Season of the Great Lent - Palm Sunday

Dear parishioners and friends of St Charbel’s Parish,

"Hosanna to the Son of David!" 

"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

 "Hosanna in the highest!"(Matthew 21:9)

Tomorrow, the Universal Catholic Church observes Palm Sunday. This is one of the most important days in Lent and marks the beginning of Holy Week. This day also shows the humility of Jesus who, unlike victorious kings who rode into cities on horses or chariots, chose to ride into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey to the chanting of the crowds and children. Masses and Processions will be held at St Charbel’s Church on Palm Sunday at 7.30am (no procession), 8.45am, 10.00am (English), 11.30am, 5.30pm and 7.00pm (English).

Please click on this link to read the PDF version of Kadishat for this week with Arabic translation:

As you may be aware, the 5 Precepts of the Catholic Church tell us that 

"You shall confess your sins at least once a year" (CCC 1457) and 

"You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least at Easter." (CCC 1389). 

As such, we are all encouraged to celebrate Easter with a clean heart and conscience by receiving the Sacrament of Confession. Confessions will be available all throughout Holy Week in the Church.

Good Friday
We are pleased to announce that His Excellency Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Apostolic Nuncio, will be joining us on Good Friday. The Stations of the Cross will commence at 9am from Roberts Park and will be followed by the Rite of Adoration of the Cross at St Charbel’s Multi-Purpose Hall at 10.30am and at 3.30pm in English.

The full program for Holy Week is now available on our website: www.stcharbel.org.au.

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Maronite Sports Day

The Maronite Sports Day is an annual event held on Easter Monday at Condell Park. On this day, all the Maronite parishes come together to participate in friendly inter-parish sports games. Families and young people are invited to attend. For more information, contact the SCYA Coordinator on 9740 0919 from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.


The President of Lebanon at St Charbel’s
It is with a sense of pride that we inform you that His Excellency General Michel Sleiman, President of the Republic of Lebanon, will be coming to St Charbel’s Parish on Wednesday 18 April 2012 starting from 11.30am as part of his tour in Australia. More details will follow in the coming weeks.

I wish you all a blessed week!

In God’s Love,

Fr. Dr. Antoine Tarabay
Rector
St. Charbel’s College and Church
142 Highclere Avenue
PUNCHBOWL NSW 2196

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20th Year—Number 1002 Sunday 01/04/2012
Season of the Great Lent
Palm Sunday
Sunday’s Readings: Philippi 1: 1-13 & John 12: 12-22

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord

“ The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord the King of Israel!’ 

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!’ His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. 

It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, ‘You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him! ’ Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. ” John 12: 12-22

Reflection of the Week

Holy Week - A Journey with Christ

As Holy Week begins, we are going to contemplate Christ's unending love.

It is a time to contemplate and celebrate the deepest mystery of our faith - that our all-powerful God, in the person of Jesus Christ, was willing to suffer a cruel death for love of us. As we share this final journey with our Lord, it is good to remind ourselves that our lives too are a journey, that takes us to Him, and He is with us every step of the way. As the living Body of Christ today, we must commit ourselves to Christ's love and make the passage to it.

Palm Sunday (Reading-Ph. 1:1-11 Gospel-John 12:12-22)

On this day, the Church calls to mind Christ's entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish His Paschal Mystery. Christ entered in triumph into His own city, to complete His work as our Messiah: to suffer, to die and to rise again.

In today's Gospel, St. John looks back on this event in the light of his Easter faith. Even before Jesus' cross was set up, His heavenly Father reveals its fruitfulness. The hour has come when Jesus will be raised up and glorified, so that He may draw all people to Himself. A strange hour in which every reality will come to signify its opposite: dying is living; losing is winning. The tomb while apparently barren and sterile is the incubator of new life.

Holy Thursday (Reading -1 Co. 11: 23-30 Gospel - Luke 22: 1-23)

On the Thursday of Holy Week we recall the last Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples. It is the first Eucharistic Meal. Jesus took bread and wine and changed them into his Body and Blood. This truth requires faith from us, which is His gift. Christ invites the human family to sit at table so that it may find life and unity in Him. Holy Thursday is the day when the death and resurrection of Jesus were made accessible to us in sign and sacrament in the Mass. The last supper also presents for us the epitome of Jesus' preaching in the story of His washing the disciples' feet. By washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus showed the regard, which God has for us. What in return can we show to Him? And with what respect and sensitivity should we treat our families, friends and acquaintances?

Good Friday (Reading- Hebrews 12: 12-24 Gospel - John 19:31-37)

It is time to live the hour of Jesus, that hour dark and glorious for which He had come. We see in the passion what it means to reject God wilfully and deliberately: we glimpse something of the horror of sin and the wonder of God's love. We follow His every footstep to the loneliness of Golgotha. Everything happens quickly and seems to collapse. Yet, even in what seems complete dereliction - "Father, why have you deserted me?" - Jesus with outstretched arms, attracts and gathers to Himself mankind and the universe. All seems lost, but in reality all is about to begin. Jesus leads us through His passion and death on the cross to something much better and much greater, to a new life with a fresh hope. That is the meaning of the Resurrection. If we look beyond the cross and behind the tortured figure, we see dimly outlined, with the eyes of faith, the face of the risen Christ.

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Meditation

The paschal mystery of Jesus consisted of suffering, death and resurrection. Suffering is one aspect of living and dying. It is a part of the human condition and we cannot eliminate it from our lives. We need to see that suffering has a positive dimension; it is a way of discipleship - a way of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. 

If we have a proper Christian attitude, we need to embrace any suffering, which comes our way in life, just as Jesus embraced the cross for love of us. If we do this, then we too, after our earthly life is over, will rise with Him in glory, providing we have lead lives, which are pleasing to the Lord

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The Maronites and Lebanon (4)

Maronites: Indigenous Lebanese descendant of the Phoenicians (1)

To be able to better understand our Maronite history and identity it is important to look at the religious origin of the Maronite church and also the origin of the Maronite people. Our Rite is 1300 years old but us, as Maronite people date from three million years BC.

