Students of the Maronite Foundation in the World invited to Diman’s table

Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rai received more than 100 young Maronite women and men from more than 20 countries; invited by the Maronite Foundation in the World to participate in the Maronite Academy, on the occasion of their journey back to their roots to discover the history and presence of the Maronite Church in Lebanon.

In addition to the students, Ms. Rose Choueiri, Vice-President of the Maronite Foundation in the World and President of the Maronite Academy, also attended the meeting, as well as members of the Foundation Board Messrs. Antoine and Rabih Frem, their spouses, and the director of the Foundation Mrs. Hiam Boustani. Ministers, parliamentarians and municipal chiefs from the northern districts also attended the summer Patriarchal residence to welcome the international students.

In his meeting with Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai, the President of the Maronite Foundation in the World, Charles Georges El-Hajj, told the children of the Lebanese diaspora: "Beloved, you are now in the presence of a symbol of many dimensions. First, He is the Head of our vast Church, which is found on all five continents, through you and also, through millions of your brothers and sisters, you carry in your genes and beliefs a constant desire for freedom and excellence.

Second, He is the depository of the glory of seventy-six Patriarchs who fought, resisted and were martyred fighting every attempt to restrict their parish's right to freedom and to worship God in our own way.

And third, He is the custodian of our parents and grandparents' dreams of living with the same rights and duties; and not to be treated as second class citizens".

In conclusion, President Hage added: "It is an opportunity and a privilege to meet him and listen to his words with an open heart".

Then Patriarch Rai distributed to the new members of the Board of the Maronite Foundation in the World: Dr. Tony Lababidi, Fadi Chamoun, Pascal Abou Jaoude, Joe Khoury and Danny Aoun; the decrees appointing them.

The Patriarch also presided the Mass at the intention of the diaspora, and delivered a moving sermon, reuniting all the distinguished guests around the table of the Maronite Patriarchate, in a gathering filled with joy and love.