Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary a P Lace We Call “Home”

Volume 15 | Issue 8 | October 2018

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Maronite

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

Rejoice and Be Glad 3 by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan

SCHEDULES Bishop Elias Zaidan 4 Bishop Gregory Mansour

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite 8 Seminary by Fr. George Hajj

PARISH SPOTLIGHT Holy Family Maronite Church 12 St. Paul, Minnesota by Antoinette Zeina

14 Subdeacon Ordinations

VATICAN NEWS Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis 16 to the People Of God

NAM 18 NAM Scholarships

Ninth Annual Benefit Dinner in 19 Manhattan For the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Raises Over $100,000

Cover photo courtesy of Mor Gabriel Monastery, Midyat, Turkey and HMML

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

Publishers 2018 Maronite Youth Organization Most Reverend Gregory John Mansour Most Reverend A. Elias Zaidan 20 Annual Retreat by Peter Harb Editor Chorbishop John D. Faris PRIEST SPOTLIGHT Managing Editor 22 Msgr. Peter Azar by Suzanne Tavani Rev. Aaron Sandbothe Art and Design Director Ms. Glory Rasi Catholic Relief Services Celebrates 24 75 Years by Joseph Chebli Production Coordinator Mr. James Salamy

Parish News Editors GOING DEEPER INTO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE… Dr. Mabel George Howard (Eparchy of Saint Maron) Caring for Oneself as We Care [email protected] 26 for Others by Vivian M. Akel, LCSW Rev. Pierre Bassil (Eparchy OL of Lebanon) [email protected] Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Re- 28 viewed and Revised Policy Feature Writers on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Suzanne Tavani Priests or Deacons Antoinette Zeina • All submissions for publication must be in an electronic format. Internet and Social Media Guidelines for Images must be of high resolution and quality (300 dpi, jpg format). 30 the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn • Subscription rates are $25.00 per year.

Eparchy of Our Lebanon of Los Angeles • Advertising rates are available 31 Reporting Child/Vulnerable Adult Sexual upon request. Abuse in the Eparchy Contact Us Phone: 804.762.4301 Email: [email protected] Parish News Mailing Address: 32 4611 Sadler Road Glen Allen, VA 23060

The Word Was Made Flesh Here: Office Hours Monday – Wednesday – Friday 38 Nazareth Today 9 am – 4 pm

Printed in Richmond, Virginia 39 From the Editor

OCTOBER 2018 | 3 Rejoice and Be Glad by Bishop A. Elias Zaidan

n life, many of us admire the published on March 19, 2018, this “call to holiness” is universal, saints, ask for their intercession about the opportunity, the it is meant for each and every one for various favors but very few invitation for everyone to become of us, regardless of our status in probably think about becoming holy. The title is a reference to life. Bishops are called to holiness, Ia saint. In fact, whenever I ask a the Gospel of Matthew 5:12. The priests and deacons are called group of people: “What are your whole of verse 12 reads “Rejoice to holiness, monks and nuns are plans? What do you like to and be glad, because great called to holiness and YOU are do, to be?” The answer is your reward in heaven, called to holiness. Husbands and comes to anything for in the same way they wives, children and the youth, but holiness. persecuted the prophets single and married, professionals, Therefore, our who were before you.” those in business, those retired Holy Father These words from the — all are called to live lives in reminds us with Gospel of Matthew conclude harmony with the will of God. the words: the first part of the famous This is a joyful occasion where we “REJOICE Sermon on the Mount hear God’s call and respond. AND BE containing the Beatitudes. GLAD”, the Pope Francis also holds up the beginning The Holy Father writes saints who have gone before us as of his most about our call to holiness, models who can sustain us on this recent but also stresses the joy journey of holiness. Those whom Apostolic that should be found in we already recognize as saints can Exhortation, the Gospel (which means be a great support for us as we Gaudete et “Good News”). Our strive for holiness. They were once Exsultate pursuit of holiness, that like us, that is, sinners, but, with is, being in harmony with the help of God, they determined the will of God, should be to strive to holiness. He also points a source of great joy and out that the saints themselves are happiness for us. A life joyful as it is possible for every of holiness should not Christian person to find joy in be gloomy or dismal their life “in the Holy Spirit.” or in any way saddening. Keep The Pope has a broad view in mind that a of “saints” to include those in saint is always our own families and even our happy despite the neighbors who lead or have led difficulties and lives of virtue, often called “heroic challenges he/she virtue.” Holiness is universal the faces. Because Holy Father reminds us — it is

4 | THE MARONITE VOICE for all people, at all times, in all Pope Francis goes on to write, “At sin does not exist. These are false places. Certainly the great martyrs its core, holiness is experiencing, ways of thinking that cannot lead of history have achieved holiness in union with Christ, the us to true holiness. Holiness can through their ultimate sacrifice, mysteries of his life. It consists only come about in us with the but martyrdom is not the only way in uniting ourselves to the grace of God. to achieve holiness. The Pope gives Lord’s death and resurrection examples of how little things can in a unique and personal way, In his Exhortation to us the Pope build, one upon the other, to move constantly dying and rising anew uses the Beatitudes, as spoken by us to leading holy lives. St. Teresa with him” (Para. 20). It is not Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) once just that we model ourselves after (5:3-12) as the guides to our said: “Not all of us can do great Christ (which we must do), but life in Christ. The Beatitudes, things. But we can do small things more than that, we identify our that most of us are very familiar with great love:” Of course this is very selves with him. We unite with, are fundamental to our an echo of St. Therese of Lisieux ourselves to him, thus uniting Christian life; they are like the (Little Flower) who wrote “Do ourselves to the Second Person of Ten Commandments of the New small things with great love.” Every the Most Holy Trinity — we enter Testament. The Holy Father day, life presents us with choices. into the very life of God. exhorts us, “Let us allow his words We can choose the path to holiness (the Beatitudes) to unsettle us, each day in what we say and in The first thing to help us on our to challenge us and to demand what we do or we can choose not road to holiness is for us is to a real change in the way we live. to do that. That is, how we speak always remember who we are. Otherwise, holiness will remain to others and how we treat others That is, we are Christians, who no more than an empty word” are expressions of holiness. This is through Baptism and the Holy (Para. 66). But if we do live our “everyday holiness”. Eucharist, are incorporated lives as outlined in the Beatitudes into the very life of Christ. If we and the Sermon on the Mount, we This call to holiness is not new. should fail to remember this, let can “Rejoice and be glad, for your In the Old Testament, the Lord us always remember to whom reward will be great in heaven” (Mt called his people to holiness we belong: we belong to Christ. 5:12). (Leviticus 20:26). In the Epistle of In one of his homilies, the 5th St. Peter, the Apostle writes to us: century Pope, St. Leo the Great, Pope Francis concludes his “but, as he who called you is holy, advised us “Christian, remember message to us by asking us to be be holy yourselves in every aspect your dignity…” In other words, open to the Holy Spirit in our of your conduct,” (1 Peter 1:15). remember who you are. lives, as was the Virgin Mary, who, Christ also invited us as well: “So he says “lived the Beatitudes of be perfect, just as your heavenly Of course, the Holy Father also Jesus as none other”. He also gives Father is perfect,” (Mt 5:48). cautions us about obstacles and us a short meditation on the Holy When the priest invites us to hurdles that the modern world Spirit: “Let us ask the Holy Spirit receive the Holy Eucharist at the throws in our way. He warns to pour out upon us a fervent Divine Liturgy he proclaims “Holy about ideas that claim that we can longing to be saints for God’s Gifts for the holy!” In other words: somehow use a purely intellectual greater glory, and let us encourage That which is Holy is for the holy approach to holiness or another one another in this effort. In this (us)! In inviting us to receive the way of thinking by which we can way, we will share a happiness that Body and Blood of Christ, the achieve holiness or perfection the world will not be able to take Church presumes us to be holy. without God’s grace, as if original from us” (Para. 177).

OCTOBER 2018 | 5 Schedule Bishop A. Elias Zaidan

At the occasion of our 25th anniversary in 2019 our eparchy is in the preparation phase of a major capital campaign to benefit the various events as well as the people and parishes of our diocese. Our campaign theme, Vision for the Future – Mission for Today, reflects our goal to strengthen our faith community today and enhance our ability to serve the generations to come. I believe these goals are something we can all agree are important and necessary to keep our missionary spirit alive wherever Maronites come together in worship and fellowship.

I pray clergy and laity will unite in support of this important campaign. In the coming months you will learn more about the campaign and the ways you can help. In the meantime, please let’s all pray together and for each other to ensure a successful outcome. My brothers and sisters thank you for all you do to give glory and honor to God in your words and deeds as you serve your local parish and the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles. May God bless you and your loved ones.

Most Reverend A. Elias Zaidan

Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles

6 | THE MARONITE VOICE Schedule Bishop Gregory J. Mansour

Make a Gift That Lasts a Lifetime and Helps the Church We received the sad news of the passing of Mr. Salim Zina, the father of Reverend George Zina. Salim, who died after praying the Rosary with his priest son, was preceded in death by his wife, Emily, and together they are survived by their three sons, Father George, Joseph, and Gaby.

With a Catholic Gift Here’s how it works: A Funeral Divine Liturgy took place Saturday, You make a gift and in return Annuity, you can you will receive: July 7, 2018 at Saint Anthony Church in Springfield, secure the future for • Fixed-rate annuity payments Massachusetts. The burial will take place in for life, for one or two people yourself and your – between 4%–9%, based on age Hasroun, Lebanon. loved ones, and give a • Immediate and future tax benefits lasting gift to your • A payment schedule tailored The entire Eparchy of Saint Maron, Clergy, eparchy. to meet your needs Religious, and Laity, extend to Father George our • Knowing your gift will help heart-felt consolences and prayers. Catholics in our diocese

The minimum age is 55

For more information contact John Kurey at [email protected] or [email protected] or Bobbi Hannigan at [email protected] www.catholicgiftannuity.org

OCTOBER 2018 | 7 Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary A P lace We Call “Home”

t the wedding feast of Cana, will serve in the Eparchy of Our The Maronite seminarians in Mary directed the servants, “Do Lady of Lebanon. Seminarians Washington follow the academic whatever He tells you.” In turn, of this Eparchy are also in other program at The Catholic the servants obeyed Jesus and formation programs. Subdeacon University of America, with Adistributed His fine wine to all the Michael Shami is at the Pontifical supplementary classes offered by guests. Like Mary, the Church calls North American Pontifical Father Armando El-Khoury and and prepares faithful servants to do College; Gilbert Nasr is at St. John Chorbishop Seely Beggiani. In as the Lord tells them. Seminary, Caamarillo, California; addition to prayer and studies, the Subdeacon Chady El Jalkh is seminarians go to the gym and— In our nation’s capital, at Our Lady studying English while residing like most of their generation— of Lebanon Maronite Seminary, with the college seminarians of compete in video games. there are five young men who the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; have responded to the Lord’s call Gerard Abi Assaf: Saint John By the middle of the twentieth and are preparing themselves to Vianney Seminary in Denver, century, there were more than be His faithful servants. During its Colorado. forty Maronite parishes in the fifty-seven years of the Seminary’s United States. However, without existence, eighty men have been Other seminarians are preparing a Maronite bishop or seminary, ordained to the priesthood. Two for ministry in the Eparchy of the formation of parishes and the of the alumni—Robert Shaheen Saint Maron. Vincent Michael and search for pastors was difficult and and Gregory Mansour—have Antony Abi Awad study in the haphazard. The majority of pastors become bishops. Maronite Seminary in Washington emigrated from Lebanon. Prior to and Imad Hakim, Wassim Fakhry the creation of the Seminary, the Some of the seminarians, and Adib Salameh are studying four American-born seminarians Subdeacon Peter Zogby, Chris English at Holy Apostles Seminary had studied in Lebanon. Nahra and Alejandro Landin, in Cromwell, Connecticut.