What do we understand by Maronitism?

Maronitism is the Christian movement inspired by Saint Maroun, his disciples and his monasteries. The cradle of the Maronite movement was Syria, and from Syria this movement reached Lebanon through the missionary impetus of the disciples and monasteries of Saint Maroun.

Are the Maronite people in Lebanon originated from Syria ?

While the missionaries came from Syria, the people did not. It is completely wrong to say that Lebanon was uninhabited until the persecutions ousted the Maronites from Syria at the beginning of the 6th century compelling them to seek safety in Lebanon. The Syrian origin of the Maronite in Lebanon is religious, not ethnic. The great bulk of the Maronites are indigenous Phoenicians, not Syrians.

Is there any interesting archaeological findings in Lebanon ?

Stone implements have been found at Joubb Jannin aged approximately 300 000 years;

Fish fossils about 75 million years old have been found at Sahil’Alma and in Haqil Byblos;

∙ In 1978, a French archaeological mission discovered in the region of Naher’ El Kabir stone implements dating from 800 000 years;

Other researches and findings leave no doubt about the continued occupation of this region by human being, without interruption for almost 3 million years.

The most interesting archaeological finds was two human skeleton embedded in a rock shelter, one of them was found at Kasr’ Aqil above Antilyas and the other at Antilyas. Both of them turned out to be a child skeleton with strong Mediterranean appearance dating back 30,000 years. This discovery indicates that since at least 30,000 years ago Lebanese people have been of a proper Mediterranean type, independent and different from that of an Arab type. It is therefore contrary to all beliefs to maintain that Lebanese are Arabs.

Next Sunday: Maronites: Indigenous Lebanese descendant of the Phoenicians (2)

Who are the Phoenicians ?

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Liturgical Program for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and the Resurrection

Palm Sunday 1 April 2012

7.30am First Mass

8.45am Second Mass and Procession

10:00am Mass and Procession (English)

11.30am Palm Sunday

5.30pm Fifth Mass and Procession

7.00pm Mass and Procession (English)

Monday 2 April 2012

7.30am Morning Prayers for the first day of Holy Week with Mass

6.00pm Evening prayers, Arrival to the Port ritual & Procession of the Cross

8:00pm Evening prayers and Stations of the Cross in English for the Youth

Tuesday 3 April 2012

7.30am Morning Prayers for Holy Week with Mass

6.00pm Evening prayers & Procession of the Cross.

8:00pm Evening prayers and Stations of the Cross in English for the Youth

Wednesday 4 April 2012

7.30am Morning Prayers for Holy Week with Mass

6.00pm Oil ritual with blessing of the oil followed by Mass & Procession of the Cross

8:00pm Evening prayers and Stations of the Cross in English for the Youth

Holy Thursday 5 April 2012

7.30am Morning Prayers for Holy Week with Mass

6.00pm Evening Mass with the Washing of the Feet - Church will be left open all night

Good Friday 6 April 2012

7.30am Blessing and receiving of the Holy Bread

9.00am Stations of the cross starting from Roberts Park

10.30am Rite of Adoration of the Cross at St Charbel’s New Multipurpose Hall

3:30pm Rite of Adoration of the Cross in English & Procession of the Cross

6.00pm Prayers of the Passion (Litany of ةنم ا م انأ the Sorrowing Mother)

3:00pm. Rite of Adoration of the Cross – The Blessed Naamatallah Centre - Appin

Saturday 7 April 2012

7.30am Morning Prayers

11.00am Prayers of Reconciliation and Confessions

5.30pm Resurrection Mass

12.00am Midnight Mass - Rite of Peace

Resurrection Sunday 8th April 2012

Masses: 7.30am, 8.45am, 11.15am., 5.30 pm in Arabic and 10.00am & 7.00pm in English

Resurrection Monday 9th April 2012

Masses: 7.30am, 8.45am. 11.15 am, 5:30pm In Arabic and 10.00am in English

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Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Charbels-Maronite-Catholic-Church-Sydney/365277440154672

http://www.stcharbel.org.au/

Season of the Great Lent - Sunday of the Blind Man...

Dear parishioners and friends of St Charbel’s Parish,

On the 5th Sunday of Lent, the Maronite Church remembers the Healing of the Blind Man. Similar to the haemorrhaging woman, the blind man was healed because of his faith. Bartimaeus, the blind man, who was silenced by the people, has much to teach us about persistence in our prayers, faith in God’s mercy and gratitude when God answers our prayers.

Please click the following link to read for the full PDF version of Kadishat.

This Sunday, March 25, we also celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation. This feast is extremely important for it celebrates the Incarnation of Our Saviour who was made flesh in the womb of His mother, Mary. We firmly believe that life begins at conception and therefore Christ’s Incarnation began with Mary’s ‘yes’ to God.

On this blessed Sunday, St Charbel’s Parish is also hosting a very unique event where the Bishops of all the Eastern Churches will come together for an Ecumenical Mass for Peace in the Middle East on Sunday 25 March at 7pm. We remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon who are persecuted every day. You are all invited to join us for this exceptional mass tomorrow (Sunday) at 7pm.

I wish you all a blessed week!

In Christ,

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20th Year—Number 1001 Sunday 25/03/2012
Season of the Great Lent
Sunday of the Blind Man & 
Feast of Annunciation to the Virgin Mary
Sunday’s Readings: 2 Corinthians 10: 1-7 & Mark 10: 46-52


Courage, get up; he is calling you.
“ They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. ” Mark 10: 46-52

Reflection of the Week

Trust in the Lord

Jesus has been journeying with his disciples to Jerusalem. He has spoken to them again and again of the mystery of the cross, but again and again they fail to see what he is saying. Then the blind man appears. He has great faith in the power of Jesus to heal him. He asks for pity, but he is helpless until he receives a call from Jesus.

