Mary Moussa, Danielle Kurtis Nordmark, Peter Khoudary, Marc Chekan, M Behlok, LouLou Khoury, Jamie Badawy, Julian T Christina Kaspar, Carnel Shleborne and Andrew Khoury, Michael Shady, Sergio Al Mekhtifi, Anthony Aldik, Wallace received their First Holy Communion on May 1, Dylan Joseph, John Krier, Christopher Tartick and Richard 2011, at St. Anthony/St.George, Wilkes-Barre, Penn. “ Tartick received their First Holy Eucharist on May 1, 2011 at St. Church in Williamsville [Buffalo], N.Y. “

Lawrence, Massachusetts Fall River, Massachusetts

hristopher Panchley, Jessy Heneine, Vanessa Heneine, amira Daher, Grace Pappalardo, Tia Abi Rached, Jenny Joshua Correia, Greta Costello, Maya Pontes, and El-Helou, Tatiana Azouri, Emma Azzi, Gaby Abdelnour, C Rachel Mahfouz recieved their First Holy Communion J Nadine Sader, Brianna Ayoub, Amanda Swenson, on May 1, 2011, at St. Anthony of the Desert Church in Fall Isabella Swenson, Andrew Azzi, Elie Safi, Joseph Mansour, River, Massachusetts. “ Andrew Nadira, Geryes Geha, Louis Sader, Tyler Bishop, Antoine Assaf, Elias Moussa, Sami Elias, Jason Demers, Samir Maroun, and Anthony Chamoun received their First Holy Communion on May 1, 2011 at St. Anthony Maronite Church, Lawrence, Mass. “

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 15 July - August 2011 First Holy Communion in the Maronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.

San Diego, California Houston, Texas

alid Haddad, Basma Rassam, Husam Rassam, Thomas El Khoury, George Wakim, Joshua W Abboud, Christina Yazbek, Izair Rickert, Perla Reaidy, Sammy Kmeid, George Hajjar, Abraham Tahtouh, Christophe Bou Saada, Seleene Rouhana, Gabriella Ghafari, George Tannous, Elie Jaber, Charles Abdo, Emily Saab, Brennan Rouhana, Celeste Ghoussoub, Anthony Ramy, Mia Droubi, Christian Tahtouh, Arianna Ghafari, Michael arcellina Malham, Sara El Hayek, Fredrik Tumeh, Stephan and Sharbel Tannous received their First Holy Ghazal Sabri, Daniel Saghbini, Marie-Therese Communion at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Church in M Mouawad, Sophia Mansour, Rosie Mouannes, Adam Houston, Texas, on May 15, 2011. “ Malek, Gabriel Farhat, Marin George, Anthony Shenoda, Adel Adel, Rachel Fakhoury, Fidaa Alsawaf, Dawwod George and Jessica Chammas received their First Holy Communion at St. Ephrem Church in San Diego, Calif., on San Francisco, California May 22, 2011. “ Portland, Oregon

lli Raad, Daniel Wehbeh, Bernard Bousleiman, Rudy enedict Thomas Sharbel Moffitt and Sarah Maria Rafka Assio, Elissa Eidson and Jessica Feghali received their Redmond received their First Holy Communion at St. E First Holy Communion at Our Lady of Lebanon B Sharbel Church in Portland, Ore., on May 1, 2011. “ Church, San Francisco, Calif., on May 1, 2011. “

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 16 July - August 2011 First Holy Communion in the Maronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.