60’s 70’s

8 | THE MARONITE VOICE A P lace We Call “Home”by Father George Hajj

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite was Msgr. Elias El-Hayek and the Antoine Khoriache and the future Seminary predates the prefect of studies was Father Seely Archbishop Khalil Abi-Nader. appointment of a Maronite bishop Beggiani. The first class comprised Over two thousand Maronite in the United States. Much credit five seminarians. During the first clergy and laity, as well as nine must be given to the Maronite academic year the Seminary was Latin bishops, joined in the priests and lay persons who in the visited by the Vatican Secretary of celebration at the National Shrine 1950’s began to petition and work State, Amleto Cardinal Cicognani, of the Immaculate Conception. for the establishment of a Maronite on December 3, 1961. The The nationally known television Seminary in the United States. In Seminary held an open house speaker, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, 1961 a group of dedicated priests for the Maronites living in the preached the homily. and lay faithful, contributed funds Washington area on the Feast of to purchase a house on Alaska Saint Maron in 1962; this event On May 2, 1964, then Maronite Avenue which was renovated to marked the beginning of the Bishop of Sao Paolo Brazil, include a chapel, bedrooms, and creation of a Maronite parish Francis M. Zayek, ordained the recreation room were added. In community in Washington. first alumnus, Robert Shaheen, to 1964 the neighboring house was the priesthood in the crypt of the purchased and used for additional The Maronite Patriarch, His National Shrine in Washington. bedrooms and a library. Beatitude Paul Cardinal Meouchi, Archbishop Zayek also presided dedicated the Seminary on over the creation of a national Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite August 26, 1962. Patriarch organization of Maronite laity, the Seminary opened its doors on Meouchi was accompanied by National Association of Maronites, September 24, 1961. Its first rector the future Patriarch and Cardinal which had as one of its purposes the support for the Seminary.

80’s 90’s

OCTOBER 2018 | 9 Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

On January 10, 1966, Bishop Zayek we were to be good priests, even Msgr. Fahed Peter Azar, the was appointed the first Maronite though we had difficulties at times. current rector, was appointed Apostolic Exarch of the United Now we have become the senior in 2016. Msgr. Azar describes States and assumed responsibility priests of the eparchy, whew!” the purpose of the Seminary, for the Seminary. In September, “Our goal is to walk with our 1967, Father Seely Beggiani was Thanks to a generous contribution seminarians on their ‘journey of appointed Spiritual Director and of Mr. Anthony Abraham, a new discipleship’ as they look to shape Treasurer of the Seminary and wing was added to the Seminary themselves to the heart of Christ, Administrator of the Washington in 2001. Patriarch Nasrallah the Good Shepherd. Our wish parish which was in the process of Peter Cardinal Sfeir dedicated to continue to support them in formation. In May, 1968, Father the new structure on March 6, laying the foundations for priestly Beggiani was appointed Rector, a 2001. The new wing features a life in the four dimensions of position in which he served until library, computer area, seminar formation: the human, spiritual, his retirement in 2013. rooms, and housing for faculty and intellectual and pastoral.” seminarians. It can also serve as Chorbishop Richard Saad a center for a Maronite research. Among those who assisted at reminisces about the early years of More recently, the main building the Seminary throChorbishop the Seminary, “Those were great of the Seminary was renovated Dominic Ashkar, Msgr. Ronald times with Chorbishop Beggiani and the former church hall was Beshara, Chorbishop Camille leading us. Life was simpler back converted into a library. Zaidan, the future Bishop Stephen then in the 1960s, and Seminary Hector Doueihi, Rev. Naji Kiwan life for me made us comfortable to In 2013, Bishop Mansour appointed and Msgr. Ignace Sadek are among be away from the direct influence Father Geoffrey Abdallah as those clerics who have served in of the 1960s, but to know enough Rector, a position in which he various capacities in the Seminary. about it, so that we could respond served for three years until going as seminarians. We were thankful to Rome for further studies. The Second Vatican Council for the way of the Seminary, if challenged the Eastern Catholic

00’s 10’s

10 | THE MARONITE VOICE “ I greatly desire to be a Maronite priest because of the richness of our Maronite tradition and culture. Everything from the Maronite hymns to the Divine Liturgy, the Maronite Church is a true treasure that I would like to serve and evangelize to the whole world! ” —Seminarian Chris Nahra

Churches to return to their turning point. The demographics wish them to be better priests and genuine Eastern traditions. For the of the Maronite population, stewards, and to be more loyal, Maronite Church in the United particularly in the big cities, were humble servants of Jesus than we States, a significant development changing rapidly. Huge influx of are. We hope that they do more was Rome’s 1971 publication of new immigrants from the war torn good for God’s people, achieve the proposed reformed text of the nation of Lebanon began to arrive further successes for the Maronite Qorbono, or Divine Liturgy. This in America. It is a fact of history Church, and reach higher and text was pivotal for our liturgical that the cultural composition in accomplish more than we are future and the Seminary embraced many of our parishes changed in capable of doing.” it. A committee of Msgr. Beggiani, the eighties. Father Dominic Ashkar and The Maronite Seminary Alumni several students worked to translate The year 1994 saw the creation of Association invites every Maronite the text into English. It was then the two Eparchies. The seminarians in the United States to know, published ad experimentum by were divided between the two love and support this center of Bishop Zayek and used until the jurisdictions, each according to Maronite tradition on Alaska publication of the first complete his home parish. Those who came Avenue that the seminarians and Maronite Lectionary in English from Lebanon and did not have a priests call “home.” by Father Joseph Amar in 1976. home parish were placed with the Although this was one of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon. Father George Hajj, most important works that the an alumnus of the Seminary provided, other liturgical Vice Rector Father Armando El- Seminary, is the pastor translations were also done. Khoury focuses on the future work of Saint Anthony of the seminarians in the Maronite Maronite Church in In the 1980s the Maronite Seminary Church. “We fully support each Cincinnati, Ohio. flourished under the leadership of seminarian in his endeavor to Msgr. Beggiani, but the Maronite serve Jesus Christ in whatever Church in America was at a capacity his talents allow him. We

Today

OCTOBER 2018 | 11 PARISH SPOTLIGHT Holy Family Maronite Church St. Paul, Minnesota by Antoinette Zeina

he history of a church does not a former Lutheran church for before. Events and fundraisers merely lie in the stones and cement $2,250 and founded Holy Family are planned year-round to that built its walls, but rather the Maronite Church. The very first ensure economic stability, but people who helped build it. The mass was held October 6, 1918. more importantly, maintaining history of a church, like all history, the Lebanese heritage. This past T is a history of its people, their 100 years later, the parish could May, the parish took part in the stories, and their faith. This is not have a stronger sense of faith 2018 Festival of Nations, which what kept Holy Family Maronite and community, according to explores the cultural traditions Catholic Church’s doors open, Father Emmanuel Nakhle, who of nearly 100 ethnic groups in St. and on October 13th-14th, they was appointed pastor of Holy Paul. In September, they put on celebrated 100 years of operation Family in 2014. Parishioners their annual Fall Festival, a major in Saint Paul, Minnesota. actively participate in fundraising, fundraising event, which aims to cultural celebration that keep the attract crowds of people to bring The 200 families of Holy Family church up and running. Groups them back to the community and established a strong and committed such as the Parish Council, Men’s to the faith and heritage of the community of parishioners to Club, the Ladies Society, the adult church with food and dancing. celebrate their faith as well as the choir and altar servers contribute Lebanese heritage since opening its to the stability of the church along Many parishioners can trace their doors in 1918. with richness in faith participation family back to the early years among parishioners of multiple of the parish—a time where a Before the turn of the 20th century, generations—something Father small and tight knit community catholic immigrants were fleeing Emmanuel says is unique about of immigrants and faith was a prosecution in Lebanon and their parish. place they could call home. Parish found a home in St. Paul. Seeking Secretary Carolyn Marker was refuge and a new life, Lebanese “It is beautiful,” Father Emmanuel born and raised at Holy Family. immigrants came to America to said. The nature of people who Her grandparents helped build not only find a home physically, want to preserve the faith of the the church and all members of her but spiritually. They found their ancestors and the tradition and family were married in the church. first spiritual home at St. Michael, transmit from one generation Many memories are carried within a Roman Catholic Church on the to another is amazing. Pick one the walls of the church and many west side of the city, before St. family and you will see multiple traditions have been carried into Maron in Minneapolis extended generations working within this the present day of the parish. One a hand and offered to share their church from alter serving to the of Markers favorite memories priest. They created their own adult choir to the parish council.” comes from the Annual Dinner space of worship in the basement which she remembers as a fond of St. Michaels Church, where they Today, Holy Family’s emphasis on childhood memory. would celebrate Divine Liturgy for collaboration reflects the spirit 15 years. It wasn’t until 1918 when of their immigrant ancestors “It was a rite of passage to be a the maronites of St. Paul purchased who opened its doors a century server at the Annual Dinner and

12 | THE MARONITE VOICE wear our white uniforms with focus is solely youth activities. a hanky in the pocket,” Marker The camp entertained 16 youth and stated. Our mothers did all the involved games, food, and a lesson cooking. Afterwards when all the on traditional dance of the “Dabki.” people were gone we sat down as a family and ate our dinner “These children will be the future together. The same is done now.” leaders of this church,” Father Emmanuel said. It helps parishes Though a lot of the work put into like ours to promote youth the church focuses on the now, activities which means everything the parish looks to the future for the future of our parish.” It is not secret that parishes now more than ever—in other have had trouble keeping their words, the youth. A few times a Looking back on a century, there doors open. Economic hardships year, the first communion class are no doubts of the overwhelming and lack of involvement within puts on plays that act out gospel sense of family with the people communities have resulted in stories—a fun and active way for and their commitment their churches having to close its children to learn biblical stories. faith. The centennial celebration doors for good. However, it is,

“The history of a church, like all history, is a history of its people, their stories, and their faith.”

Groups such as the Maronite Youth took a year of planning and in Father Emmanuel’s terms, the Organization (MYO) serve to plenty of fundraising to be able “evangelization” of the church maintain faith and service within to commemorate the blessed family and the willingness to work the adolescent of the parish. Last milestone. A celebration that was together to preserve its traditions year five members along with 2 expected to sell 350-300 tickets that keeps Holy Family in a path to chaperons were able to travel to soon become 500 tickets sold for celebrate another 100 years of faith. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the event. The weekend of events represent Holy Family at the annual began with Divine Liturgy on “We are a big family and as long as retreat. This past summer, they had Saturday with a hafli following that we don’t lose sight of our faith and their first annual Church Youth same evening. Sunday brought each other, we will have a future. Summer Overnight Camp put on the parish together once again as I know it sounds trite, but we by the Youth Committee—a group people brought food that they’ve are a community—we share it all of experienced parishioners whose prepared. More celebrations together.” followed that Sunday’s liturgy.

