By Sister Therese Maria, MSCL
We participated in the National
Maronite Youth Workshop (June 24th - 29th) held at St.
Raymond’s Cathedral, St. Louis, MO. The theme of the workshop “Come to the Well…” (John 4:4-42) was
dynamically coordinated by Father Gary George and his talented team from
Youngstown, Ohio.
There were approximately 250
young people present from our Maronite parishes across the U.S. To help Father
Gary facilitate the workshop, ten of our Clergy were present along with our
Maronite Bishops, His Excellency Bishop Robert Shaheen and His Excellency
Bishop Gregory Mansour.
The eventful week included many
great spiritual and social activities. Such as: Eucharistic Adoration, Divine
Liturgy, morning prayer, laying of hands & healing service, Mystery of
Penance, an engaging discussion and Q&A with Bishop Gregory Mansour and
Bishop Robert Shaheen, visits to St. Louis Basilica and Our Lady of the Snow Shrine,
fun and challenging ice breakers, a visit to Splash City water park, movie
night, & snacks…
This precious time was a great joy
for us to meet and serve a large number of our Maronite teens and young adults.
We also had the opportunity to share with them our latest video which speaks
about our vocation and mission as spiritual mothers in our Maronite Church. The
positive feedback that we received from the group regarding our presence and
the video was very encouraging, and I believe it is an affirmation of the
importance of consecrated religious radiating the light and warmth of Christ!