Troy, New York Easton, Pennsylvania

avia Boutros, Natalia Karame, Michelle Rahal, ita Michelle Boulos, Roben Jaoude, Nathan James Annalise Marron, Dominic Karrat, Sarkis Frangieh, D'Alessio, Maya Marie Elias, Sharbel Ghaleb, Nadima D Jarron Frangieh and Ryan Frangieh received their R Theresa Melhem, Joseph Tristan Pijut, Sydney Camille First Holy Communion at St. Ann Maronite Church in Troy, Melhem and Rebecca Marie Koury received their First Holy New York, on May 1, 2011. “ Communion at Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Easton, Penn., on May 1, 2011. “

Orlando, Florida Jacksonville, Florida

saballa Dalvalle Cardona, Isaiah Price Christopher, Katelyn Dennaoui, Vanessa Ann Doueihi, Brooke I Elizabeth Durney, Carolina Fernandez, Jesus Manuel ayla Barakat, Isabella Nicodeme, Brianna Naddaf, Elie Flores, Nedjine Jean Francois, Kassandra Lee Gavilanez, Haddad, Naya Haddad, Jason Assi, Joseph Mahfoud, Adrianna Marie Graziano, Micaela Joseph, Elizabeth Kim, K Tresa El-Hajj, and Sophie Obaed received their First Samuel Minaya, Samantha Minaya, Angelina Polselli, Remo Holy Communion at Saint Maron Church in Jacksonville, Polselli, Caitlin Rechdan, Gabriel Rechdan, Stephanie Safie, Fla., on Sunday, May 15, 2011. “ Zacharia Simon, Oliwia Stolarz and Daniel Jonathan Zubieta received their First Holy Communion at St. Jude Maronite Church in Orlando, Fla., on May 1, 2011. “

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 17 July - August 2011 • Lecturer in Graduate School of Religious Education, Barry Washington, D.C. University, Miami, Fla. (Summber 1974) Golden Anniversary of Chorbishop Seely Beggiani Publications Books n September 23, 2011, Chorbishop Seely • Aspects of Maronite History. New York, Saint Maron Beggiani, Rector of Our O Publication, 2003 Lady of Lebanon Maronite th •The Divine Liturgy of the Maronite Church: History and Seminary, will celebrate his 50 Commentary. Revised Edition, New York, Saint Maron Anniversary of Priesthood. Son Publications, 1998 of the late Joseph and Sada •Introduction to Eastern Christian Spirituality: The Syriac Beggiani, he was born in Tradition. London and Toronto: University of Scranton Youngstown, Ohio. After Press, Associated University Presses, 1991 graduating from Ursuline High •Early Syriac Theology. Lanham, Md.: University Press of School in Youngstown, he America, 1983 attended John Carroll • Translation of History of the Maronite Church, by Pierre University - Borromeo Dib, Beirut, Lebanon: Imprimerie Catholique, 1971 Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio, where he earned his Bachelors Degree. After attending Université de St. Joseph in Beirut, Lebanon, he returned to Research Articles Catholic University of America (CUA) where he earned his doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) in 1963. He was • “The Typological Approach of Syriac Sacramental ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 2011 in Cleveland by Theology,” Theological Studies 64 (2003): 543 - 57 Bishop Floyd Begin. • “Theology at the Service of Mysticism: Method in Pseudo- Throughout his fifty years of priesthood and in addition to Dionysius,” Theological Studies 57 (1996): 201 - 23 his being an Adjunct Associate Professor of Theology and • “Christian initiation in the Eastern Churches,” The Living Religious Studies at CUA since 1967, Msgr. Beggiani has Light 11 (1974): 536 - 47 served the Eparchy of Saint Maron in many capacities: • “The Place and Object of Infallibility,” Thoughts 48 (1973): 256 - 65 iPastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Washington, • “The Meaning of Christ’s Redemption,” The American D.C., from 1967 - 1979 Ecclesiastical Review 166 (1972): 698 - 707 iChairman of the Commission for Lebanon, 1984 -present • “A Case for Logocentric Theology,” Theological Studies iMember of the Eparchial Finance Council 32 (1971): 371 - 406 iMember of the Presbyteral Council. • “Friedreich Schleirmacher and the Contemporary Search for Transcendence,” Enlightenment Essays 2(1971): 176 - 82 Previous Assignments • “A Re-evaluation of the Problem of Evil,” The American Ecclesiastical Review 162 (1970) 173 - 83 • Peritus at the Maronite Patriarchal Synod (2003 - 06) • Consultant for the Antiochene Churches to the National Chapter of a Book Catechetical Directory Committee (1975 - 77) • Project Director of Faith of the Mountain (First edition • “Mythological and Ontological Elements in Early grades 1 - 8; High School 9 - 12) Christology,” Does Jesus Make a Difference, edited by • Diocesan Theologian, Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Thomas McFadden, 20 - 43. New York, The Seabury • Diocesan Consultor, Eparchy of Saint Maron (1968 -2004) Press, 1974 • Director of Continuing Education for the Clergy (1976 - • “Religious Experience and Revelation,” New Dimensions 77) in Religious Expereince, edited by George Devine, 39 - 51. • Chairman of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission (1975 Staten Island, N.Y.: Alba House, 1971 - 78) • Consultant to the Eparchial Liturgical Office • Former Member of the Board of Directors of The Paper Delivered Challenge ‘How can the Maronite Tradition Remain Relevant in a North American Culture?” presented at the workshop on the Previous Ministries and Activities Theology of the Eastern Churches, Annual Convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America, San Antonio, • Formation faculty of Theological College of Catholic Texas, June 11, 1993. University (1998 - 2006) • Lecturer in Theology, John Carroll University, Cleveland, Other Articles Ohio (1964 -1967) • “Antioch, Its Theological Tradition,” Cambridge • Lecturer in Graduate School of Religious Studies, Dictionary of Christianity (Publication date 2007) University of San Diego, Calif. (Summer 1981) (Continues on page 20)

