Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai presided over the Mass of the Feast of Our Lady of Lebanon and the opening of the month of May in the Basilica of Our Lady of Lebanon – Harissa, with the participation of a number of bishops, priests and nuns, and the presence of Minister of Information Paul Morcos and the former head of the Syndicate of Pharmacists Joe Salloum, along with a crowd of events and citizens from various Lebanese regions.
In his sermon, Al-Rahi presented a reading of the Lebanese reality, noting that the country is experiencing a delicate phase that oscillates between anxiety and waiting, in light of complex conditions that include war, displacement, and accumulated crises, which are exhausting citizens and exhausting state institutions. He said that the Lebanese live in a state of daily anticipation amid attempts to cling to what remains of hope.
He pointed out that the internal scene is witnessing high levels of division and tension, with a declining ability to contain differences, warning of the disintegration of trust among the Lebanese. He also strongly criticized what was happening on social media, considering that the ongoing “war of words” does not fall within the scope of freedom of opinion, but rather reflects a disturbing decline in discourse and a violation of dignity.
He stressed that Lebanon is greater than passing debates, calling for an end to the tense rhetoric and a return to the logic of dialogue and responsibility, stressing that what is built on dignity and truth remains, while what is based on insult and division collapses.
He pointed out that the country went through difficult stages in its history and was able to overcome them, considering that the current stage requires strengthening internal cohesion and working to rebuild confidence among the various components of society, in light of accelerating internal and regional challenges.
Al-Rahi concluded by stressing the need to cling to hope and work to restore stability, calling for overcoming divisions and coming together to face the next stage.
For his part, the head of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, Father Khalil Alwan, gave a welcoming speech, in which he reviewed the history of the shrine, noting that it was dedicated on May 3, 1908, and that it had become a unifying station for the Lebanese despite the various crises that the country had gone through.
Alwan stressed that commemorating this event after more than a century constitutes a renewal of the meanings of unity and meeting, calling for work to reunite and strengthen ties between the Lebanese.