OCTOBER 2018 | 13 Subdeacon Ordinations

St. Sharbel Church | Portland, OR by Nadia Redmond

On July 29, 2018, his Excellency Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, M.L.M., ordained two young men to the Minor Orders of Cantor, Lector and Subdeacon for the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles at St. Sharbel Maronite Church in Portland, OR. The families of Subdeacons Michael Shami and Peter Zogbi sat at the front to witness the joyful and blessed occasion. Concelebrants included Fr. Christopher Fabre, Pastor, Subdeacon Michael’s sponsor, Fr. Allan White, OP, and Subdeacon Peter’s sponsor, Fr. Jonathan Decker, MMJMJ. Msgr. Peter Azar, Rector of Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary in Washington, DC presented the two candidates and Fr. Aaron Sandbothe, Pastor of Mary, Mother of the Light Maronite Church in Tequesta, FL was the Master of Ceremonies. Deacons Wadih Kaldawi and Tony Karam of St. Sharbel Church, were also present.

Bishop Elias gave a homily on the theme of “Joy” from the gospel periscope concerning Zaccheaus, the tax collector. Bishop Elias explained that Zacchaeus became joyful and no longer small in stature, because Zacchaeus found Jesus Christ and was touched in his heart. Bishop Elias explained, “we are spiritually connected” and to the two candidates, “you have connected with Jesus Christ and are moving on to give and serve more for Him. Christ has touched my heart. I hope to share that joy with you. Today, you will become singers, readers, and invite people to the church, not just by speaking, but by the way you live your life”.

Subdeacon Michael Shami, youngest of four siblings and son of Joseph and Ilona Shami, was born and raised in New York City. His family is from Aleppo, Syria. Subdeacon Michael’s home parish was Our Lady of Lebanon in Brooklyn, New York, and he is beginning his Licentiate at the Pontifical Oriental Institute. Subdeacon Michael hopes to pursue a doctorate in Liturgy in Rome. He emphasized his family upbringing and support that were important in nurturing his vocation.

Subdeacon Peter Zogbi, second oldest of five siblings and son of Gibran and Lina Zogbi, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His family is from the villages of Wata Fares and Deir Billa in Batroun. Subdeacon Peter’s home parish is St. Sharbel Church in Portland, Oregon. Subdeacon Peter will continue with his studies for the priesthood at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in Washington, DC. He expressed that he is most looking forward to hearing confessions, giving homilies, and celebrating the Eucharist.

St. Sharbel Parish is a vibrant community and has contributed to the Maronite Church the Third Order of the Oblates of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; two Deacons, Tony Karam and Wadih Kaldawi; the first permanent Cantor of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, Andre Karam.

In gratitude to almighty God for His many graces already received, the parishioners thank Bishop A. Elias Zaiden for his blessing and support to the Maronite community in the Pacific Northwest.

14 | THE MARONITE VOICE Our Lady of Lebanon Church | Miami, FL by Jeanned’arc Lahoud

On Wednesday, 14 August 2018, the eve of the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, many gathered at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church, Miami, Florida for the ordination of Mr. Joseph Lahoud to the Minor Orders of Cantor, Lector, and Subdeacon. The ordination was celebrated by Chorbishop Michael Thomas along with Fr. Elie Saade, Pastor, Fr. Jack Morrison, Director of the Office of Ministries, Fr. Aaron Sandbothe, Pastor of Mary, Mother of the Light Church in Tequesta, FL, and Fr. Jorge Perales. Deacon John Jarvis and Subdeacon Elias Azzi were also in attendance.

Chorbishop Thomas delivered a thoughtful homily focusing on the importance of the role of the Subdeacon as a mediator between the people and the altar. Along with the clergy, the new Subdeacon’s family: Mrs. Jeanned’arc Lahoud and their children participated in the ordination. Mr. Joseph Lahoud and his family have been active and exemplary members of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church in Miami for many years. Parishioners and friends from neighboring Maronite parishes attended this blessed event.

Subdeacon Ordination in Saint Anthony Church | Glen Allen, VA

On Sunday October 7, Saint Anthony Church in Glen Allen, Virginia, celebrated the ordination of Michael C. Maynes to the Minor Orders of Cantor, Lector, and Subdeacon. This ordination was conferred by Chorbishop John D. Faris, pastor of Saint Anthony Church in Glen Allen, VA; also in attendance were Rev. Jack Morrison, Monsignor George M. Sebaali, Monsignor Peter Azar, and Deacon Thomas Mullen.

His wife, Francine, and children, Michael, Christopher, Matthew and Christina, and his parents, Leo and Nancy Maynes, and mother-in-law, Barbara Zohab, were seated in the congregation. Subdeacon Michael’s ordination was the first witnessed by parishioners since the ordination of the late Subdeacon Kenneth Fodill in 1994.

Subdeacon Michael was especially blessed to have his former pastor, Monsignor George M. Sebaali, present him to Chorbishop Faris. Monsignors Azar and Sebaali led Subdeacon Michael in the various processions during the ordination.

Under the direction of Mr. Pete Mazloom, the choir beautifully sang the hymns, prayers and chants throughout the liturgy. Subdeacon Michael’s brother, Leo Maynes, Jr., proclaimed the Epistle and the Gospel was proclaimed by Deacon Thomas Mullen.

OCTOBER 2018 | 15 Vatican News

Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to the People Of God

“If one member suffers, all suffer together to silence it, or sought even to resolve it by truth of what has happened, in itself this is not with it” (1 Cor 12:26). These words of Saint Paul decisions that increased its gravity by falling enough. Today we are challenged as the People forcefully echo in my heart as I acknowledge into complicity. The Lord heard that cry and once of God to take on the pain of our brothers and once more the suffering endured by many again showed us on which side he stands. Mary’s sisters wounded in their flesh and in their spirit. minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power song is not mistaken and continues quietly to If, in the past, the response was one of omission, and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a echo throughout history. For the Lord remembers today we want solidarity, in the deepest and significant number of clerics and consecrated the promise he made to our fathers: “he has most challenging sense, to become our way of persons. Crimes that inflict deep wounds of scattered the proud in their conceit; he has cast forging present and future history. And this in pain and powerlessness, primarily among down the mighty from their thrones and lifted an environment where conflicts, tensions and the victims, but also in their family members up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good above all the victims of every type of abuse can and in the larger community of believers things, and the rich he has sent away empty” (Lk encounter an outstretched hand to protect them and nonbelievers alike. Looking back to the 1:51-53). We feel shame when we realize that and rescue them from their pain (cf. Evangelii past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to our style of life has denied, and continues to Gaudium, 228). Such solidarity demands that repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. deny, the words we recite. we in turn condemn whatever endangers Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be the integrity of any person. A solidarity that spared to create a culture able to prevent such With shame and repentance, we acknowledge summons us to fight all forms of corruption, situations from happening, but also to prevent as an ecclesial community that we were not especially spiritual corruption. The latter is “a the possibility of their being covered up and where we should have been, that we did not comfortable and self-satisfied form of blindness. perpetuated. The pain of the victims and their act in a timely manner, realizing the magnitude Everything then appears acceptable: deception, families is also our pain, and so it is urgent and the gravity of the damage done to so many slander, egotism and other subtle forms of self- that we once more reaffirm our commitment lives. We showed no care for the little ones; we centeredness, for ‘even Satan disguises himself to ensure the protection of minors and of abandoned them. I make my own the words of as an angel of light’ (2 Cor 11:14)” (Gaudete et vulnerable adults. the then Cardinal Ratzinger when, during the Exsultate, 165). Saint Paul’s exhortation to suffer Way of the Cross composed for Good Friday 2005, with those who suffer is the best antidote against 1. If one member suffers… he identified with the cry of pain of so many all our attempts to repeat the words of Cain: “Am victims and exclaimed: “How much filth there is I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). In recent days, a report was made public which in the Church, and even among those who, in the detailed the experiences of at least a thousand priesthood, ought to belong entirely to [Christ]! I am conscious of the effort and work being survivors, victims of sexual abuse, the abuse How much pride, how much self-complacency! carried out in various parts of the world to come of power and of conscience at the hands of Christ’s betrayal by his disciples, their unworthy up with the necessary means to ensure the safety priests over a period of approximately seventy reception of his body and blood, is certainly the and protection of the integrity of children and years. Even though it can be said that most of greatest suffering endured by the Redeemer; it of vulnerable adults, as well as implementing these cases belong to the past, nonetheless pierces his heart. We can only call to him from zero tolerance and ways of making all those who as time goes on we have come to know the the depths of our hearts: Kyrie eleison — Lord, perpetrate or cover up these crimes accountable. pain of many of the victims. We have realized save us! (cf. Mt 8:25)” (Ninth Station). We have delayed in applying these actions that these wounds never disappear and that and sanctions that are so necessary, yet I am they require us forcefully to condemn these 2. … all suffer together with it confident that they will help to guarantee a atrocities and join forces in uprooting this greater culture of care in the present and future. culture of death; these wounds never go away. The extent and the gravity of all that has The heart-wrenching pain of these victims, happened requires coming to grips with this Together with those efforts, every one of the which cries out to heaven, was long ignored, reality in a comprehensive and communal way. baptized should feel involved in the ecclesial and kept quiet or silenced. But their outcry was While it is important and necessary on every social change that we so greatly need. This change more powerful than all the measures meant journey of conversion to acknowledge the calls for a personal and communal conversion that

16 | THE MARONITE VOICE makes us see things as the Lord does. For as Saint into the life and history of a people” (Gaudete et up and leads us to be committed in truth and John Paul II liked to say: “If we have truly started Exsultate, 6). Consequently, the only way that we charity with all men and women of good will, out anew from the contemplation of Christ, we have to respond to this evil that has darkened so and with society in general, to combatting all must learn to see him especially in the faces of many lives is to experience it as a task regarding forms of the abuse of power, sexual abuse and those with whom he wished to be identified” all of us as the People of God. This awareness the abuse of conscience. (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 49). To see things as the of being part of a people and a shared history Lord does, to be where the Lord wants us to be, to will enable us to acknowledge our past sins and In this way, we can show clearly our calling to experience a conversion of heart in his presence. mistakes with a penitential openness that can be “a sign and instrument of communion with To do so, prayer and penance will help. I invite the allow us to be renewed from within. Without the God and of the unity of the entire human race” entire holy faithful People of God to a penitential active participation of all the Church’s members, (Lumen Gentium, 1). exercise of prayer and fasting, following the Lord’s everything being done to uproot the culture of command.[1] This can awaken our conscience and abuse in our communities will not be successful “If one member suffers, all suffer together with arouse our solidarity and commitment to a culture in generating the necessary dynamics for sound it”, said Saint Paul. By an attitude of prayer and of care that says “never again” to every form of and realistic change. The penitential dimension of penance, we will become attuned as individuals abuse. fasting and prayer will help us as God’s People to and as a community to this exhortation, so come before the Lord and our wounded brothers that we may grow in the gift of compassion, in It is impossible to think of a conversion of and sisters as sinners imploring forgiveness and justice, prevention and reparation. Mary chose our activity as a Church that does not include the grace of shame and conversion. In this way, to stand at the foot of her Son’s cross. She did so the active participation of all the members we will come up with actions that can generate unhesitatingly, standing firmly by Jesus’ side. In of God’s People. Indeed, whenever we have resources attuned to the Gospel. For “whenever this way, she reveals the way she lived her entire tried to replace, or silence, or ignore, or reduce we make the effort to return to the source and to life. When we experience the desolation caused the People of God to small elites, we end up recover the original freshness of the Gospel, new by these ecclesial wounds, we will do well, with creating communities, projects, theological avenues arise, new paths of creativity open up, Mary, “to insist more upon prayer”, seeking to approaches, spiritualities and structures without with different forms of expression, more eloquent grow all the more in love and fidelity to the roots, without memory, without faces, without signs and words with new meaning for today’s Church (SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, Spiritual bodies and ultimately, without lives.[2] This is world” (Evangelii Gaudium, 11). Exercises, 319). She, the first of the disciples, clearly seen in a peculiar way of understanding teaches all of us as disciples how we are to halt the Church’s authority, one common in many It is essential that we, as a Church, be able to before the sufferings of the innocent, without communities where sexual abuse and the abuse acknowledge and condemn, with sorrow and excuses or cowardice. To look to Mary is to of power and conscience have occurred. Such is shame, the atrocities perpetrated by consecrated discover the model of a true follower of Christ. the case with clericalism, an approach that “not persons, clerics, and all those entrusted with the only nullifies the character of Christians, but also mission of watching over and caring for those May the Holy Spirit grant us the grace of tends to diminish and undervalue the baptismal most vulnerable. Let us beg forgiveness for our conversion and the interior anointing needed grace that the Holy Spirit has placed in the heart own sins and the sins of others. An awareness of to express before these crimes of abuse our of our people”.[3] Clericalism, whether fostered sin helps us to acknowledge the errors, the crimes compunction and our resolve courageously to by priests themselves or by lay persons, leads to and the wounds caused in the past and allows us, combat them. an excision in the ecclesial body that supports in the present, to be more open and committed and helps to perpetuate many of the evils that along a journey of renewed conversion. Vatican City, 20 August 2018 we are condemning today. To say “no” to abuse is to say an emphatic “no” to all forms of clericalism. Likewise, penance and prayer will help us to FRANCIS open our eyes and our hearts to other people’s ______It is always helpful to remember that “in sufferings and to overcome the thirst for power salvation history, the Lord saved one people. We and possessions that are so often the root of [1] “But this kind [of demon] does not come are never completely ourselves unless we belong those evils. May fasting and prayer open our ears out except by prayer and fasting” (Mt 17:21). to a people. That is why no one is saved alone, to the hushed pain felt by children, young people [2] Cf. Letter to the Pilgrim People of God in Chile as an isolated individual. Rather, God draws and the disabled. A fasting that can make us (31 May 2018). us to himself, taking into account the complex hunger and thirst for justice and impel us to walk [3] Letter to Cardinal Marc Ouellet, President of fabric of interpersonal relationships present in in the truth, supporting all the judicial measures the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (19 the human community. God wanted to enter that may be necessary. A fasting that shakes us March 2016).