It is always God who takes the initiative. Jesus, through his disciples, that is, through the Church community, calls the man to him and gives him the gift of sight. After the man's sight is restored, he does not go his own way, but with the gift of divine grace, he sets out to follow Jesus 'along the road' (Mark 10:51).

With his sight, Bartimeaus receives the clear insight of faith. He not only experiences healing but conversion as well, making him able to journey with Jesus as a disciple on the road to the cross and the Resurrection.

The blind man who had never seen the face of Christ trusted. We can only encounter Christ, by placing our trust in him. There is no other way. The blind man Bartimeaus was cured of his blindness and gained an insight into what it really means to be a follower of Christ. How about us? Are we too blind to see what it truly means to be a follower of the Risen Christ? Do we know how to discern God in the simple events of life and put into practice every day the suggestions that he is placing in us?

Choosing Christ is a matter of all or nothing. There is no middle ground. "Whoever gives their life for the love of me will find it". (Matthew 16:25) However, Jesus leaves everyone free to choose him or reject him. He never forces us but stands at the door of every human heart, knocking. In the words of Brother Roger of Taize, "Choosing Christ means walking on one road only, not on two roads at the same time.

Those who want to follow Christ and to follow themselves at the same time end up following their own shadow, in pursuit of reputation or prestige." Yet even if in our human weakness we try to follow two roads, the gentle and humble heart of Jesus is always waiting for us to come to him and to acknowledge that even though we keep loving him, we sometimes for-get him. The Lord will then shower on us a love called for-giveness and make us someone who is fully alive in him again.

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Saints of the Week


Saint Gabriel the Archangel
Maronite Feast Day: March 26
The name Gabriel means "man of God," or "God has shown himself mighty." It appears first in the prophesies of Daniel in the Old Testament. The angel announced to Daniel the prophecy of the seventy weeks. His name also occurs in the apocryphal book of Henoch. He was the angel who appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptizer. Finally, he announced to Mary that she would bear a Son Who would be conceived of the Holy Spirit, Son of the Most High, and Saviour of the world. The feast day is September 29th. St. Gabriel is the patron of com-munications workers.


Saint John Climacus, Abbot (+605)
Maronite Feast Day: March 30
Saint John Climacus is also known as John of the Ladder, John Scholasticus and John Sinaites. He was a 6th century Christian monk at the monastery on Mount Sinai. Although his education and learning fitted him to live in an intellectual environment, he chose, while still young, to abandon the world for a life of solitude. St. John was born in Syria (though other sources say Constantinople), and came to Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai and became a novice when he was about 16 years old, and was taught about the spiritual life by the Igumen (abbot) Martyrius.

After the death of Martyrius, John, wishing to practice greater asceticism, withdrew to a hermitage at the foot of the mountain. In this isolation he lived for some twenty years, con-stantly studying the lives of the saints and thus becoming one of the most learned Church Fathers. In 600, when he was about seventy five years of age, the monks of Sinai persuaded him to become their Igumen. He acquitted himself of his functions as abbot with the greatest wisdom, and his reputation spread so far that pope Gregory the Great wrote to recom-mend himself to his prayers, and sent him a sum of money for the hospital of Sinai, in which the pilgrims were wont to lodge. Four years later he resigned his charge and returned to his hermitage to prepare for death.


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25 Mar feast of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary



The Maronite church celebrates the feast of Annunciation twice a year. The first time with the universal Church on the 25th March 9 months before Christmas, and the second time during the Season of the Birth of Jesus, 5 Sundays be-fore Christmas Day.


It was this day on which Our Lord entered the world, It must be remembered that it was on this day, not Christmas, that Christ came to the world, as a baby inside Mary's womb.


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The Maronites and Lebanon (4)
“Lebanon and the Church before the Maronite (2)”

Did the Lebanese Bishops participate in any of the early church councils?
The disciples of Jesus founded the first church of Lebanon. The bishops of the coastal Lebanese cities continued the task in organising the affairs of their parishioners, clarified the dogmas of the new faith, and had a great influence in settling some of the matters of Christianity.

Examples can be given: The Bishop of Tyre, Casius, participated in the Niccea Council (197 A.D.) and met to determine the date of Easter. Marinus succeeded Casius and was described by the first church historian Eusebe as: “the most brilliant of the bish-ops of the orient". Zeinoun I, Bishop of Tyre, participated in the Ecumenical council of Niccea (325 A.D.) which discussed the question of equality of the Son and the Father in essence. Zeinoun II, attended the council of Constantinople (381 A.D.) which emphasised the dogma of the Niccean faith and con-firmed the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Beirut played on important role in the history of Christianity and was described during the Roman era as the "Mother of Laws". It became one of the most important centers for theological studies in the Christian world.

Where is the first cathedral of Christianity?
The cathedral of the Lebanese city Tyre is the first cathedral of Christianity. Paulinos (Bishop of Tyre who became head of the Antioch church in 337 A.D.) began in 314 A.D. to build the Great cathedral of Tyre. Eusebe's description of this cathedral is the oldest description available of a Christian church. In 1125 A.D., the crusaders built St. Mark's Church over the ruins of this cathedral.

So the spread of Christianity in the Lebanese coastal cities and also the Bekaa continued in spite of the persecutions by the Roman emperors against the followers of the new faith during the first 300 years of Christianity.

Do these indicate anything to us?
All of these events show clearly that Christianity is deep rooted in Lebanon. The Lebanese were generous in offering the church martyrs and saints in order to protect the seed planted and nurtured by Jesus Himself and His disciples, such as St. Thalaos of Mount Lebanon (284 A.D.) St. Aquiline of Byblos (293 A.D.), St. Christina of Tyre (300 A.D.), St. Theodosia of Tyre (307 A.D.), St. Kyrillus of Baalbeck (362 A.D.) St. Dorothee, Bishop of Tyre (362 A.D.), and many others.

