Rai Follows Up on Conditions with Visitors from North to South

Cardinal Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai received the General Superior of the Lebanese Maronite Order, Abbot Hadi Moughrabi, accompanied by Father Bassam Shakra, Head of the House of St. Charbel in Bqefra, at the summer patriarchal residence in Deir el-Qamar.

During the meeting, Abbot Moughrabi thanked Patriarch Rai for presiding over the funeral rites of Abbot Paul Naiman and briefed him on the various activities and initiatives undertaken by the Order across Lebanese territories.

Subsequently, Patriarch Rai received Father Samir Gawa, President of Caritas Lebanon, and Hanna Al-Amil, Mayor of Ramch, who updated him on current conditions in Ramch, Dibb, and Ain Aabel, highlighting the severe challenges faced by these communities on all levels—educational, health-related, and economic—as well as the hardships endured by residents in these areas.

Al-Amil noted that "residents are living through extremely difficult circumstances," pointing out that "food convoys organized to supply the region with food and essential goods are frequently canceled." Patriarch Rai expressed strong interest in the situation in border villages, affirming "his deep concern for the people and his full solidarity with them." Al-Amil also conveyed an invitation on behalf of the residents of the three towns to visit the area soon, hoping the Patriarch would accept it.

Following the meeting, Al-Amil emphasized that "the Bkerke umbrella provides moral, material, and spiritual support to the people, helping them endure life in their homeland," praising the role of Caritas Lebanon, led by Father Samir Gawa, in organizing relief convoys and maintaining this lifeline. He also extended gratitude to the Apostolic Nuncio and all religious and non-religious organizations providing aid to the population.

Al-Amil reiterated his thanks to Patriarch Rai and all supporting entities, calling for "continued solidarity and assistance during increasingly deteriorating conditions, so that the people may sustain their resilience in their land."

Later, Patriarch Rai received the President and members of the Association of the Immaculate Conception, who requested his paternal blessing on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the association’s founding and presented him with an icon of Saint Raphaëlle.

Before noon, Patriarch Rai met with Francisco Ernesto Romero Buc, the Mexican Ambassador to Lebanon, who informed the Patriarch that this was his first visit to the region and provided a tour of the sacred valley and surrounding villages. During the meeting, the Mexican ambassador affirmed his "moral support and full endorsement of the Patriarch’s national, heartfelt positions," emphasizing "the deep historical ties between Lebanon and Mexico since the first wave of Lebanese emigration." The Patriarch was also briefed on the situation of the Lebanese diaspora in Mexico.

At midday, Patriarch Rai met with Colonel Mustafa Badran, Commander of the Northern Region of the Internal Security Forces, and Colonel Melad Nassar, Commander of the Amioun Battalion, discussing security conditions in the north and the measures taken by security forces to ensure safety and stability. The Patriarch commended the "critical role of the Internal Security Forces in safeguarding citizens and maintaining public order."