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Lebanon: Training of six seminarians in the diocese of Baalbek
Seminarians of the diocese of Baalbek @ACN
Lebanon is seen in the Church as a bastion of Christianity in the Middle East. Unlike other countries in the Arab world, the country has a wealth of Catholic universities, and many priests from other countries are trained here.
However, given the clashes between Shi'ite Muslims and Israel in recent years and combined with the current institutional crisis, there is a need in Lebanon for people who can rebuild the country again. But many Christians are emigrating, in the hope of better professional opportunities abroad, or else because they feel discriminated against in their own country. And yet it is of fundamental importance that Christians should remain in the country, for they are the ones who can help Lebanon to maintain its historic role as a mediator between Islam and Christianity. If too many Christians emigrate, then the Muslims will gain control of the country and Lebanon will disappear as an "island of Christianity" in the region.
In this situation the role of the priests is a key one. They are striving to encourage everyone to remain in the country and they are working to break down prejudices on both sides. Simply by their own quiet presence, the priests are able to show that Christianity is not a religion of the Crusader, but rather one of forgiveness and love.
In a small seminary in the Maronite diocese of Baalbek there are six seminarians preparing for ordination. ACN has given €10,000 to support the cost of training these young men. All of them are undergoing a seven-year course of study, involving five years of philosophy and theology, a preparatory year and a year of practical experience in the parishes, before their final ordination and embarking on a life of service in Lebanon. Every one of your donations helps these priests in their work that peace and in counselling and encouraging the local Christians to persevere and remain in this crisis torn land.
His Excellency Bishop Simon Attalah of the Maronite diocese of Baalbek has written to thank ACN on behalf of all his seminarians. He writes: „Through my prayers, I thank you for the help that you so generously give to those who are in need", and he wishes all our benefactors „good health, prosperity and peace."
To know about this and many other similar projects in favour of the pastoral needs of the suffering Church, please contact our national offices.