And what about the Lebanese Mountain?
All historical facts demonstrate that the Lebanese mountain was inhabited and remained completely pagan until the beginning of the 5th century. The mountainous regions were the stronghold of the ancient Lebanese religion. Described as pagan compared to the new faith.

The religion of the ancient Lebanese people, their creeds and rites, were the outcome of their environment and the nature of their land. Consequently, Christianity had spread easily in the cities of the narrow coastal plane and the Bekaa valley be-cause of the great cultural adaptability of the inhabitants. On the other hand, the new faith had to reach the heart land of Lebanese values in the mountain. This made the disciples of St. Maron determined to take upon themselves the conversion of the inhabitants of the mountainous region of
Lebanon to Christianity.


Ref: Harb, A.K.(1985) les /the Maronites, Lebanon, Atallah S.A.R.L.
Next Sunday: “Maronites: Indigenous Lebanese descendant of the Phoenicians (1)”

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Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Charbels-Maronite-Catholic-Church-Sydney/365277440154672

http://www.stcharbel.org.au/

Season of the Great Lent - Sunday of the Paralytic Man

Dear parishioners and friends of St Charbel’s Parish,

This Sunday, the Maronite Church commemorates the Sunday of the Paralytic where Christ heals the paralysed man. One point that always strikes me in this Gospel is the faith of the four men who brought the paralysed man to Jesus. The Bible tells us that since they could not get the man to Jesus because of the crowd, they lowered him through the roof. The effort and determination of these four men should make us reflect on our own actions and whether we also bring people to Jesus with faith that He alone can heal them, physically and spiritually. Are we sensitive to the needs of others? 

As charity is part of our practice of the faith especially during lent, I invite you all to contribute to the annual appeal for Beit Chabab Hospital for Handicapped – Lebanon, that is launched every year in the Paralytic Sunday. Your prayers and donations are a sign of solidarity with the less fortunate of our brothers and sisters the handicapped. 

I invite you to read Kadishat, our weekly parish newsletter which includes reflections on the readings of the week as well as other insightful articles and our parish activities: 

Please click here to download the full Kadishat newsletter. 

I wish you all a blessed week!
In Christ,

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20th Year—Number 1000 Sunday 18/03/2012

Season of the Great Lent

Sunday of the Paralytic Man

Sunday’s Readings: 1 Timothy 5: 24-25, 6: 1-5 & Mark 2: 1-12 

I say to you, stand up

“ When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. 

Then some people came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven", or to say, "Stand up and take your mat and walk"? 

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ he said to the paralytic ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’ ” Mark 2: 1-12

Reflection of the Week

The ultimate sickness

In the healing of the paralytic man, we see Jesus healing the ultimate sickness - the sickness of sin. 

Sin is a paralysis of the spirit. Jesus cures the man of physical paralysis as a sign of His power to liberate him from the deeper underlying paralysis of sin. It is important that Jesus heals in response to faith; in this instance, not the faith of the man himself, but the faith of his friends (Mark 2:6).

Just as the paralytic man needs his friends to enable him to move, so we need a community to take us to Jesus. In this scene, Jesus is determined to show the scribes how wrong they are in their conception of God (Mark 2:6). 

For Jesus, God is at the heart of the human condition, God is love; therefore wherever there is God, there is love. Conversely, wherever we find love we can be sure that God is present. In this scene, Jesus wanted to reveal, that He was God, for to forgive sin is beyond the power of man, and is a particular sign of divinity. 

God is a source of forgiveness, and wherever God is, there we find forgiveness. But God is at the heart of people and so He forgives us through each other. It is true as the scribes say, that only God can forgive sin (Mark 2:7). 

Jesus showed that God does this through people. A person united to God can be a channel to others of God's forgiveness and peace.

Life's Journey

"From sin to union with God, that is the journey which each one of us has to travel; it is our human pilgrimage. Day by day we have to travel along that road, from that which separates us from God to that which unites us to Him."

Cardinal Basil Hume O.S.B.

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Lent - The Call to Change

The Lord's expectation and a theme of Lent is that we change and become more deeply committed to His way of life. While the call to change and to become more like Him is strong and demanding in the Gospel, we also know that God is patient with our change and growth. Conversion to the way of Jesus is a lifelong process.

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Forgiveness

From the Middle Ages comes this legend about a nun who claimed that she had had a vision of Christ. The bishop asked, "Sister, did you talk to Him?" And she said, "Yes, I did." He continued, "If you have another vision, ask Christ this question: "What was the bishop's great sin before he became a bishop?" He knew that only God and his own confessor would know. About three months later, the nun made an appointment to see the bishop. When she came in, he said, "Did you see our Lord again?" "Yes, I did." "And what did he say?" She smiled and answered, "The Lord said, "I don't remember anymore."

Author Unknown

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Saint of the Week

19th March—Saint Joseph Feast Day

“When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do”

Matthew 1: 24

St Joseph is recognised as the foster father of Jesus. He is recognised in this way because our Lord was not conceived by human means, but rather by the intervention of the Holy Spirit.

St Joseph was from the line of David (Luke 2:4) which saw the prophecies come true that the Messiah would be born from the house of David.

As a carpenter, St Joseph was engaged in a respectable profession of the time and he would have imparted that knowledge to his son along with all the other beliefs and traditions.

St Joseph is described in scripture as a righteous man (Matt. 1:19). This means that he always sought to do what was right in all his dealings. This righteousness showed itself in the way he handled the difficult situation of Mary’s pregnancy. In order not to embarrass her, he chose to dismiss her privately, until told otherwise by an angel of the Lord.

St Joseph is the patron of the dying because, assuming he died before Jesus' public life, he died with Jesus and Mary close to him. Joseph is also patron of the universal Church, fathers, carpenters, and social justice. He is also recognised as St Joseph the worker.

We can imitate the life and virtue of this man in several ways. Firstly, in our dealings we can use his example and always choose to do what is right, in business and in our social life. We need to ask God through the intercession of the Holy Spirit for the moral courage needed to do what is right. Our choices are difficult sometimes, and it is only by imitating the virtue of St Joseph that we are able to find the strength for our righteous actions.

