Patriarch Al-Rahi Presides Over Mass Celebrating 15th Anniversary of the Maronite Foundation

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of its launch in Lebanon and abroad, the Maronite Foundation in the World, in coordination with His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, invited the public to participate in a Holy Mass at the Patriarchal See on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
The Mass was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Paolo Borgia, forty Synod bishops, heads of Maronite religious orders, patriarchal institutions, members of the Foundation, and some of its friends. The offerings were presented for the intentions of the Foundation’s members, directors, employees, and their families, as well as for the intentions of the Lebanese diaspora and the countries that embraced them, especially since they have carried Lebanon in their hearts and regained their Lebanese nationality. Prayers were also offered for the founders and members who have passed away into eternal life, alongside the victims of the Beirut port explosion, the COVID-19 pandemic, and all those suffering and in need due to the severe economic crisis.
His Beatitude addressed the Foundation’s president and members with words of gratitude and appreciation, congratulating them on the major achievements accomplished over the past years—whether through opening 15 offices abroad, funded with salaries and expenses from Lebanon, or by registering tens of thousands of names in coordination with Lebanese embassies.
He also praised the initiative of the Maronite Academy, launched by the Foundation in 2013 under the leadership of Mrs. Rose Choueiri. The Academy provided thousands of young people of Lebanese descent the opportunity to discover Lebanon’s culture and civilization, as well as the history, heritage, and landmarks of the Maronite Church. Over seven years, it welcomed, at its own expense, nearly 500 young men and women from more than 35 countries abroad, who later became ambassadors for the Foundation in their countries of residence.
After the Mass, the Foundation invited attendees to a fraternal luncheon, where its president, Engineer Charles George Hage, welcomed His Beatitude the Patriarch, the Apostolic Nuncio, the bishops, and the guests, thanking them for joining this occasion. He also highlighted His Beatitude’s support, along with the diaspora bishops, for the Foundation’s mission in their respective dioceses.
Mr. Hage further expressed deep gratitude to the members of the Foundation who oversee its management, provide counsel, and never hesitate to make sacrifices in continuing the mission of the late founder, Minister Michel Eddé. He extended special thanks to the members contributing to the “Together in Hardship – SOLIDARITY” association, which regularly distributes 10,000 food parcels in more than 750 towns and provides scholarships for the fourth child and above in semi-free schools.
Finally, Mr. Hage pledged before everyone to intensify and expand the Foundation’s work in its offices, affirming his strong belief in the diaspora’s role in helping to save Lebanon from its economic crisis and raising its name high in international forums.