OCTOBER 2018 | 17 NAM NAM SCHOLARSHIPS 2018 RECIPIENTS Graduating High School Senior Scholarships

Gabriana Farah Gibran-Marc Mourani Christian Eidson St. Rafka, Livonia, MI St. John Paul II, Sleepy Hollow, NY Our Lady of Lebanon, Millbrae, CA John A. Solomon John A. Solomon Massabki Brothers

Michael Nejaime Nadine Sadaka Reuvena Pharaon St. Maron, Torrington, CT Our Lady of Victory, Pittsburgh, PA Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon, Los Angeles Naomi & Paul Kassouf Naomi & Paul Kassouf Paul Wakim

Undergraduate Scholarships

Melissa Boumitri Sabrina Hallal Rebecca Thome St. Maron, Cleveland, OH Our Lady of Mercy, Worcester, MA St. Anthony of Padua, Cincinnati, OH Robert Atallah Thomas & Jennie Ayoob Gilbert Chagoury

Specialty Scholarships and Graduate Scholarships

Maria Harb Christine Abi-Abdallah Phillip Ghosn St. Sharbel Mission, Raleigh, NC St. Jude, West Covina, CA St. Ephrem, El Cajon, CA Joseph & Alice Resha NDU Semester in Lebanon Gilbert Chagoury

18 | THE MARONITE VOICE Ninth Annual Benefit Dinner in Manhattan For the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Raises over $100,000

ver 200 Maronite Catholics and friends from the greater New York area gathered on Thursday, October 4 at the New York Athletic Club for the Ninth Annual Benefit Dinner for the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn. Generous donors gave over $100,000 in O connection with the event. Highlights of the evening included: • The honoring of Phillip and Marie Barrood, Lydia Nofil Gordon, and Antoine and Lina Najjar. Tributes were given by family members and Bishop Gregory Mansour, who also presented each Phillip and Marie Barrood with their children and grandchildren, Bishop Gregory Mansour honoree with a special gift. and Father Simon El Hajj.

• The presence of Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See at the United Nations, and multiple Latin and Maronite priests from the area.

• Honorary proclamations were presented to the honorees by State Senator Marty Golden.

• Retiring National Apostolate of Maronites Executive Director Mike Naber was thanked for his service by Bishop Mansour and Lydia Gordon addresses the crowd as family received a gift. members and Bishop Gregory Mansour look on.

• The Silent Auction featured gifts donated by Reem Acra, Capelli New York, Hannoush Jewelers Albany, Ilili Restaurant, Middle East Airlines, and other fine establishments.

• Parishioners from all four New York area Maronite communities — Saint John Paul II Parish in Sleepy Hollow, Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn, the Maronite Mission in Manhattan and Saint Sharbel Parish in Somerset, NJ — attended, as well as parishioners from several other states including Connecticut, Honorees Antoine and Lina Najjar and their Massachusetts and Maine. sons, Maroun and Marc.

Proceeds from the Benefit Dinner will be used to educate Seminarians, support poor parishes, assist retired priests and fund ministries of the Eparchy. Donations are being accepted through October 31 for the Dinner. To donate, go to http://www.stmaron. org/donate.html, or mail a check to: Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, 109 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Photos from the event can be found online through the Eparchy’s website (www.stmaron.org). Retiring NAM Executive Director Mike Naber is thanked by Bishop Gregory Mansour.

OCTOBER 2018 | 19 2018 Maronite Youth Organization Annual Retreat by Peter Harb

he 2018 Maronite Youth Organization (MYO) Retreat events. The goal this year was to unite our group more than took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from June 26 ever and to give them the tools necessary to overcome these until July 1, 2018. We were graciously hosted by Fr. Vincent challenges that they will face. Our theme song, “Bleed the Farhat and Saint Maron Church in Philadelphia, and Same” by Mandisa vividly expressed how we are all human were blessed with beautiful weather, amazing people, and beings, made in God’s image and likeness, and always loved Tan exciting schedule full of wonderful events. Over 275 by Him. It is so important that are youth know that they youth, advisors, and clergy were welcomed from all over have a voice in this world, that they matter to so many the United States for this intimate and prayerful week. Fr. people, and that they are so important. The theme of unity Gary George, the director of the MYO for the Eparchy of was further discussed through breakout sessions on topics Our Lady of Lebanon and Sr. Therese Maria Touma, the such as social media, bullying, social justice, and self-worth. director of the MYO for the Eparchy of Saint Maron, along with the leadership team and advisors, were essential in Our excursions this year included a trip to the Shrine of preparing and executing the retreat. The presence of our Saint John Neumann, where we celebrated a mass with clergy, included Fr. Rudolph Wakim, Fr. Aaron Sandbothe, Bishop Gregory, along with a trip to the Rocky Steps Fr. Pierre Khoury, Fr. Vincent Farhat, Fr. Joseph Daiif, Fr. and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where we had the Kamil Al Chouefati, Fr. David Fisher, and Fr. Gary George. opportunity to see the Liberty Bell. The theme of our We were especially grateful for the presence of both Bishop MYO Competitions this year was the MYO World Cup, Elias Zaidan of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los and as such we had our youth split into teams 15 different Angeles and Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Eparchy of countries, and participate in team building activities Saint Maron of Brooklyn throughout the week. together. Our MYO’s Got Talent Segment was a huge hit as always, with the MYO showing off their wide variety The theme for this year’s retreat was ‘United We Stand, of skills and God given talents to their peers. During our Divided We Fall.’ This theme is especially meaningful in masses every day of the retreat, the youth took part in today’s day and age, with society tearing our youth apart presenting the gifts, offering intercessions, and distributing through negativity and hate that has stemmed from recent peace. The choir sang their hearts out beautifully, praising

20 | THE MARONITE VOICE the Lord through their wonderful voices. However, the amazing power of the Holy Spirit was especially present at Saint Maron Church and at Saint Joseph University, where most of the retreat took place. The mission services included reflections, praise and worship, and confession, along with adoration. The youth bonded so much during these times, discovering so much about themselves, and praying from their hearts not only for their own intentions, but also for the intentions of the entire MYO, for all those who were hurting. The love, passion, and zeal in the room during these powerful, moving services is beyond words. The Maronite youth in this country are so intelligent, faithful, and loving, and we should be so proud that they are the present and the future of our Church. The retreat was than concluded with our Hafli and awards ceremony, where team Argentina won the World Cup Competition. The winners of the talent show competition were as follows: 1st Place: Joseph and Leo Kubelka–Tap Dancing (Austin, TX) 2nd Place: Amanda Semaan & Amy Sahlani–Singing Breaking Free (Cleveland, OH) 3rd Place: San Francisco Dabke Group (San Fransisco, CA), and Honorable Mention: Alan Soueidi–Playing Fortnite (Cleveland, OH). The youth then celebrated a fulfilling week by dancing, singing, and celebrating the end to an amazing week together.

We are so grateful for the youth, advisors, clergy, and organizers for being a part of this year’s retreat, and that the youth answered yes to the call to grow closer to Christ and to each other. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the regional retreats in the next few months, and the next national retreat in North Canton, Ohio, July 7-12, 2019.

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National Maronite Youth Organization @maroniteyouth @maroniteyouth @maronite_youth

OCTOBER 2018 | 21 PRIEST SPOTLIGHT

Msgr. Peter Azar Rector, Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary, Washington, D.C. by Suzanne Tavani

BIRTH 1951 in Aramoun-Keserwan, Lebanon, the son of Farid and Sadie Azar

STUDIES Seminary of St. Maron, Ghazir, Lebanon College: University of the Holy Spirit, Kaslik, Lebanon Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary, Washington, D.C.

ORDINATION June 28, 1980 by Bishop Francis M. Zayek at St. Elias Maronite Church, Birmingham, Alabama

ASSIGNMENTS • 1980: Administrator, St. George Maronite Church, Dover, NH and Assistant, St. Anthony Maronite Church, Lawrence, MA • 1981: Administrator, St. Sharbel Maronite Mission, New Brunswick, NJ and Vice Chancellor, Chancery Office, Brooklyn, NY • 1986 – 1991: Pastor, St. Sharbel Maronite Church, New Brunswick, NJ • 1991 – 1997: Pastor, St. Ann Maronite Church, Scranton, PA • 1997 – 2004: Pastor, St. Anthony/St. George Maronite Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA MILESTONES • 2004 – 2016: Pastor, St. Anthony Maronite Church, Lawrence, MA • 2016 – Present: Rector, Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary, Washington, D.C.