Fathers can use the example of St Joseph in their daily life. One can imagine St Joseph as the ideal father to Jesus and husband to Mary. Slow to anger, patient and gentle, wise and virtuous, only speaking kind words from a gentle heart.

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The Maronites and Lebanon (3)

“Lebanon and the Church before the Maronite (1)”

Lebanon was the first country to welcome the church, and the Lebanese were the first people to receive the promise of salvation which originated in Palestine.

What were the reasons for this?

The reasons for this are: Geographical: Palestine the country where Jesus lived is linked to Lebanon without any natural obstacles. 

Historical: Jesus preached and performed some of His miracles in South Lebanon and Galilee. Our Lord lived in Galilee which was dominated by the Can’anite-Phoenician race since the days of Isaiah. 

Cultural: Christianity was not alien to the inhabitants of Lebanon and was not drastically different from some of the ancient Lebanese beliefs. Because of its natural, intellectual and cultural characteristics, the ancient indigenous of Lebanon were the most likely to accept Christianity following its initiation in Palestine.

Lebanon as a refuge for the persecuted church

When the disciples carried out their mission, persecution began. St. Stephen the first Christian martyr was stoned by the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 7: 55 -60). Persecution of the early Christians forced some followers to seek refuge in Lebanon around 34 A.D. (Acts 7:19). 

There is no doubt that the early persecuted Christians were highly welcomed by the Lebanese as they welcomed Jesus before them and shared together the same faith. Moreover, it is mentioned in Acts that while St. Paul was returning to Jerusalem from his 3rd apostolic journey, boarded at Rhodes a ship ready to sail for Phoenicia. Loading at Tyre, he found a substantial Christian community there (Acts 21: 1-7). 

By reading these verses we can notice clearly that Christianity was implanted in the Phoenician capital at the beginning of the apostolic era. Christianity also spread in Sidon as it had in Tyre. In Acts it is stated that St. Paul was allowed, on his way to Rome as a prisoner around 60 A.D., to meet his friends in that city. (Act 27: 3-4).

Lebanon is between Antioch and Jerusalem

What helped the growth of the church throughout the coastal Lebanese cities is their location on the way between Jerusalem (the mother & first church) and Antioch (second capital of the Christian faith). The disciples had to pass through Lebanon on their way from Jerusalem to Antioch in the north and vice versa. So after Tyre and Sidon, Christianity spread throughout the coastal Lebanese cities. St. Libby Otadaos, known as Judas (one of the 12 Apostles) came to Beirut after Jesus's ascension and preached Christianity. 

He built a church in Beirut and was martyred and buried in the city. Pope St. Clement I (88-89 A.D.), the disciple of St. Peter revealed that St. Peter himself appointed John-Mark as Bishop of Byblos and Maron or Maronos as Bishop of Tripoli, as well as designating a Bishop for Beirut.

Next Sunday “Lebanon and the Church before the Maronite (2)”

Did the Lebanese Bishops participate in any of the early church councils?

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Charbels-Maronite-Catholic-Church-Sydney/365277440154672

http://www.stcharbel.org.au/

Season of the Great Lent - Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Dear parishioners and friends of St Charbel’s Parish,

On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, we reflect on the mercy of God the Father who is always ready to forgive. Salvation is a gift which can be accepted, tossed away in our sinfulness, and reclaimed in our repentance. God awaits us and, as the Gospel tells us, “He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). 

This week, we have received a humanitarian appeal from the family of a young girl, Pamel Bou Sejean, who suffers from Hodgkins Lymphoma, a type of leukemia, and is in desperate need of a stem cell donation. This is a simple procedure, similar to normal donation and may rescue the life of Pamela. To learn more about her case and to find out how you can help, please click here: http://www.facebook.com/curepamela

May our Lord bestow His blessings upon you all!

In Christ,

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20th Year—Number 999 Sunday 11/03/2012

Season of the Great Lent

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Sunday’s Readings: 2 Corinthians 13: 5-13 & Luke 15: 11-32

I will get up and go to my father

Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me." So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 

When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything.

But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ " 

So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe the best one and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!" And they began to celebrate.

‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound." 

Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, "Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!" Then the father said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found." ’ ” Luke 15: 11-32 

Reflection of the Week

- All I have is yours -

The parable of the prodigal son highlights the vast difference between God's mercy, love and grace on the one hand, and the Pharisees hard, judgmental attitudes, on the other hand. This parable shows us that apart from God, there is nothing. 

It teaches us also of ourselves. We know from the moment that the story begins, that the Prodigal Son is none other than our own selves. The Church proclaims this parable to us to hold up a mirror to us. In the prodigal son, can we see an image of ourselves.

The younger son, He asks for his inheritance--an unusual, yet legal request. The boy was in effect saying, "I don’t want to have to wait around for you to die to get what’s mine, Dad; since you haven’t died soon enough to suit me, I want what’s mine now."

The fall of the prodigal began the moment he claimed his rights; when he separated his interests from the interests of his family.

The father allows his younger son to leave. The prodigal got what he wanted, but lost what he had. The prodigal leaves for a "far country"; a place which exists first in our hearts. Like so many of us, his happiness was conditional upon his circumstances. 

Freedom became freedom to sin, and pleasures provided a false enchantment. The prodigal was eager to "see life", apart from God—yet to say, "I will have no more of God" is to say "I will have no more of life." 

When his money ran out He learned that we can’t enjoy the things money can buy if we ignore the things money cannot buy. The lost son "came to his senses", and "found" himself, we’re told in vs. 17. The first step of repentance comes when people realize the foolishness of their actions, and sense the despair into which they have fallen.

The prodigal complains about no one but himself, and speaks of no unworthiness but his own. He admits his eagerness to leave the protection of his home and offers no excuses to cover his guilt or justify his waywardness.

Guilt and shame are painful to face, yet we desperately need to see ourselves for what we are.

