“Raise the Sails of Peace”: A United Prayer for South Lebanon

On April 11, 2026 - In response to the invitation of His Holiness the Pope, the Maronite Patriarchate held a spiritual gathering at the Patriarchal Seat in Bkerke to pray for peace, under the theme “Raise the Sails of Peace,” under the patronage and presence of Patriarch Bechara Rai, with the participation of the Maronite Foundation in the World, alongside a large number of faithful from the parishes of the Maronite Diocese of Tyre and several apostolic and church movements.

The prayer gathering brought together believers from the villages of the South, notably Alma Al-Shaab, Qouzah, Debel, Rmeish, Ain Ebel, Qlayaa, Marjeyoun, Kawkaba, Kfarkela, Hajja, Adoussieh, Tyre, and Sarba, in addition to the active presence of confraternities and movements such as the Scouts, the Knights of the Cedar, the Marian Apostolic Movement, and others. The Youth Pastoral Office in Bkerke was responsible for organizing this spiritual encounter.

At the conclusion of the gathering, participants joined in prayer and lit candles for the people and villages of the South—especially those directly represented—creating a deeply spiritual moment that embodied unity in prayer and hope for a comprehensive peace.