Visit from His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East

The Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rai, assisted by General Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Hanna Alwan and Maronite Bishop of Beirut Paul Abdel Sater, along with a group of priests, presided over the Divine Liturgy held in the lecture hall of Hotel Dieu de France hospital on the occasion of the 32nd World Day of the Sick and the beginning of the Great Lent. The ceremony was attended by Saint Joseph University Rector Professor Salim Daccache, and the director of Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Dr. Nassib Nasr, as well as the former ambassador and president of the Maronite League, Dr. Khalil Karam, and members of the League, along with a number of nuns, monks, doctors, spiritual figures, academics, and social figures, in addition to the administrative, medical, and nursing staff.

After the sacred Gospel reading, the Patriarch spoke about the Lord's mercy towards the sick and those afflicted with various diseases and ailments. He affirmed that this message remains relevant today, here at Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, where they are celebrating the World Day of the Sick. The Patriarch extended special greetings to the hospital president and concerned entities, expressing his profound gratitude to them for their invaluable contribution in providing essential care.

The Patriarch also spoke during his address about the rich history of Hotel Dieu Hospital, which was established in 1923 through continuous efforts. The hospital has grown and evolved to encompass five other hospitals. As an eyewitness and former patient of this hospital, the Patriarch expressed his deep gratitude to the medical and nursing team for the excellent care they have provided. He added, "It is a distinguished hospital, with an exceptional medical team that cares for its patients by providing comprehensive care. This hospital plays a vital role in the community, especially in light of the economic and financial crisis facing Lebanon."

The Patriarch continued, "On World Day of the Sick, we hope that the officials in Lebanon realize that this day is not just an occasion for prayer and celebrating the Divine Liturgy, and anointing the sick with holy oil. It is also a day that should remind them of their responsibilities towards the patients, healthcare institutions, and care centers. Officials should not ignore their commitments, such as supporting medication supplies, settling outstanding debts to healthcare institutions, and improving the management of the National Social Security Fund. The country must address its deadly crises seriously by electing a President of the Republic and resolving the political, economic, social, and trade crises. Violations of the constitution must cease, and the interests of the state should take precedence over individual, sectarian, political, or party interests. Officials should initiate the election of the head of state to organize all institutions. If this is not done, we appeal to their national conscience to compel them to act in accordance with the constitution and elect a President of the Republic. They must remember that conscience is the inner voice of God within every person, urging them to make wise decisions and avoid mistakes.”

The Patriarch concluded, "Our prayers to God are that He may stir/ awaken these consciences, pleasing His will and serving the common good/ seeking to fulfill His will and serving the greater good. »

At the conclusion of the Mass, Professor Salim Daccache, s.j., the Rector of Saint Joseph University, warmly welcomed the Patriarch, seeking his blessings on "this blessed day, the Sunday of the Great Lent’s beginning and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the patroness of the sick. We pray for the health and healing of the patients and extend our wishes, Your Beatitude, for continued health and vitality in your service to the Church and our beloved nation, Lebanon. We also express our gratitude to Archbishops Saint Jean and Saint Paul, the priests, and the choir for their participation in this divine liturgy."