A mark of true repentance is the prodigal’s desire to be subject again to authority. He became lost when he claimed his rights; he is found when he surrenders them. The return to the father was a return to wisdom.

The father 

When the son returned home the father runs to meet his son half-way, and lovingly embraces him. This is a vivid picture of grace. God offers the kiss of reconciliation when we turn to Him. He then calls to the servants to bring out the best robe--to cover the son’s poverty and shame; a ring--as a seal and symbol of his identity as a member of the household; and shoes--so that he can now walk in a new way... also, shoes were not worn by servants! The father does not humiliate his son, but welcomes him into all the privileges of the family and treats him with honour. He then directs the servants to prepare a feast.

The older brother

This older brother remained at home, out of trouble, obeying the rules. He considers himself the perfect. Outwardly he was in compliance with his father, but inwardly he too was far from home. He regarded his position in the family as one of bondage. He was home, yet not at home! It is a sign of spiritual decay when we are uncomfortable in a healthy environment.

The prodigal’s father chose to forgive; the older brother refused. Forgiveness is a bridge we build and may need to cross one day ourselves.

This parable is really about two prodigal sons. Both were slaves— both sons are far from home--one geographically, both spiritually.

People can live in the same house, eat together, work side-by-side, and yet emotionally be far apart.

We are all at different places in this parable: some more like the Prodigal, others more like the Older Brother. But there is one person who has no fault, and that is the Father. Let us all repent and grow in His likeness.

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Think about it - Sin promises freedom but it only brings slavery… it promises success, but it only brings failure… it promises life, but "the wages of sin is death."

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Saints of the Week



Saint Gregory the Great, Pope (+604)
Maronite Feast Day: March 12
Pope Saint Gregory I was pope from 3 September 590 until his death. He is also known as Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Orthodoxy because of his Dialogues. For this reason, English translations of Orthodox texts will sometimes list him as "Gregory Dialogus". He was the first of the popes to come from a monastic background. Gregory is a Doctor of the Church and one of the six Latin Fathers. Immediately after his death, Gregory was canonized by popular acclaim.
After the death of his father, he built six monasteries in Sicily and founded a seventh in his own house in Rome, which became the Benedictine Monastery of St. Andrew. Here, he himself assumed the monastic habit in 575, at the age of thirty-five. .

Saint Benedict, (+547)
Maronite Feast Day: March 15
Saint Benedict of Nursia was a saint from Italy, the founder of Western Christian monastic communities, and a rule giver for cenobitic monks. His purpose may be gleaned from his Rule, namely that "Christ ... may bring us all together to life eternal.” St Benedict was canonized by Pope Honorius III in the year 1220.
In one story of Benedict's life, a poor man came to the monastery begging for a little oil. Although Benedict commanded that the oil be given, the cellarer refused -- because there was only a tiny bit of oil left. If the cellarer gave any oil as alms there would be none for the monastery. Angry at this distrust of God's providence, Benedict knelt down to pray. As he prayed a bubbling sound came from inside the oil jar. The monks watched in fascination as oil from God filled the vessel so completely that it overflowed, leaked out beneath the lid and finally pushed the cover off, cascading out on to the floor.

St Patrick (+461)
Feast day March 17
St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. He was born around 385 in Scotland, Kilpatrick. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were Romans living in Britian in charge of the colonies. As a boy of fourteen, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans.

During his captivity, His religion was his solace, and so he became a devout Christian.
Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britian, where he reunited with his family. He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more."
He began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years.

Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland March 25, 433, at Slane. One legend says that he met a chieftain of one of the tribes, who tried to kill Patrick. Patrick converted Dichu (the chieftain) after he was unable to move his arm until he became friendly to Patrick.

Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick's message.

Patrick worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died at Saul, where he had built the first church March 17, 461.


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The Maronites and Lebanon (2)
“Lebanon in the Bible (2)”

How is the Holy Bible a meaningful study about Lebanon ?
The Holy Bible has a meaningful study about Lebanon in the following ways:


Historically: the verses of the Bible show very important facts about Lebanon.
The greatness of the Lebanese cities “TYRE” & “SIDON” and the spread of the Phoenician trade and marine activities around. · the diffusion of the Phoenician culture and worshipping among the Jews. · building and decorating the temple of Jerusalem from the Cedars of Lebanon . · the genealogy of the Messiah to the Pheonicians. · the visits of Jesus to South Lebanon. · the spread of early Christianity in Lebanon.

Geographically: the Holy Bible describes Lebanon as a white snowy mountain, covered by forests releasing strong and pleasant odours, which are lead by the Cedar trees: the source of pride for all kings and the desirable tree for all powerful people.

This mountain is a 2 mountain chain, one is eastern and the other is western, and the borderlines of Lebanon which are described in the Bible comform with her current geographical situa-tion.

Culturally the bible speaks highly of “houram” the skilled Lebanese tradesman who decorated the temple of Jerusalem and made it a masterpiece of beauty.

The Bible talks about HIRAM the King of Tyre and how he taught King Solomon and his people building houses, sailing, commerce and investment. King Solomon himself is grateful for some of his wisdom to HIRAM who helped him in expanding his knowledge.

Theologically: the Bible shows that the Jews were highly influenced by the Phoenician religious rites. The Holy Bible alludes twice of how the citizens of Tyre had liked to idolize themselves and their rulers. Concerning Jesus and the Church the Holy Bible talks about the final King Jesus symbolizing Him by the Cedar tree and illustrates how the crowd of people from South Lebanon used to come to Him listening to His teaching and believing in Him. The Holy Bible also indicates that Lebanon was the first place welcoming the early persecuted Christians and the first location after Palestine in founding Christian churches.

Moral: The Bible points out a negative picture about the international trade of the Lebanese city of Tyre accusing her people of treating unjustly the consumers. But on the other side the Bible mentions a positive aspect on the religious indulgence which existed in Lebanon: the King HIRAM accepted to take part in building Solomon’s God temple, the Prophet Elia took Lebanon as refuge, Jesus himself came to South Lebanon for a rest when the Jews and the Pharisees resisted him.