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 18 July - August 2011 History of Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary

dedicated the seminary on August 26, 1962. Over two thousand Maronite clergy and laity, as well as nine Latin rite bishops, joined in the celebration at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The nationally known television speaker, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, preached the homily. Cardinal Meouchi was accompanied by the future Patriarch and Cardinal Antoine Khoraiche and the future Archbishop Khalil Abi-Nader. In 1964, the building next door was purchased and used for seminary bedrooms and a library. On May 2nd of that year, Archbishop Francis Zayek (then Maronite Bishop of Sao Paolo, Brazil) ordained the first alumnus of the Maronite Seminary and future Bishop Robert Shaheen to the priesthood. Archbishop Zayek also presided over the creation of a national organization of Maronite laity, the National Association of Maronites. One of its main purposes was to provide support for the seminary. On January 10, 1966, Archbishop Zayek became the first Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary. Maronite bishop of the United States and took responsibility for the seminary. In September 1967, Father (and later ur Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary, located in Chorbishop) Seely Beggiani was appointed Spiritual Director Washington, D.C., began in 1961 and today continues and Treasurer of the seminary and Administrator of the O to train and ordain seminarians for service among the Washington parish which was in the process of formation. In Maronite faithful throughout the United States. May, 1968, Father Beggiani was named Rector, a post he In the decade of the 1950s, various members of the currently holds. Maronite clergy and laity began to work actively for the Among those who assisted at the Seminary through the establishment of a Maronite seminary in the United States. In years have been: Chorbishop Dominic Ashkar, Msgr. Ronald 1959, the Sacred Congregation for the Oriental Churches Beshara, Chorbishop Camille Zaidan, the future Bishop formed a committee of priests to collect funds for the Stephen Hector Doueihi, Rev. Naji Kiwan, and Msgr. Ignace proposed seminary. The site of the seminary was to be Sadek. Washington, D.C. In addition to being the nation's capital, In recent times, the Order of St. Sharbel, an association Washington was chosen especially to take advantage of the of the laity, was established to provide financial assistance for facilities of Catholic University of America with its ability to the seminary and clergy. It underwrites a significant portion grant pontifical degrees in theology and canon law. The of the expenses of the seminary and also supports the University is also known for its department of Semitic and retirement fund of the clergy. Oriental languages. Archbishop (later Cardinal) Patrick On October 16-17, 1986, Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary O'Boyle of Washington was asked to take responsibility for celebrated its 25th anniversary. With Archbishop Zayek, a the seminary's establishment, and Chorbishop Mansour large number of Maronite clergy and laity attended the Stephan was appointed as national chairman of the building events, which also featured seminars on the future of the fund. seminary and the Maronite Church. In June, 1960, Archbishop O'Boyle called the Maronite Under the guidance of Archbishop Zayek, his successors, clergy of the United States to a meeting in Washington where Bishop Stephen Hector Doueihi and Bishop Gregory a goal of $500,000 was set as a minimum to be raised from Mansour, and Bishops John Chedid and Robert Shaheen, the among the Maronite faithful of the United States. This seminary has experienced rapid growth and a steady influx of meeting was attended by twenty-four Maronite priests. In vocations and ordinations. During its forty-eight years of July, 1961 Archbishop O'Boyle, with the approval of the existence, sixty-eight men have been ordained to the Maronite clergy, purchased a house at Alaska Avenue, N.W., priesthood. Two of the priest-alumni, Robert Shaheen and which was renovated and to which a chapel, bedrooms, and Gregory Mansour, have become bishops. a recreation room were added. Thanks to a generous contribution by Mr. Anthony Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary opened its Abraham of Miami, Florida, a new wing was added to the doors on September 24, 1961. Its first rector was Reverend Seminary in 2001. Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir Elias El-Hayek, and the prefect of studies was Father Seely dedicated the new structure on March 6, 2001. Beggiani. The first class consisted of five seminarians. The new wing features a library, computer area, seminar During the first school year the seminary was visited by the rooms, and housing for faculty and seminarians. It can also Papal Secretary of State, Amleto Cardinal Cicognani, on serve as a nucleus for a Maronite research center. In recent December 3, 1961. The seminary held an open house for the years, the main building of the seminary was renovated, and Maronites living in the Washington area on St. Maron's Feast the old church hall was converted into a library. Day, 1962, and this event marked the beginnings of a Maronite parish community in Washington. (Continues on page 20) His Beatitude, Patriarch Paul Cardinal Meouchi formally

