First anniversary of the Maronite Foundation in the World

The Maronite Foundation in the world celebrated its first anniversary on October 4, 2009, in the Lebanese Maronite Monks monastery of Machmouche - Casa Jezzine, South Lebanon.

A solemn ceremonial mass was held for the intention of all the founding members at the historical monastery church, presided by Bishop Roland Abou Jaoudé who was delegated by H.B Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir and assisted by Bishop Rai of Byblos, Joseph Khoury of Canada, Abbotts Elias Khalifé, Boulos Naaman and Bassil Hachem, as well as NDU President father Walid Moussa and Holy spirit - Kaslik President Father Hadi Mahfouz. 

The President of the Republic Michel Sleiman was represented by the Minister of Interior Ziad Baroud. Minister of the environment Tony Karam and MPs of the region Ziad Assouad, Michel Helou, Nehmatallah Abi Nasr; and Former MPs Samir Azar, Antoine Khoury, Georges Najm as well as ambassadors Bahjat Lahoud, Simon Karam and Maronite League President Joseph Torbey and members of his Executive Council and those of the Maronite General Council, and members of the Board of trustees of the Foundation and staff members were all present. 

Monsignor Abou Jaoudé delivered a homily praising the Foundation and its president Michel Eddé for their work, and thanked them for all the efforts made toward advancing the mission of the Foundation. 

A lunch hosted by Board of Trustees' member Charles G. Hage in the premises of the Monastery followed the mass. 150 people friends of the Foundation attended the lunch. Vice President Nehmat Frem presented to Mr. Eddé a memorial shield of recognition as a token of gratitude for his efforts in making the Foundation a reality. 

On the shield was written a personal note from Patriarch Sfeir stating: "To a great countryman his Excellency Michel Eddé, who lives his faith in God and Country, by translating them into actions that will last forever". 

Michel Eddé thanked all those present and friends of the Foundation, especially H.B Patriarch Sfeir for his wisdom and foresight in establishing the Foundation. He emphasized the need to double the efforts of registering Lebanese abroad especially the Christians who are on the verge of losing the battle of demography if the trend of birth and emigration continues the way it is today.