It is in Lebanon where religion is openness not fanaticism and the Lebanese-Phoenician traditions were characterized by sacrifice, universal peace and love among people regardless of their race, language or other considerations.

Eschatologically The Holy Bible describes Lebanon as charming greenland with nature plentiful of delightful water; a place stimulus to inspirations to the Prophets of the Holy Bible. They saw Lebanon as a small picture of the paradise and the desired land for the suffered nations and hope.

What would all these mean to us ?
Being Lebanese Maronite, definitely all the richness, density and the glorious picture which the Bible displays about Lebanon must mean a lot to us: It should be our first responsibility and duty to reflect to the whole world that glorious image which is described in the Bible about Lebanon.

Finally there should be no fear about Lebanon lapsing in both tradition and Christianity. The Holy Bible contains between its covers all the good things about Lebanon which are immortal as God and men. The Holy Bible is an eternal book which carries the name Lebanon for ever.

Reference for this article:
Rev Khalaf, G.E. (1985) Lebanon In The Holy Bible, Beirut, Dar Manhal Al-Hayat.

Next Sunday “Lebanon and the Church before the Maronite (1)”


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Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Charbels-Maronite-Catholic-Church-Sydney/365277440154672

http://www.stcharbel.org.au/












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Season of the Great Lent - Sunday of the Haemorrhaging Woman

Dear parishioners and friends of St Charbel’s Parish,

This Sunday of Lent is the Sunday of the Hemorrhaging Woman who was healed by touching Jesus. This woman of faith and courage was confident that touching Jesus will heal her. What can we learn from the hemmorrhaging woman? We learn to come to Jesus when we are sad or suffering. We do not need an invitation to come to Him nor is He ever too busy to see us.

During Lent, let us all make an effort to renew our spiritual life and our faith in Jesus Christ. There are many occasions available at the parish including: daily masses at 7:30am and 6pm, daily rosary at 8.30pm, Eucharistic adoration on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm, the Stations of the Cross in Arabic and English from 5.30pm every Friday, as well as the different groups for all ages. Will you make an extra effort to come and dedicate some time with Jesus this week?

I would also like to remind all parishioners that St Charbel’s Monastery is organising a tour to the Israel, Jordan and Greece departing in May. Places are still available. So if you are interested, please contact the Monastery on 9740 0998 as soon as possible.

I look forward to seeing you all at church this week!

In Christ,

Fr. Dr. Antoine Tarabay
Rector
St. Charbel’s College and Church
142 Highclere Avenue
PUNCHBOWL NSW 2196

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20th Year—Number 998 Sunday 04/03/2012
Season of the Great Lent
Sunday of the Hemorrhaging Woman
Sunday’s Readings: 2 Corinthians 7: 4-11 & Luke 8: 40-56


Do not fear only believe


“ Now when Jesus returned the crowd welcomed him for they were all waiting for him. Just then there came a man named Jairus a leader of the synagogue. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house for he had an only daughter about twelve years old who was dying.

As he went the crowds pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years; and though she had spent all she had on physicians no one could cure her.

She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his clothes and immediately her haemorrhage stopped.

Then Jesus asked، ‘Who touched me?’ When all denied it
Peter said ‘Master, the crowds surround you and press in on you.’ But Jesus said ‘Someone touched me; for I noticed that power had gone out from me.’ When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden she came trembling; and falling down before him she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed.

He said to her, ‘Daughter your faith has made you well; go in peace.’ While he was still speaking someone came from the leader’s house to say، ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.’ When Jesus heard this he replied, ‘Do not fear. Only believe and she will be saved.’

When he came to the house he did not allow anyone to enter with him except Peter, John and James and the child’s father and mother. They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said، ‘Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and called out, ‘Child، get up!’ Her spirit returned، and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened. ” Luke 8: 40-56

Reflection of the Week

Faith that heals the spirit and the body

We come today to two stories so intertwined: the raising of Jairus' daughter and the healing of the hemorrhaging woman. The way they are intertwined raises some interesting questions and focus on the way in which Jesus treated people as individuals.

Jairus was the ruler of the synagogue. He was a man of substance, rich and powerful and religiously prominent. He represented the best of society, especially the religious world, but this day Jairus was troubled. His 12-year-old daughter was dying.

On the other hand, the hemorrhaging woman in the crowd was a social outcast. She was unnamed and considered unclean as one who was under the judgment of God and therefore not allowed to set foot in the synagogue. Jesus was interrupted by her. She thought that the best she could hope for was a kind of secret healing.

Jesus treats Jairus and the woman both equally. The same healing power of God is available to both. It is after the healing of the woman that Jesus moved on to the home of Jairus.

If we are to be followers of the Christ, to heal the clean and unclean alike, the rich and the poor, the privileged and the destitute, then we are called to stop the bleeding of this society. To heal the injuries that wound, and the wounds that divide.

Both the daughter of Jairus and the hemorrhaging woman are at the end of their rope. Jairus says to Jesus that his daughter is at the point of death. The hemorrhaging woman, we are told, she has suffered much under many physicians, and is only getting worse. She has spent all that she has.

Both Jairus and the woman show great confidence in the healing power of Jesus and seek him out.
Both approach Jesus at considerable risk. Jairus is one of those religious leaders! So for him to seek help from Jesus is a risky move. And likewise, this woman is very afraid to approach Jesus directly. She is a woman and she's been bleeding which makes her 'unclean'.

Both stories emphasize the importance of touch. Jairus says 'if you would lay your hands on my daughter', and this woman says 'if I could just but touch' -- not Jesus, because she can't do that -- 'if I could touch his clothes, the hem of his garment', it would be sufficient.

Both Jairus and the woman fall at the feet of Jesus.
The woman has been bleeding for 12 years. The daughter is 12. It's almost as if, on the day she was born, this woman started bleeding.

What does Jesus call the woman? He calls her daughter. It is the only time in the entire New Testament that 'daughter' is used as a direct address, as a name.

