Appointment of Mrs. Rose Antoine Choueiri as President of the Maronite Foundation
On November 7, 2024 The Maronite Foundation in the World held its General Assembly with the majority of its members present, to discuss the leadership transition after its President, Mr. Charles George Hage, announced his desire to step down at the end of his second term. Despite the members’ insistence on his continuation, this decision aimed to activate the principle of rotation in Maronite institutions and to pass the leadership to an active member.
During the assembly, it was unanimously agreed to propose the name of the Vice President, Mrs. Rose Choueiri, to His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi. The Patriarch endorsed and approved this proposal, issuing Patriarchal Decree No. 65/2024 dated November 13, 2024, appointing Mrs. Rose Antoine Choueiri as President of the Foundation for a three-year term.
Members of the Foundation participated on Saturday, November 16, in the Patriarchal See for the handover ceremony. His Beatitude congratulated the Foundation on the smooth, civilized, and exemplary leadership transition, as well as the tremendous efforts undertaken by the President and members over the past six years, a period marked by financial, economic, health, and educational crises.
The Patriarch also praised Mrs. Choueiri, thanking her for her readiness to take on leadership. He highlighted her long-standing involvement with the Foundation alongside her family since the passing of the late founder Antoine Choueiri, her role in establishing offices, participating in all activities, visits, and conferences, and her work in building strong relationships with dioceses, Lebanese missions, and stakeholders in Lebanon and abroad. She has also chaired the Maronite Academy since its establishment in 2013, which welcomed around 500 university students from over 30 countries in the diaspora. His Beatitude wished her success and excellence in her high responsibilities.
His Beatitude also addressed former President Mr. Charles Hage, expressing appreciation and pride in his dedication, professionalism, constructive vision, and constant attention to the Foundation’s interests. He commended Mr. Hage’s tireless efforts in expanding the Foundation’s activities abroad and his immense contributions to the Solidarity Association, which has distributed over 190,000 food parcels to thousands of families in more than 750 towns. He also recognized Mr. Hage’s significant work in health during the COVID-19 pandemic and in education, helping alleviate school tuition burdens for 10,565 students over the past two years.
Mr. Hage, in turn, thanked His Beatitude for his ongoing guidance and support and pledged to continue his active involvement in the Foundation. Mrs. Choueiri also expressed her gratitude to the Patriarch and all members for their trust and contributions, urging them to continue the path established by the late first President, Minister Michel Eddé, together with current and past members whose memories remain deeply rooted in the Foundation.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Eminence Cardinal awarded Mr. Charles Hage the highest Patriarchal medal as a token of loyalty, appreciation, and blessing, praying that God grants him and his family continued support for the Maronite Church and bestows abundant blessings upon him.