Elevation to Monsignor and Periodeut: October 13, 2003

A Life of Blessed Coincidences instein once said that a The first of these blessed who had attended the Seminary of coincidence is God’s way of occurrences happened in the mid St. Maron as a teen and studied staying anonymous. Regardless of 1970’s while working as a Relief theology at the University of the whether they were coincidences Worker with the International Holy Spirit, requested a meeting or otherwise blessed occurrences, Red Cross. He learned that the and met with the Bishop to discuss Egood timing and unexpected Bishop Francis Zayek, who his vocation. They also discussed phone calls poignantly mark the happened to from a neighboring the possibility of Azar studying at life of Msgr. Peter Azar. town, would be in Lebanon. Azar, Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary in

22 | THE MARONITE VOICE Washington. At that time, Azar He recalls that his pastoral seminarians. “When I arrived at was also awaiting to hear about an assignment at St. Sharbel’s also the seminary”, said Azar, “Forty- opportunity to work in Switzerland opened him the breadth of one years flashed into my mind with the International Red Cross. experiences as a Maronite priest and I reminiscenced about my Fortunately, the phone call to attend in America. “It was not only a years as a student. The good Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary church, but also a consulate, memories kept coming alive.” arrived first, and so began the and a social center. Not only did His initial challenge was a small fulfillment of his vocation and a I celebrate Divine Liturgy and enrollment of two seminarians. new life in America. administer the sacraments, but I However, he came to realize that also helped people get their driver’s enrollment would be just one of his Following his 1980 ordination by licenses, I acted as a plumber for many challenges. Always a man of Bishop Zayek, Azar was given the Day Care, and I even served as action, Azar went back to school administrative and pastoral a translator when accompanying to better deal these challenges. He assignments each with their own parishioners on doctor visits.” enrolled in a program specifically unique set of challenges. In 1981, focused on seminary formation he was assigned to establish a While taking a moment to reflect which he credits with helping him Maronite Mission in New upon his pastoral life to date, Azar tremendously. In his second year, Brunswick, NJ which today stands remembers with great joy two Azar welcomed five seminarians as St. Sharbel’s. The parish’s life traditions he established at each from both Eparchies. began humbly and included the of his parishes. On Palm Sunday renting part of the building to a he always carried the youngest He adds, “Yes, being a Rector of a Day Care Center which allowed member of the Parish during the seminary is completely different him to develop a much-needed procession with the Palms. On from being a pastor, however, I cash flow. At one time, he looked Christmas Day, he guided the try to apply my thirty-six years upon this as a great challenge. Children’s Choir to sing Happy of parish experience with our However, he now fondly looks Birthday, Jesus. seminarians. Most important, upon this period of time for its however, I hope they learn to many blessings and lessons. One In 2016, he accepted a new be compassionate, pastoral, and day while praying, he asked God assignment as Rector of Our holy priests enabling the parish to send a sign regarding much Lady of Lebanon Seminary which to shine. My joy will be to see needed additional funds to close serves both he Eparchy of St. these young seminarians grow in on the purchase of a church from Maron and the Eparchy of Our spirituality and love for Christ, so a Protestant denomination. That Lady of Lebanon. Azar is quick one day when they stand at the very night he received a phone to point out that the Seminary alter they will lift up their hearts call from a man who mentioned is indebted to the tremendous and minds in prayer for all those that he had been Treasurer of a generosity of the Order of St. who have supported them and now-defunct organization of Sharbel and other benefactors cared for them throughout their Lebanese Americans. The man without whom it could not exist. journey to the priesthood.” offered the remaining funds — As Rector, he has embraced the almost exactly what was needed opportunity to share his life for the Closing! and pastoral experiences with

OCTOBER 2018 | 23 Catholic Relief Services Celebrates 75 Years by Joseph Chebli

atholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Motivated Cby the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching to promote human development and serve Catholics in the United States to live in solidarity with their brothers and sisters are constantly called to be our has earned them the respect and around the world. Guided by the “brother’s keeper”. appreciation as one of the top non- 7 principles of Catholic Social governmental agencies worldwide. Teachings (CSTs), CRS operates CRS works with local The amazing thing is that they in more than 110 country. organizations around the world are Catholic, and uphold Catholic to help poor and vulnerable teachings without wavering. Created in 1943, the Roman people overcome emergencies, Catholic Bishops of the United earn a living through agriculture One of the health projects CRS is States established Catholic and access affordable health embracing for the next few years Relief Services to help war- care. Invited by local bishops is to stop the spread of malaria in torn Europe and its refugees of the recipient countries, the African continent. In 2017, recover. During World War CRS assesses and assists the CRS implemented a $315 million II, CRS’ work focused on the local communities to become portfolio of 18 malaria programs resettlement of war refugees in independent and fulfill their worldwide reaching more than Europe. Unfortunately, CRS’ full potential as a community 105 million beneficiaries in 14 work did not end when the war as well as individual members countries. ended, and 75 years later, the of society. CRS expertise in the world continues to be plagued fields of agriculture, health, Another aspect of CRS’ projects with wars, natural disasters and education, micro-finance, water is to promote social justice, abject poverty. Regardless of the and sanitation, justice and peace- solidarity and compassion reasons of human suffering, and building, youth development and through timely emergency and god knows they are many, we emergency response and recovery recovery actions that address the

24 | THE MARONITE VOICE “ CRS works with local organizations around the world to help poor and vulnerable people overcome emergencies, earn a living through agriculture and access affordable health care. ”

needs of the most vulnerable. Lebanon, and other local partners In taking a comprehensive continue to expand support for approach to international disaster them. relief, and as experienced first responders, CRS provides While providing assistance to lifesaving help to get survivors the international community, back on their feet. Then they CRS also offers us, living miles assist people to obtain the tools away, the opportunity to enter and skills they need to manage meaningfully into solidarity to the rest of the hurting world. their own recovery. These with our neighbor. The Act of From its inception 75 years ago, projects build on local systems to the Apostles (3:1-10) describes CRS has not stopped reflecting ensure long-term success. One Peter healing the lame beggar the generosity of the American example is the Syrian refugee on the way to the temple. The Catholic society, by simply offering crisis. While Many Syrian beggar who asked for alms was to the world what God has so refugees across the Middle East “gazed” upon by Peter and John gifted each one us. have been displaced for several who then asked him to “look” at years and struggle with family them. To enter into full and deep For more information please visit separation, grief and finding how solidarity with our brothers and https://75.crs.org/ or you can reach and where to live with stability sisters we therefore must “see, me at [email protected] and and dignity, the toll on children is judge and act”. CRS presents us I will be more than happy to direct significant. CRS, and the various the opportunity to understand you to any further information you local Caritas, such as Caritas and to open our heart and mind need.

OCTOBER 2018 | 25 GOING DEEPER INTO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE…

Caring for Oneself as We Care for Others by Vivian M. Akel LCSW

s we begin our new series of articles for the Going Deeper column, we have chosen the theme of “Caring” as it relates Ato Pastoral Care throughout our Eparchies, and more specifically, our parishes and our homes.

Caring for and about each other is the most beautiful way we can bear witness to Christ in our daily lives. Often, we care for each other in ways that are so spontaneous and natural that we don’t realize the positive impact we have on the other person. The opposite is also true when we are too tired, too hurt or too insensitive to really care for others. irritability, sadness, loneliness and 2. Set personal goals and loss of interest in friends and family, boundaries and be realistic Likewise, we can also fail to changes in eating and sleeping about what we can and cannot recognize the need to care for patterns and most important, a do. Do not be afraid to ask for ourselves as well, physically, sense of distance from God. help. emotionally and spiritually. The first and most important Some of the ways we can reduce 3. Plan regularly scheduled aspect of caring for ourselves is stress and care for ourselves are: visits with friends and stay recognizing and accepting our connected to family members humanness and thus our need for 1. Taking a 15 to 20 minute walk and friends who offer social personal nurturance and renewal. outdoors each day, changing support. our diet to include healthier Failing to care for ourselves choices and keeping up with Our Spiritual life also requires can result in signs of stress and medical care appointments. nurturance and renewal and the strain. These can include anxiety, following can help to keep us in a state of grace.

26 | THE MARONITE VOICE The Order of Saint Sharbel New Members

1. First and foremost, remember God’s grace keeps us alive and happy. Have a daily meeting ANNUAL with God and review the graces Michael Thomas He has given. Spend 10-20 Our Lady’s Church, Austin, TX minutes each day in prayerful solitude to remain focused on Nada Boutros God’s grace. Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon, Los Angeles, CA

2. Do an Examination of PERPETUAL Conscience each day as we may Abraham El-Hashem be surprised to learn how much Our Lady’s Church, Austin, TX we are living out God’s word. Dr. H. Joseph Obeid St. Louis Gonzaga Church, Utica, NY 3. Participate in the Mystery of Penance (Confession) and feed your soul often with the The Order of Saint Sharbel is an organization of lay people and clergy who Eucharist. Stand open and have pledged their spiritual strength and financial support for Our Lady of honest before God when you Lebanon Seminary and the retired Maronite clergy of the Maronite Eparchies pray. in the USA.

4. Meet with a Spiritual Director to For more information about the Order ask your Pastor, visit www.orderstsharbel.org or write to: help keep your relationship with God close, particularly during Eparchy of Saint Maron | 109 Remsen Street | Brooklyn, NY 11201 or difficult times. Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon | 1021 South 10th Street | St. Louis, MO 63104

5. Do spiritual reading, especially from the Church fathers, men and women saints and contemporary books and articles JOIN THE ORDER OF SAINT SHARBEL on the spiritual life.

The care we bestow upon others is precious and valued, for as Matthew 9:37 tells us, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” We must care also for ourselves as we too are in need, as laborers for Christ. The Order supports Maronite Seminarians preparing to become priests. Please prayerfully consider joining the Order.

Enroll at www.orderstsharbel.org or ask your parish priest.

OCTOBER 2018 | 27 Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn Reviewed and Revised Policy on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons

The Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn publishes its reviewed The Victim Assistance Coordinator will serve as a consultant to the Eparchial and revised Policy on Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Bishop and the Review Board regarding the treatment needs of clients. Deacons. The same policy is also available online at http:// www.stmaron.org. The Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon has its Any individual wishing to report a claim of sexual abuse is encouraged to own policy and it is also available online at eparchy.org contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Rosanne Solomon, at: PO Box 189, Boston, MA 02137 s Catholics and Maronites, we consider the welfare and protection of our Tel: (617) 327-1317, [email protected] children a sacred responsibility. We hereby promulgate the following AEparchial norms as an implementation of Essential Norms for Diocesan/ Review Board Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests The Review Board is a predominantly lay board composed of a variety of or Deacons approved by the Congregation for Bishops on December 8, 2002. professionals duly appointed to assist the Eparchial Bishop in a strictly confidential and consultative capacity. It will have no final decision-making authority, which Definitions authority will continue to reside exclusively with the Eparchial Bishop. Sexual Abuse of a minor includes sexual molestation or sexual exploitation of a minor; the acquisition, possession or distribution of pornographic images of a Board Functions minor; and other behavior by which an adult uses a minor as an object of sexual • To advise the Eparchial Bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual gratification. abuse of minors and in his determination of suitability for ministry; • To review Eparchial policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors; For purposes of this policy, a minor shall be construed to include anyone who • To offer advice on all aspects of sexual abuse cases, whether retrospectively has not attained the age of eighteen (18) years as well as anyone who lacks the or prospectively. use of reason regardless of his or her actual chronological age. Membership Response The Review Board, established by the Eparchial Bishop, will be composed of five The healing of victims, their families and their community from the effects of members of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with sexual abuse by church leaders begins when the allegations of such abuses are the Church. The majority of the board will be lay persons not in the employ of received. When victims decide to disclose the abuse, it is important that the the Eparchy. These will include: response they receive be compassionate and non-judgmental. • To advise the Eparchial Bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual minors Anyone receiving an allegation of abuse will respond in a pastoral, supportive • A parent manner, leaving investigative concerns to those who serve in that role. • A parish pastor/administrator • An attorney An allegation will be received without initial judgment as to the truth of the • An individual with investigative experience complaint. No intimation of blame will be made by the initial recipient of information. Individuals making allegations will be supported positively in their The Eparchial Bishop may deem it desirable that the Promoter of Justice decision to disclose. participate in the meetings of the Review Board. The Vicar General and Eparchial Attorney participate in the annual meeting of the Review Board but are not The Eparchial Bishop will designate a competent person to coordinate assistance considered members of the Board. for the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused when they were minors by priests or deacons. This Victim Assistance Appointment Coordinator will assess and respond to the immediate and long-term needs of Members appointed by the Eparchial Bishop will serve a five (5) year term. the alleged victim and family, the alleged offender, parish communities and others that are affected by the disclosure of sex abuse. All Review Board members will adhere to the rules of strict confidentiality with regard to all deliberations and information received.