The miracle of the hemorrhaging woman not only demonstrates Jesus’ healing power but serves as a vehicle for encouraging people to place their faith, however timid, in the power of Jesus. The healing miracle is most often meaningful for people who are seeking relief from illness; but it also has other implications. In addition to being a miracle about the healing of the woman’s physical illness, it is also a miracle about the healing of relationships and community. The usefulness of this miracle is not only as a model of faith but also as a vehicle for understanding the role of Jesus as saviour.

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Saints of the week


Saint Albertos، Doctor of the Church +1280
Maronite Feast Day: March 5
Saint Albertos Magnus، O.P. (1193/1206 - November 15، 1280) also known as Saint Albert the Great and Albert of Cologne، was a Dominican friar and bishop who achieved fame for his comprehensive knowledge of and advocacy for the peaceful coexistence of science and religion. He is considered to be the greatest German philosopher and theologian of the Middle Ages. He was the first among medieval scholars to apply Aristotle's philosophy to Christian thought. The Roman Catholic Church honors him as a Doctor of the Church، one of only 33 persons with that honor.
He was born sometime between 1193 and 1206، to the Count of Bollstädt in Lauingen in Bavaria. Contemporaries such as Roger Bacon applied the term "Magnus" to Albertos during his own lifetime،
referring to his immense reputation as a scholar and philosopher.

Saint Colette (+1447)
Maronite Feast Day: March 6
Her father، Robert Boellet، was the carpenter of the famous Benedictine Abbey of Corbie; her mother's name was Mar-guerite Moyon. Colette joined a succession of orders، the Beguines، the Benedictines، and the Urbanist Poor Clares. Later she lived for a while as a recluse in a hut near Corbie. Having resolved to reform the Poor Clares she turned to the Avignon Pope Benedict XIII who was recognized in France as the rightful pope. Benedict allowed her to enter the Franciscan order of Poor Clares and empowered her by several Bulls dated 1406، 1407، 1408، and 1412 to found new convents and complete the reform of the order. With the approval of the Countess of Geneva and the aid of the Franciscan itiner-ant preacher، Henri de la Beaume، her confessor and spiritual guide، Colette began her work at Beaume، in the diocese of Geneva. She remained there but a short time and soon opened at Besançon her first convent in an almost abandoned house of Urbanist Poor Clares. Thence her reform spread to Auxonne (1410)، to Poligny، to Ghent (1412)، to Heidelberg (1444)، to Amiens، and to other communities of Poor Clares. To the seventeen convents founded during her lifetime must be added another begun by her at Pont-à-Mousson in Lorraine. For the convents reformed by her she prescribed extreme poverty، to go barefooted، and the observance of perpetual fast and abstinence.


Saint Francisca (+1440)
Maronite Feast Day: March 8
Saint Francisca is also known as Saint Frances of Rome (or Saint Francesca Romana). She was born of wealthy Italian parents in Rome. When she was eleven years old، she decided to be a nun، but within two years her parents mar-ried her off to Lorenzo Ponziano (or de Ponziani)، commander of the papal troops of Rome. Although the marriage had been arranged، it was a happy one، lasting for forty years، partly because Lorenzo admired his wife and her sister Vannozza and partly because he was frequently away at war. The women prayed, visited the poor and took care of the sick، inspiring other wealthy women to do the same. Francesca became widely known among the poor by the nickname "la Ceccolella".

The Forty Martyrs
March 9

The governor of Sebaste in Armenia wished to force forty soldiers to renounce Christ. First he imprisoned them and then he threw them into a fro-zen pool. They prayed with one heart: "We forty have entered the arena، Lord، grant that we may be able to receive the crown." One of them escaped and renounced Christ، but their guard، a pagan، took his place. In the morning the guards broke their legs and burned their bodies. They received the crown of martyrdom around the year 322.


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The Maronites and Lebanon (1)

“Lebanon in the Bible (1)”

What does the word Lebanon mean?


The Hebrew word for “Lebanon” in the old Testament is “Lefanon” and the Greek word is “Libanos”. There are two meanings for the word “Lebanon” and its origin: the first one from the word “Laban” which means white and this applies to her mountains which are covered in snow for most of the year (Jeremiah 18، 14); and the second is from the word “Liboona” which means frankincense (the most precious incense in the world) which applies to the pleasing aroma of the cedars، pines and spruce trees of her forests.
The Greek word “Libanos” takes both meanings; whiteness and frankincense. The word “Lebanon” then in either Hebrew or Greek has a meaning which beautifully applies to the nature of the land described.

How many times is the word “Lebanon” mentioned in the Holy Bible?

In reality the Holy Bible does not have one book about Lebanon, but if everything mentioned in the total of its books about Lebanon were to be combined into one book they would form one of the biggest books of the Holy Bible.

The word “Lebanon” is mentioned in the Holy Bible 70 times, the “cedars” 75 times, the Lebanese cities of Tyre 59 times and Sidon 50 times. The Holy Bible mentions around 35 cities and villages and 10 areas all located in Lebanon.

There are 10 figures that are spoken of in the Holy Bible from Lebanon. All of these references do not take into account all the times Lebanon is referred to indirectly with adjectives such as “the mountain”، “the forest”، “the king’s paradise”،

“Phoenecia”، “Canaan” and “the pride of the Jordan”. Also mentioned are many of the false gods worshipped by the people in Lebanon in Old Testament times its colonies its people, animals, trade، resources, production and civilization.

All of this is mentioned in the pages of the Holy Bible. This makes the Holy Bible not only a religious text، but also an invaluable historical textbook to help us understand the history of people of the Near East in various stages of Old Testament times and some of the important historical events in Lebanon’s ancient history.

Next Sunday “Lebanon in the Bible (2)”
How is the Holy Bible a meaningful study about Lebanon ?

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Charbels-Maronite-Catholic-Church-Sydney/365277440154672

http://www.stcharbel.org.au/