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 19 July - August 2011 The Maronite Voice St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church NON-PROFIT ORG. 4611 Sadler Road U.S. POSTAGE PAID Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6108 PERMIT NO. 1370 GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA

Golden Anniversary of Priesthood

Continues from page 18

• “Aphrahat,” Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity (Publication date 2007) • “The Maronite Church and its Theology,” Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity (Publication date 2007 • “Maronite Church,” New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition, 9: 192 - 201 • “Maronite Liturgy,” New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition, 9:201 • “Une Esperénce Nouvelle Pour Le Liban” (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation), New Catholic Encyclopedia: Jubilee Edition, 205 - 6 • “Synod of Bishops: Special Assembly for Lebanon (1995), New Catholic Encyclopedia: Jubilee Edition, 168 - 69 • Priesthood in the Syriac Maronite Tradition,” The Priest 50 (1994) 15 - 18 • “Lebanon, Christianity in,” New Catholic Encyclopedia 18: 242- 43 • “Maronite Church (U.S.),” New Catholic Encyclopedia The original Chapel at Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary. 18: 279 - 81 • “Logocentric Theology,” New Catholic Encyclopedia, 16:263 - 64. the seminary. These have included Patriarch Khoraiche in 1981 and Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir in 1988, 2001, 2005, and 2008, a number of Maronite Bishops, several Prefects of the History of Our Lady of Lebanon Sacred Congregation of the Oriental Churches and every Apostolic Delegate and Papal Pro-Nuncio to the United Seminary States. Visitors have also included former presidents of Lebanon, Charles Helou, Bashir Gemayel (before his Continued from page 19 election) and Amin Gemayel. “

The rector, alumni, and students of the Maronite Seminary have played a prominent role in the Eparchies in producing texts on Maronite liturgy, catechetics, theology, spirituality, and history. During the years, many Maronite and Latin Rite church officials and civil dignitaries have visited

The Maronite Voice Volume VII Issue No. VII Page 20 July - August 2011