28 | THE MARONITE VOICE Reporting For the sake of due process, the accused is encouraged to retain the assistance of In all cases of alleged or suspected or known child abuse committed by a priest civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the Eparchy will supply canonical or deacon, the Eparchy will comply with all applicable civil laws in respect counsel to the cleric. to reporting the allegations and will cooperate with civil authorities in the investigation. The Eparchy will conduct a judicial process of the case according to the appropriate canons and practice of the Church. The accused may be requested to Any priest or deacon, who knows from the external forum that a minor has been seek, and may be urged voluntarily to comply with, an appropriate medical and sexually abused, is required to report that knowledge or suspicion to the Eparchial psychological evaluation at a facility mutually acceptable to the Eparchy and the Bishop in accordance with the norms of canon law and to the civil authorities. accused.

Investigation In every instance, the Eparchy will advise and support a person’s right to make a When an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon is received, report to public authorities. a preliminary investigation in accordance with canon law will be initiated and conducted promptly and objectively (Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches Ministry/Service [CCE0], c. 1468). The purpose of the Eparchial investigation is to ensure that the No priest or deacon removed from an Eparchial position for allegations of sexual Eparchial Bishop has a complete, thorough, and accurate report of the alleged abuse of a minor will return to ministry or service before their case is assessed incident. The investigation will be conducted by an investigator appointed by and fitness is determined by the Eparchial Bishop in consultation with the the Review Board. The investigator will report his findings in writing to the Review Board. The safety of children is the paramount consideration governing Eparchial bishop and to the Review Board. the formation of recommendations regarding the future ministry of one accused of abuse. The accused will immediately be called by the Eparchial Bishop or his delegate and be made aware of the allegation against him and the identity of the An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor made against a priest or deacon will be accuser. The accused will remain in his position until the initial investigation is deemed established if, with due respect for the provisions of canon law: completed, which is to be done as expeditiously as possible. • The accused individual admits to conduct defined by this policy as sexual All appropriate steps shall be taken to protect the reputation of the accused and abuse the accuser during the investigation. The accused will be encouraged to retain • A civil court of criminal law finds the accused guilty of a crime that consists the assistance of civil and canonical counsel and will be promptly notified of the of conduct defined by this policy as sexual abuse, or the accused pleads results of the investigation. guilty or no contest to a crime that consists of conduct defined by this policy as sexual abuse. When there is sufficient evidence that sexual abuse of a minor has occurred, • The appropriate ecclesiastical tribunal finds the accused guilty of the crime. the Eparchial Bishop will notify the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Eparchial Bishop shall then apply the precautionary measures mentioned in When an act of sexual abuse by a priest or deacon is admitted or is established CCEO, c. 1473 that is, remove the accused from the sacred ministry or from any after an appropriate process in accord with canon law, the offending priest or ecclesiastical office or function. The Eparchial Bishop may impose or prohibit deacon will be removed from ecclesiastical ministry, not excluding dismissal residence in a given place or territory, and prohibit the public participation in from the clerical state, if the case so warrants. the Most Holy Eucharist pending the outcome of the process. At all times, the Eparchial Bishop has the executive power of governance, In every case involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in through an Administrative act, to remove an offending priest or deacon from canon law will be observed, and the various provisions of canon law will be office, to remove or restrict his faculties, and to limit the exercise of his ministry. considered.1 Unless the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, having been For the sake of the common good and observing the provisions of canon law, notified, calls the case to itself because of special circumstances, the Eparchial the Eparchial Bishop shall exercise this power of governance to ensure that Bishop will follow the directions of the Congregation on how to proceed.2 If any Priest or Deacon who has committed an act of sexual abuse of a minor as the case would otherwise be barred by prescription, because sexual abuse of a described above shall not continue in the active ministry. minor is a grave offense, the Eparchial Bishop shall apply to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for a dispensation from the prescription, while The priest or deacon may at any time request a dispensation form the indicating appropriate pastoral reasons. obligations of the clerical state. In exceptional cases, the Eparchial Bishop may

1Cf. Canonical Delicts Involving Sexual Misconduct and Dismissal form the Clerical State, 1995; Letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, May 18, 2001. 2Article 16, of the 2010 Revised Procedural Norms for the Moto proprio Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela.

OCTOBER 2018 | 29 request of the Holy Father the dismissal of the priest or deacon form the clerical and any other information indicating that he has been or may be a danger to state ex officio, even without the consent of the priest or deacon. children or young people.

Care will always be taken to protect the rights of all parties involved, particularly The Eparchial Bishop will not consider receiving a priest or deacon into the Eparchy those of the person claiming to have been sexually abused and the person from another jurisdiction without previously obtaining the necessary information against whom the charge has been made. When an accusation has proved to be regarding the moral and civil record of the priest or deacon in question. unfounded, every step possible will be taken by the Eparchial Bishop to restore the good name of the priest or deacon falsely accused. Prevention The Eparchy of Saint Maron has promulgated a Code of Ethics and Integrity in No priest or deacon who has committed an act of sexual abuse of a minor will be Ministry to be adhered to all persons in positions of trust in the Eparchy. transferred for ministerial assignment to another eparchy/diocese or religious province. All Eparchial programs designed to certify clerics, eparchial employees, and volunteers who serve children on a regular basis will include segments that Before a priest or deacon is transferred for residence to another eparchy/diocese address child sexual abuse. The training curriculum will include information or religious province, the Eparchial Bishop shall forward, in a confidential concerning: signs and symptoms, dynamics of child abuse, impact of child manner, to the local bishop or religious superior of the proposed place of abuse, intervention strategies, reporting requirements and community residence any and all information concerning any act of sexual abuse of a minor resources.

Internet and Social Media Guidelines for the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn

he following are a list of general guidelines • The official website of the parish must reflect These sites raise numerous security and to cover the use of the Internet websites and the dignity of the Church, thus web-hosting privacy concerns for the Church. The Pastor/ Tother social media sites. These guidelines, companies, paid for by advertising, should be Administrator is to make sure there are along with the recently issued United States avoided. The Church has no control over the enough filters in place to prevent access to Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Social advertising that could, at a minimum, reflect improper and unwanted material. Media Guidelines http:/iwww.usccb.org/comm/ badly on the dignity of the Church. socialmediaguidelines.shtml, should cover most • Use by Church personnel of a Church computer situations faced by any Pastor Administrator. • Due to privacy concerns, only business (not to access, view and/or download pornographic personal) accounts may be established on images of a person under the age of eighteen • The use of official parish websites and other all social media platforms. That is because (18) years or of a person who lacks the use of social media platforms are entrusted to the business accounts do not have an open reason regardless of his or her chronological confidence of the Pastor/Administrator and wall and only allow for posting by the age shall constitute grounds for dismissal. The the Bishop. It is important to remember that administrator. The Pastor/Administrator or a Pastor/Administrator shall immediately report once something is placed on the Internet, designated responsible adult should be the such conduct to the appropriate civil authority there are no deletions; it will remain forever only administrator and the account should for investigation and/or prosecution, as well as in cyberspace. Thus, the Pastor/Administrator carry a disclaimer. to the Vicar General or Eparchial Bishop. or his delegate should keep close watch over all postings to ensure that none of them is • No photos of children taken in a private setting • Although the Eparchy cannot monitor or control harmful, embarrassing, dangerous, or illegal. should be posted on a parish or personal personal accounts, in the context of one’s use website or on other social media sites. Photos of social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, • Any unofficial websites associated with the of children taken in public settings should be etc.), priests, deacons, religious, employees parish must carry a disclaimer reflecting that posted according to the desires of the parents. and volunteers should be mindful that postings postings are not the expressed opinion of the and other statements made in these forums Parish, Eparchy or the Magisterium of the • Church personnel are not to use Church can be seen as connected to both both their Catholic Church. computers for personal social media sites. professional role and the Church.

30 | THE MARONITE VOICE Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles Maronite Catholic Diocese

Reporting Child/Vulnerable Adult Sexual Abuse in the Eparchy

You have the right to report your story, and we are here to help, listen and connect you to the right services. To ensure the best resources and investigation practices are engaged, we encourage all allegations concerning the abuse and/ or neglect of minors and vulnerable adults are reported to the Office for the Protection of minors and vulnerable adults and/or the local police department first before reaching out to the Office of the Protection of Minors and vulnerable adults. If you need to report historical abuse, please contact our office.

When to Report

The Office for Minors and Vulnerable Adults Investigations and Review is available to all who choose to report their abuse as children/vulnerable adults or who have the knowledge of the abuse in our Church. Eparchial staff collaborates with all necessary Eparchial offices to investigate and process allegations. While our process is conducted efficiently, our overarching goal is to work with those who choose to report with compassion, and to connect them with the proper authorities and resources.

In cases where the reported abuse did not take place by personnel of this Eparchy, the staff will provide individuals with the necessary information and support so that the report can be made to the appropriate authority. To ensure the best resources and investigation practices are engaged, we encourage you to contact public authorities first or simultaneously as you reach out to our office. Below you can find information on the Eparchial Response Team when the abuse involves:

• A Cleric (Priest or Deacon) • A Member of a Religious Congregation • A Lay Employee or Volunteer

Who to Call

Dr. Laura Kahwaji, Victim Assistance Coordinator, @ (323) 428-6815 Msgr. Peter Karam, Director of the Office for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults, @ (216) 333-0760.

OCTOBER 2018 | 31 Parish News

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO Graduate Scholarships St. Maron Maronite Youth Organization Liturgy for Albert and Barbara Dohar On June 24, 2018, following Sunday liturgy, Monsignor James Root and St. Anthony of the Desert Parish congregation awarded monetary scholarships The Youngstown MYO has had the privilege of having Albert and Barbara to four graduating high school seniors (each received $500.). Scholarships Dohar as pillars for countless years. Their legacy and examples in faith, have been granted for 16 years in memory of Chorbishop Norman J. Ferris, family, devotion, and leadership, will be our guide for the present and Mary Ann Hallal and Loretta George. future. The group that we have today would not have developed in the way that it has over the past several years had it not been for the Dohar family. Recipients ( left to right): Zachary Martin, son of Alexander and Shannon To thank them for all that they have done, the parish’s MYO held a special Martin, received the Chorbishop Norman Ferris Memorial Scholarship. liturgy for the Dohar family where all past and present members who Zachary will be attending Wentworth Institute of Technology and majoring were so lucky to be impacted by the family came together and said thank in Mechanical Engineering. Mallory Forcier, daughter of Gerard and Giselle you. The homily given by Deacon William George had a main theme of Forcier, received the Marry Ann Hallal Memorial Scholarship. Mallory will be stewardship, which had a direct tie to the Dohar family that expressed their attending Bridgewater State University and majoring in Special Education. dedication in the Maronite Church. Subdeacon Al Dohar was presented Patrick Crowley, son of Brian and Kerry Crowley, received the Loretta George with a custom made jibbee, and Barbara was presented with a hanging Memorial Scholarship. Patrick will be attending UMASS Boston majoring in basket of flowers and gift cards. The gifts we have given them are not Economics and Middle Eastern Studies. Joseph Camara, son of Joseph and comparable to the gifts that they have shared with us. Although words Lila Camara. Joseph will be attending Wentworth Institute of Technology cannot describe how eternally grateful we are, on the behalf of the St. and majoring in Electromechanical Engineering. Maron’s youth, we thank the Dohars for all the time and dedication they have put into our organization. They always shared their time, talents, Other participants (L to R): Altar servers — Andro Khawand and Thomas and Maronite spirituality as faithful advisors, no matter what struggles or Michael Scholarship Committee — Karl Hetzler, Deacon Donald Massoud, tribulations they were going through. They always put the MYO’s needs Monsignor James Root, Deacon Brian Dunn, and Shannon Martin. before their own. You have taught us to be proud yet humble members of the MYO. To the Dohar family — we are always praying for you, and we love you.

