Patriarch Rahi: No Fear for Lebanon as Long as Its Lady and Saints Guard It

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi participated in a 'Love Gathering' organized by the 'Ladies of Saint Rafqa - Hamlaya', on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Rafqa, in support of completing the construction of the Saint Rafqa Basilica in Hamlaya.

The Patriarch's procession set off from Bkerke, accompanied by the Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Elias Nassar and the General Secretary of the Patriarchate Father Fadi Tabet. Upon arrival, he visited the Church of Saint Rafqa and the hill where she used to pray, recalling family and childhood memories in the town.

Afterwards, he moved to the 'Al-Naseeb' restaurant, where he was received by the mayors of the region, its mukhtars, and dignitaries, alongside the Qaimaqam of Metn, Marlene Haddad, member of the Maronite Foundation for the Diaspora Sarkis Sarkis, and a number of priests, nuns, and residents of neighboring villages.

The meeting included a welcome speech by Monsignor Gaby Matar, and the launch of the 'Anthem of the Ladies of Rafqa - Hamlaya' with lyrics by Mrs. Hanan Al-Rayes and music by Maestro Maroun Rahi, arranged by Mr. Fadi Abi Hashim, before the Ladies of Rafqa presented a commemorative shield to Patriarch Rahi.

Patriarch Rahi

In his speech, Patriarch Rahi greeted the people of Hamlaya and the Ladies of Saint Rafqa, affirming that 'Rafqa is a joy from heaven in you and in us,' stressing that 'Lebanon is a land of joy, faith, and reliance on divine providence, and there is no fear for it as long as its saints and the Lady of Lebanon guard it.'

He congratulated the beatification of Patriarch Al-Houayek and Father Bishara Abou Mrad, considering that 'Heaven, whenever crises intensify in Lebanon, sends us a new saint to keep hope alive in the hearts of the Lebanese.'

He concluded emotionally: 'When I am in Hamlaya, I feel as if I am starting anew.'