Papal Envoy Visits Arqoub and Marjeyoun to Support Local Communities

Monseigneur Paolo Borgia, the Papal Ambassador to Lebanon, accompanied by Father Samir Ghaoui, head of Caritas Lebanon, and an accompanying delegation, conducted a humanitarian and social visit to the Hasbaya and Marjeyoun districts. The purpose was to assess the living conditions of residents and evaluate the status of health and humanitarian institutions in the area.

The visit began in the town of Kfar Hammam, where Borgia was received by Dr. Qassem Al-Qadri, president of the Arqoub Municipalities Union, Dr. Maadad Rahal, mayor of Kfar Hammam, members of the municipal council, as well as local mukhtars and social, municipal, and elective figures from the region.

The attendees reviewed the progress and coordination mechanisms among partner organizations, praising the humanitarian initiative as an embodiment of cooperation and solidarity in serving the community.

Humanitarian aid was distributed to residents through a joint effort involving Caritas Lebanon, CRS Foundation, and the charitable association “Awareness and Compassion.”

The assistance included essential supplies benefiting 1,040 families, comprising household cleaning materials, personal hygiene products, sanitary napkins, and diapers for children. This aid aimed to alleviate living burdens and support the most vulnerable families in the region.

Following this, Borgia proceeded to Jadida Marjeyoun, where he visited the Marjeyoun Governmental Hospital. He was welcomed by Dr. George Nakad, a hospital board member, doctors Ramzi Aziz, Shadi Rizk, Ahmad Atwi, Hussein Abbas, nursing department head Rana Sheet, hospital staff, and members of the Jadida Marjeyoun municipality.

During his tour of the hospital departments, Borgia received briefings on the challenges faced by medical staff and their needs amid the difficult security circumstances prevailing in the border area. He also provided the hospital with in-kind assistance consisting of medicines, medical supplies, and several hygiene packages allocated to the town of Marjeyoun.

From Jadida Marjeyoun, the Papal Ambassador traveled to the town of Qlaileh, where he was received in the Saint George Hall by parish priest Father Antonius Farah, Mayor Hanna Daher, Father Hanna Al-Khoury, Father Youssef Basil, and a crowd of local residents and community leaders.

The meeting opened with a welcoming speech by Dr. Georgina Naamatallah, who emphasized that the Papal Ambassador’s visit conveyed a message of solidarity and hope to the people of the South facing difficult security conditions. She stressed that his presence affirmed the Holy See’s closeness to the region’s inhabitants and its commitment to supporting them.

Mayor Hanna Daher welcomed the visiting delegation, commending the ambassador’s role in supporting the people of the South. He affirmed that the stances of the Church and the Holy See have contributed to strengthening the resilience of residents and their attachment to their lands and villages despite the challenges.

Father Farah expressed appreciation for the continuous support provided by Catholic institutions, particularly Caritas and the Ofer Doryoun Foundation. He highlighted the importance of the primary care center established in the Caritas building in the town to serve affected families.

Farah also addressed the security situation in the town, marked by ongoing threats and repeated shelling. He recalled the victims who fell during recent periods and noted the damage inflicted on homes and residential structures. Additionally, he outlined several development projects the town aims to implement to create job opportunities and bolster residents’ resilience. He called for support to farmers and enabling them to access their agricultural lands, especially olive groves, which constitute a vital resource for many families.

At the conclusion of the visit, Borgia listened to the concerns and requests of the residents. Women from the fraternity presented him with a commemorative gift basket containing local products crafted by the town’s women, along with a symbolic gift of traditional soap made from Qlaileh’s olive oil, offered by the “Familia” group.

The final stop of the tour was the town of Deirmimas, where the Papal Ambassador offered condolences on the death of Mayor Suhail Abu Jamra, who was killed in a shooting incident. He expressed solidarity with the mayor’s family and the town’s residents in their painful loss.

Throughout his tour, Borgia underscored the importance of continuing humanitarian and relief efforts to support families and institutions in the South. He affirmed the Church’s commitment to stand by the residents during these difficult times and to work on strengthening their resilience and reinforcing values of solidarity and hope.