32 | THE MARONITE VOICE Oriental Institute in Rome. In 1976, Archbishop Francis Zayek ordained Faris to the priesthood at St. George Maronite Catholic Church in Uniontown, PA. Archbishop Zayek also ordained Faris a Chorbishop in 1991. Presently, he serves as Professor of Eastern Canon Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Chorbishop was elected President of the Canon Law Society and has been a member of the canon law societies in various countries. He is a Knight Commander with the Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and was the recipient of its highest UNIONTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA order, the Golden Palm, in recognition of his dedication and services to UAHS “Hall of Fame” Inductees the Christians in the Middle East. Chorbishop is now serving St. Anthony’s by Dr. Mabel George Howard Church in Glen Allen, VA and is the editor of The Maronite Voice.

For generations, Uniontown Area High School (UAHS) in Uniontown, PA John Unice was selected for the Athletic award in light of his extraordinary has represented a plethora of multi-talented graduates and personnel athletic and coaching abilities. Playing on the varsity squad, Unice took demonstrating high achieving standards in various disciplines. The UAHS Uniontown High School basketball to the WPIAL finals during two seasons. Hall of Fame acknowledges, highlights, and honors the accomplishments He received all-state honors and was given the nickname John “the Bandit” of Uniontown’s outstanding individuals, teams, and organizations that Unice by sports announcers for his aggressiveness, agility, and lightning- have excelled throughout the years in Academics, Athletics, and Arts. fast “steals” on the court. During his four years at Washington & Jefferson These distinguished Inductees have brought attention and recognition to College, Unice was the starting guard in every game for the Presidents. He UAHS through their exceptional achievements while promoting a sense of was the two-time MVP and twice earned All-Conference and All-District unity and pride in the school and community. On September 1, 2018, this All-Star honors. In 1976, Unice returned to his collegiate Alma Mater to year’s Inductees were honored at a banquet and presented with an award become the Presidents’ head basketball coach. During his coaching career, plaque at Uniontown High School. They graced the audience with inspiring he was named the (PAC) Presidents’ Athletic Conference coach three times speeches of memorable life events and how experiences at UAHS positively and small college district Coach of the Year after leading W&J to their first influenced their personal growth and development. Among the Inductees, NCAA Division III Tournament. Unice twice earned the Washington-Greene the UAHS Hall of Fame unanimously chose two very deserving Lebanese County Coach of the Year, and was inducted into the Washington-Greene Maronite Catholics originally from St. George Maronite Catholic Church in Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the W & J Hall of Uniontown, PA: Chorbishop John Faris and Mr. John Unice. Fame. Unice also held the positions of Student Activities Director, Campus Center Director, and Associate Dean of Student Affairs at W & J. Chorbishop Faris was selected for the Academic award based upon his impressive education and varied religious services. Faris graduated from Also, a brunch prepared by the Ladies Guild was held at St. George Church Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, and later earned a degree in to celebrate Faris’ and Unice’s awards. We appreciate and admire their Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. service, dedication, expertise, and personal contributions in Academics and Faris was awarded a Doctorate of Eastern Canon Law from the Pontifical Athletics. Congratulations!

OCTOBER 2018 | 33 Parish News

NORTH JACKSON, OHIO DARTMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS Assumption Pilgrimage Maronite Servants Open House Basilica of the National Shrine of by Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh, MSCL Our Lady of Lebanon The Maronite Servants of Christ the Light hosted an Open House on The Faithful from near and far gathered once again at the Basilica of the September 8, 2018, in celebration of their 10th Year Anniversary. Spiritual National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon for the 53rd Assumption Pilgrimage leaders in attendance were Bishop Gregory Mansour and Bishop Nicholas on 13-15 August 2018. The weather was a bit warm and rain clouds were Samra, Ordinary of the Melkite Church. The Sisters were pleased to welcome overhead, but all proceeded as planned, and hundreds came to honor the over 70 guests to their convent in Dartmouth. Those attending visited the Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven. Liturgies of the major rites of the Chapel of Saint Maron, and enjoyed a video and powerpoint presentation Catholic Churches were celebrated and the voices of the faithful joined expressing their blessings from God throughout the years. The guests were the singers to give praise to the Lord and to honor His Mother. As evening also able to see the progress in the basement renovations of their St. Sharbel descended, hundreds of candles lit the way before the icon of Our Lady of Hall. Lebanon and processed onto the road as a sea of faithful made their way back to Mary’s Tower, which is still under restoration. The construction Mother Marla Marie and Bishop Gregory briefly discussed the beauty of did not diminish the zeal of many and the solemn hymn of Ya Oum Allah the Maronite Servants’ community and charism as spiritual mothers. They was chanted and the blessing bestowed by Bishop Elias. To end the great emphasized the fact that God has continued to greatly influence their work celebration, the sky above Our Lady’s statue was filled with colorful since the founding of this spiritual group. Volunteers served refreshments in fireworks, but as joyful people do, the festivities continued in the Cedars Hall the outdoor area as friends relaxed and enjoyed the company of one another. with food and fellowship. The Maronite youth also gathered for some after- hour fellowship and prayer. Everyone is so delighted that the MYO has made the Pilgrimage part of their yearly activities. For over fifty years, Catholics of all traditions have come to honor Our Blessed Lady of Lebanon and we anticipate many more years of devotion to Her.

34 | THE MARONITE VOICE FALL RIVER, MASSACHUYSETTS Light of Life Bible Camp by Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh, MSCL

The LOL Club (Light of Life) began on July 23rd, the Feast of St. Sharbel, with five days of learning about the life and spirituality of St. Sharbel in engaging CINCINNATI, OHIO video, crafts, bible sharing, games, prayer, choir practice, dabke rehearsal, Feast of the Exaltation of the and snacks. Our theme this year was “In the Footsteps of St. Sharbel”, and Holy Cross | St. Anthony of Padua each day focused on his four great loves: prayer, the Holy Eucharist, our Maronite Church Blessed Mother, and his loving service.

Day one centered on St. Sharbel’s deep devotion to prayer. The children On Friday, 14 September 2018, a special evening prayer service was held at learned all about the importance of prayer in their lives, especially the St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Catholic Church to celebrate the feast day of prayer of the ‘Our Father’. Day two was on St. Sharbel’s great devotion to the the Exultation of the Holy Cross. This joint prayer service was a continuation Liturgy and especially to the Holy Eucharist, where he spent many hours of of efforts of the One Church of Mercy group and the Knights and Dames of the day in adoration. The children learned how to pray before the Blessed the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. Members of that Sacrament. Day three focused on St. Sharbel’s tender love for our holy Order, along with Maronite, Syro-Malabar, and Roman Catholic parishes, Mother, Mary, and how we can show her great love, like Sharbel, by praying and the Antiochian Orthodox Church came together to pray for religious the Rosary everyday. Day four focused on St. Sharbel’s loving service toward freedom for all and to bring awareness of the persecution of Christians around others, especially the sick and those in need. the world. Fr. George Hajj, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Maronite Church was the Celebrant, with Fr. Todd Grogan of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin LOL Club Maronite summer camp concluded July 27th with Divine Liturgy Mary Roman Catholic Church and Fr. Jiby Antony Thekkemuriyil of St. Chavara celebrated at St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Church by Monsignor Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission concelebrated. A procession led by the Knights James Root, pastor, and attended by LOL members, volunteers, and parents. and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem started off the evening and included the beautiful wooden cross crafted two years ago After the closing Liturgy, all those in attendance enjoyed a performance by by Mr. Elie Kanaan, a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church. The Blessing of their children in the Church Hall, which included skits, sing-a-longs and the the four corners with the glorious cross took place during the Liturgy, while dabke, along with lunch. After lunch, all children, volunteers and parents many hymns and psalms were sung, intentions read, and the Knights’ Prayer enjoyed an afternoon of arcade games, bumper cars and boats at Grand recited. Afterwards, a reception and educational program was held at St. Prix in Seekonk. The children enjoyed our time together, and it was great to Anthony Church’s Hall. This program included a video presentation from Mr. hear that affirmed by the parents who mentioned to us that their kids were Bill O’Keefe, Catholic Relief Services Vice President for Government Relations learning, having fun, and making so many new friends. and Advocacy, and a presentation and discussion led by Ms. Annie Scheid, Refugee Resettlement Director for Catholic Charities of South West Ohio. Many commented afterwards about how uplifting it was to have so many different parishes come together to pray and be as one.

OCTOBER 2018 | 35 Parish News

HOUSTON, TEXAS 55th Annual National Apostolate of Maronites Convention | Our Lady of the Cedars Church

The 55th NAM National Convention in Houston was one for the record books. Although the host parish, Our Lady of the Cedars started as a mission in 1991, it is still one of the youngest parishes in the United States. Yet, this WATERVILLE, MAINE young parish organized a record-breaking convention. Fr. James Doran, Latin Rite to Maronite Rite Priest by Dr. Mabel George Howard Themed appropriately, “Maronites - Deep Roots, Growing in Faith,” our convention began. The Marriott Marquis in Downtown Houston buzzed with Father James Doran, a Latin Rite Priest of 27 years, tells an interesting Maronites from all over the country. Clergy arrived on Monday and the laity story leading to his priestly ordination into the Maronite Catholic Rite. At started arriving on Tuesday night. an early age, James’ parents instilled in him the importance of religion, education, and hard work through their own educational and labor pursuits The excursions to NASA, the city’s museum district, and parish all ended up and qualities of discipline, order, integrity, and honesty. During his teenage requiring additional transportation, which was handled beautifully by the years, James became very interested in reading extensively about religion organizing committees. The workshops exceeded expectations. The young and philosophy. He was always intrigued by the “intellectual pursuits” of adult events were by far the most popular. From the brewery event, happy questioning “If” and “What is God?” In preparing to begin his college studies hours, and the gatherings at the Texas-sized, Texas-shaped pool, the mood at the University of Michigan, a dramatic change came over James while among the young adults was full of excitement. The youth events were also listening to his priest’s sermon on Good Shepherd Sunday. James pondered a great success! A dedicated seniors room was set up with card and board games on the celebrant’s words, “Every man in this church must ask himself and a tournament organized on Saturday, but one of the biggest surprises, was whether God wishes him to be a priest.” He questioned if God was calling the attendance and exceptional success of the children’s program. him to the priesthood. This thought changed James’ destiny forever, and he soon learned that serving God was to be his vocation. A highlight of every convention has always been the entertainment. The religious concert, the addition of a comedy show, Saturday’s headliner, and Ultimately, James made the decision to attend the Seminary of Saint Pius even our local talents were enjoyed by all. Of course, having a Texas Cowboy in Switzerland to embark upon his theological studies. In 1988, he was theme for Friday night took everyone by surprise! ordained a priest in the Latin Rite, and he served many parishes in and out of the country. However, throughout the years, James was always drawn to the To the volunteers, donors, and supporters, no matter when or how you Eastern Catholic Syriac traditions. He progressively became deeply involved contributed, a heartfelt thank you is not enough. You never ceased to in the beauty of the church’s patrimony, both liturgical and doctrinal. After amaze. To all those who helped us along the way by their experience and a decade long friendship with the Maronite Archbishop of Damacus, Syria, roles in the NAM organization or locally, before, during, and still now after James petitioned Rome to transfer ritual churches and enter the Eparchy of the convention is over, we appreciate you. A special recognition to Bishop St. Maron of Brooklyn, NY. He called this religious transformation “a calling Elias for his continued support and for his trust. within a calling.” After completing his Eastern studies in 2017, James was ordained a priest of the Maronite Rite on the Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul. All in all, we are thankful for God’s grace in He expressed the following: “I must say that the more I learn of the Syriac allowing us to host a successful convention. traditions, writings of the Fathers, and heritage of St. Maroun, the more I fall The hard work of our pastors, Fathers in love with them.” Milad and Edward, and all our over 200 Currently, Fr. Doran is the pastor of St. Joseph’s Antiochene Syriac Maronite volunteers, did not go unnoticed. We are Catholic Church in Waterville, Maine. With his experiences and religious humbled. To these nice people we say: dedication, it is our privilege and honor to welcome Father James Doran into Thank you and God bless. the Maronite Rite.

