Sr. Natalie Sayde
Salameh
The Maronite
Servants of Christ the Light were on mission at Our Lady of Lebanon in Easton,
Pennsylvania on February 24-26th. At the invitation of Reverend Simon El Hajj,
pastor, the Sisters offered a parish-wide retreat, “Launching into Lent”.
On Friday evening,
we led a beautiful night of prayer, fun and fellowship with over 25 MYO teens.
The evening included Exposition and Adoration of the Holy Mysteries.
We facilitated a children’s retreat on
Saturday morning, which included games, crafts, activities, prizes and lunch.
We walked the “Way of the Cross” in the Church with the children to help them
focus on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us.
On Saturday afternoon, we facilitated a
reflection for the adults, with a focus on the unconditional, individual and
unique love that God has for each one of us. Mother Marla Marie encouraged the participants,
through prayerful reflection on the Scriptures, to focus on what they may be
holding onto and what God may be prodding them to let go of during this Lent.
On Saturday evening, we met with some of the
MYA for a relaxed evening of fellowship. Sister Therese Maria facilitated a
“lectio divina” on Sunday’s Gospel which was followed by dinner.
During the course of the weekend Divine
Liturgies, Mother Marla Marie spoke on vocations and the Maronite Servants of
Christ the Light mission in the Eparchy. We met with the parishioners at the
coffee hours, and they were most uplifting and affirming of our vocation.
We thoroughly
enjoyed our weekend with the beautiful parish family of Our Lady of Lebanon. We
thank Abouna Simon and Deacon Anthony Koury and the parishioners for their warm
hospitality, support and goodness in welcoming us and responding so positively
to our mission. We look forward to being with them again in the near future.