Rai Visits Religious Institutions in Jubayl: Emphasizing Their Essential Role in Serving Humanity

Cardinal Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai, during his pastoral tour and visit to religious sites and institutions in the Jubayl region, visited the Sisters of the Holy Family School, the Carmelite Monastery of St. Joseph, and the Sisters of Mother Teresa in Bsharri, accompanied by the Patriarchal Vicar of Bkerki Bishop Elias Nasser, the Patriarchal Administrator of Deir el-Kamal Monsignor Tony Agha, General Secretary Father Fadi Tabet, and Special Secretary Father Camillo Mkhail.

The first stop was at the Sisters of the Holy Family School in Bsharri, where the Patriarch met with the sisters, reviewed the state of their educational and humanitarian mission, and examined the conditions of their schools, monasteries, and the presence of the religious order in serving the local population.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the significance of the educational mission carried out by religious orders, and the role of schools in shaping generations and preserving families’ connection to their land and villages, especially under difficult circumstances facing educational institutions.

He also took note of key challenges and needs, stressing the "importance of continuing these institutions in fulfilling their mission and serving humanity".

The second stop was at the Monastery and Church of St. Joseph of the Carmelites in Bsharri, where he was welcomed by the monastery’s superior Father Haiwaz Fakhri, the priests, members of the religious family, and representatives from secular groups connected to the monastic spirituality.

Patriarch Rai listened to a presentation on the life and spiritual activities of the monastery, its relationship with the faithful, the involvement of secular groups, and their mission as an extension of monastic spirituality in the lives of laypeople. The discussion also covered various activities carried out by the monastery, including efforts to revitalize the wine cellar as one of the resources supporting the monastery’s needs and sustaining its mission.

He also viewed the museum collection established by Father Youssef Ayoub, which includes preserved shells, birds, and butterflies from different countries, and listened to an explanation about his interest in documenting the world of butterflies, his exchanges of samples with environmental enthusiasts abroad, and his artistic work in drawing and glass engraving.

Before departing, the Patriarch visited the Church of St. Joseph and inspected ongoing restoration works, following damage caused by water seepage, humidity, and issues with the roofing tiles. He reviewed the work being done by artist Naji Kiroz, who also completed the paintings of St. Sabas and St. Joseph, as part of efforts to preserve the church’s artistic and spiritual value and restore its former splendor.

The final stop was at the Sisters of Mother Teresa in Bsharri, where he was greeted by Mother Superior Claudie Yufina, Sister Sylvie, the sisters, and the children.

The visit was marked by the children’s spontaneity and innocence: one child approached and placed a garland of roses around the Maronite Patriarch’s neck, while the children and sisters expressed their joy at receiving him.

Patriarch Rai concluded his tour after the three stops collectively highlighted a comprehensive picture of ecclesiastical presence in Jubayl: education and human formation, religious life encompassing prayer, service, culture, and heritage, and childhood symbolizing innocence and hope for the future.

The tour reaffirmed the role of monasteries and educational institutions in serving humanity and preserving the spiritual and social presence in the region.