36 | THE MARONITE VOICE MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN Saint Sharbel Mission by Fr. Nabil Mouannes

The Trinity is Mystery. God is so clear, light from light, so close to the heart of man in good will.

Mysterious is the work of St. Sharbel. He is present. He is still performing his “Opus Dei” all over the world. Here, in Wisconsin, is St. Sharbel’s little flock. LAKEWOOD, COLORADO They keep the faith that can move mountains. They are planting the mustard Colorado Lebanese Festival seed that will grow and will become a tree full of fruit which will nourish all St. Rafka Maronite Church people from all nations who are hungry for true spiritual food. Wisconsin is the only place in North America which hosted an apparition of our Mother The Trinity is Mystery. God is so clear, light from light, so close to the heart Mary, which received the seal of authenticity from Rome. Our community of man in good will. and I, under the protection of St. Sharbel, are happy to build our Mission under her grace and through the gift of her Immaculate Heart. Our Mission Mysterious is the work of St. Sharbel. He is present. He is still performing his has already received the support and is under the protection of our Bishop “Opus Dei” all over the world. Here, in Wisconsin, is St. Sharbel’s little flock. Elias Zaidan, almost since the dawn of his installation. They keep the faith that can move mountains. They are planting the mustard seed that will grow and will become a tree full of fruit which will nourish all Now we are celebrating the feast of St. Sharbel with Monsignor Sharbel people from all nations who are hungry for true spiritual food. Wisconsin is Maroun, who was entrusted by Bishop Zaidan to take care of our Mission. the only place in North America which hosted an apparition of our Mother Many priests helped him, and now, after four years, it is my turn, through Mary, which received the seal of authenticity from Rome. Our community the mystery of the Divine Heart, at the age of sixty, to work with zeal and and I, under the protection of St. Sharbel, are happy to build our Mission devotion in the field of the Lord. I was nominated to be administrator of St. under her grace and through the gift of her Immaculate Heart. Our Mission Sharbel to serve as the first local priest. This is my first celebration of the has already received the support and is under the protection of our Bishop feast of St. Sharbel with my parishioners and their friends. I was also blessed Elias Zaidan, almost since the dawn of his installation. to be asked to share parish responsibilities as the Associate Pastor of St. Lucy and St. Sebastian with Fr. Javier Guativa as pastor, thanks to Archbishop Now we are celebrating the feast of St. Sharbel with Monsignor Sharbel Jerome Listecki and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Maroun, who was entrusted by Bishop Zaidan to take care of our Mission. Many priests helped him, and now, after four years, it is my turn, through As you look at the picture above, please pray for us. Write words of the mystery of the Divine Heart, at the age of sixty, to work with zeal and encouragement and best wishes to us. devotion in the field of the Lord. I was nominated to be administrator of St. Sharbel to serve as the first local priest. This is my first celebration of the The heart of God is like the heart of a mother. He is close to his little children feast of St. Sharbel with my parishioners and their friends. I was also blessed until they are grown. Wherever you live, whoever you are, think about St. to be asked to share parish responsibilities as the Associate Pastor of St. Lucy Sharbel Mission in Wisconsin and try to be the hand of St. Sharbel helping us and St. Sebastian with Fr. Javier Guativa as pastor, thanks to Archbishop to build his hermitage in Wisconsin. Come visit us. Be our miracle. Jerome Listecki and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

As you look at the picture above, please pray for us. Write words of encouragement and best wishes to us.

The heart of God is like the heart of a mother. He is close to his little children until they are grown. Wherever you live, whoever you are, think about St. Sharbel Mission in Wisconsin and try to be the hand of St. Sharbel helping us to build his hermitage in Wisconsin. Come visit us. Be our miracle.

OCTOBER 2018 | 37 The Word Was Made Flesh Here:

Nazareth Today by Rev. Saba Shofany

In a letter addressed to his clergy on the occasion of his twenty- The evangelist Matthew describes how Jesus’ first public fifth anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, Cardinal Joseph preaching took place in the synagogue of Nazareth (13:54). As Ratzinger of Munich wrote about Nazareth. evidence that a prophet is not accepted among his own people, the people of Nazareth were offended by Jesus’ preaching, to the The New Testament did not begin in the Temple, nor on the Holy point of wanting to throw him over a precipice (Lk 4:29) and to Mountain, but rather in the simple dwelling of the Virgin Mary, expel him from the region (Mk 6:1-6). Because of this rejection, in the house of the worker, in one of those forgotten places of Jesus was unable to perform many miracles in his hometown (Mt “pagan Galilee,” from where nobody expected any good to come. 13:58) and made another nearby village, Capernaum, his home It is only from there that the Church could make a new start and (Mt 4:12-13). be healed. The Church could never present the true answer to the revolt of our century against wealth and power, unless from After the Resurrection, the fame of this tiny village spread within its deepest self. Nazareth was indeed a living reality. throughout the Roman Empire and has been a destination for Christian pilgrims for centuries. In the fourth century, a Church The future Benedict XVI affirmed that Nazareth is a living reality. of the Annunciation was built over the House of Mary. This small Located fourteen miles southwest of the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, structure was replaced by a succession of churches, the last being with its population of 80,000, is today the largest Arab city in a modern structure dedicated in 1969. Israel—thus earning the nickname of “Arab Capital of Israel.” The majority of its citizens are Arab citizens of Israel. Approximately Nazareth today is a city with a fascinating history, a touch of 40% are Christians and 60% are Muslim. modern culture and a beautiful market filled with Middle Eastern charm. With its thirty churches and monasteries as well as While its roots date back to 9000 BC, Nazareth began as a small mosques and synagogues, it is a center for ecumenism and for Jewish village about 2,000 years ago. “Nazareth” means “sprout” or interfaith dialogue among Christian, Muslims and Jews. “shoot” and is the name of a flower in Galilee. In modern times, the monk, Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916), Although Nazareth is never mentioned in the Old Testament, it seeking to follow the footsteps of Jesus, lived with the Poor Clare plays a central role in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke refers Sisters in Nazareth. He wrote I am settled at Nazareth.… The good to it as the home of Joseph and Mary (2:39), where the Archangel God has found me a place here, as perfect as could be. It is what Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to I was looking for: poverty, solitude, abjection, very menial work, the Messiah (1:26-28) and as the place where Jesus grew up (4:16). complete obscurity, a near perfect imitation of how our Lord Jesus lived in this same Nazareth.… I have embraced here the humble and obscure existence of God, the workman of Nazareth.

To understand the Incarnation, we must follow the example of Foucauld and look to Nazareth to understand poverty, solitude, abjection, menial work and obscurity.

Father Shofany is a Melkite Greek Catholic priest hailing from Galilee and currently pastor of Saint Basil’s Church in Utica, New York.

The passage from the Gospel of John in Latin says, “Verbum factum caro est.” (“The Word was made flesh”) is inscribed on the front of the altar with an addition: Verbum caro hic factum est. (“The Word was made flesh here.)

38 | THE MARONITE VOICE From the Editor

he Second Vatican Council (1962-65), an assembly of approximately 2,500 Catholic bishops, intended to chart a path for the Church in the twentieth century. One of the concerns of this Council was the situation of the Eastern Catholics—only fifteen million faithful in a Church of 1.2 billion, but important witnesses to the apostolic roots of the T Church in the East. Until the end of the nineteenth century, Eastern Christians were for the most part confined to their lands of origins, Eastern Europe, Northeast Africa, the Middle East and India. At the time of the Council, the majority of European Eastern Christians—Catholic and Non- Catholic—were under the oppression of Communism. Other Eastern Christians were tiny minorities in Islamic and Hindu societies.

And then the floodgates opened. World and regional wars, political upheavals, economic hardship and religious discrimination compelled many Eastern Catholics to emigrate from their homelands to the Americas, Europe, and Australia. They were called the diaspora.

The Council Fathers wrestled with the problem of how to provide pastoral care for these faithful and to maintain bonds between them and the homeland.

One of the first initiatives that Apostolic Exarch Francis M. Zayek undertook was the publication of a newsletter, The Challenge, a forerunner of The Maronite Voice. The Exarch knew that if we were to have a true Maronite Family, Beit Maroun, we needed to be connected to one another, to know about one another. For the past twenty-three years Msgr. George M. Sebaali has with dedication and tireless zeal served as the editor of The Maronite Voice. We owe him deep gratitude.

We now turn a page—no pun intended—to a “refreshed” publication. The Maronite Voice will continue to have news about our parish events, but will also publish profiles of the clergy and institutions of the Maronite eparchies in the United States. We shall also provide news about the life of Christians in the Middle East and the ministries of our own Maronite Bishops and Patriarch and the Holy Father.

With this publication, it is our hope the diaspora will be transformed into a true expansion of the Maronite Church, “at home” all over the world.

OCTOBER 2018 | 39 Effective Ways You Can Help Your Eparchy!

Please consider the following ways in which you can help the Maronite Church!

Legacy Giving Tax-Smart Giving of Appreciated Stock or other Assets This is a creative way to support the Church. The gift of an asset such as common stock or Legacy Giving can involve contributing through mutual fund shares that have increased in value your will, insurance policy, or retirement assets. can be a smart way to make a contribution and You can get a tax deduction today and provide receive maximum tax benefits based on the value yourself with a steady source of income in future of the asset. years through a charitable trust. Gifts of other appreciated assets such as land, How to Remember Your Church in Your Will antiques, and homes, can also be utilized as potential gifts with valuable tax benefits. Suggested wording for a bequest to the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn: Gifts of these assets should be considered on a “I give and bequeath to the Eparchy of Saint Maron case-by-case basis. of Brooklyn ______% of the residue of my estate [or: the sum of $______].” For more information on any of these options, please contact: Suggested wording for a bequest to the Eparchy of Stewardship Director Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles: John F. Kurey, Esq., MBA “I give and bequeath to the Eparchy of Our Lady of 718-237-9913 or 314-231-1021 Lebanon of Los Angeles ______% of the residue of [email protected] or my estate [or: the sum of $______].” [email protected]

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