AL-RAHI AT THE END OF MARONITE BISHOPS’ SPIRITUAL RETREAT: PRESERVING LEBANON REQUIRES AWARENESS, EDUCATION & LOYALTY AMONG ALL GROUPS

 Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, presided over the closing Mass of the annual spiritual retreat of the Maronite bishops in Lebanon and countries of emigration, which was held at the “Church of Our Lady” in Bkirki this morning.

In his religious sermon, al-Rahi considered that “the law of coexistence is nothing but the practice of brotherhood horizontally, and filiation to one father vertically,” reminding that “Lebanon existed to be an example of a sovereign, free and neutral nation towards its surroundings and the world, and a symbol of equality and partnership among all its citizens on the basis of the Constitution and the Charter.”

He added: “We want Lebanon to be a strong and impregnable democratic state, with its institutions, people, army, impartial judiciary, and sound Arab and international relations.”

“I wish that our officials and politicians in Lebanon would understand the value and uniqueness of this country, which we find in the Constitution, the National Charter (1943) and the principles of the Taif Agreement,” al-Rahi said.

The Patriarch emphasized that “preserving Lebanon, its idealism and mission in the East and the world, requires awareness, education and loyalty among all Lebanese groups, especially those who serve public affairs.”

“Let the forgiveness of our sins at the end of this spiritual excerise be the beginning of a new pattern in our lives, so that we may shine before our people as men of prayer, love and mercy,” al-Rahi concluded.