Fatima Presentation – Acushnet, MA

By Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh

On Friday, July 21, the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light facilitated a morning of prayer, reflection and catechesis for the children enrolled in the three week “Summer Fun” program at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in Acushnet, MA.

The theme of our morning’s catechesis was Our Lady of Fatima’s message of prayer and sacrifice for peace in the world.

It was a delight to learn that many of the children already knew about the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima in 1917. After showing them a video on the apparitions, the sisters asked the children whether they could think of some things that they often don’t feel like doing, which they could offer as a sacrifice to God for those who don’t know or love Him. One child cleverly said “anything that our parents tell us do”.

The children made a pennant flag to Mary as their craft activity, which they waved enthusiastically during our procession towards the outdoor shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, while singing “Ave Maria”. We offered a decade of 

the rosary  for peace in the world.  

    

World Maronite Youth Days - Lebanon

Sister Therese Maria and 40 of our USA young adult Maronites are in Lebanon for for World Maronite Youth days (WMYD) with the Patriarch. They will share and celebrate the unique beauty of our Maronite faith and roots. The theme for WMYD is: "Be Strong and Courageous."

Sister Therese presented to the English speaking participants sharing on the Maronite Liturgy.

During the WMYD, July 15 - 25, 2017, the dynamic activities planned in the program include daily catechesis, interactive discussions, sport and art activities, exhibitions, opportunity for adoration, quiet prayer and confession, social gatherings, and optional touring of various religious and historical sites throughout Lebanon.

National MYO Workshop, Minneapolis MN

Sister Therese Maria (who serves as the Eparchial Coordinator for MYO) attended and assisted at the National MYO Workshop in Minneapolis, MN from July 3-8. The theme for this year's retreat was "Homecoming" and the dynamic speakers, talks and activities centered on body image, relationships, the Sacred Mysteries and coming home to God's loving and merciful heart. 

Sr. Therese Maria led morning prayer, facilitated a discussion on cultivating spirituality with the chaperones and gave an interactive presentation to the teens on our identity (as children of God), mission (to love and be loved) and destiny (Heaven). Sister also had great fun teaching the teens how to make knotted twine rosaries. Here are some photos of the teens coming from across the country to attend the 2017 National Workshop.

NAM 2017 – South Carolina

By Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh

The Maronite Servants of Christ the Light attended this year’s National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) Convention in Greenville, South Carolina from June 28^th to July 2nd, 2017. We were blessed with the opportunity to meet and join with over 600 of our Maronite parishioners who attended from all over the US.

We had a table in the exhibit area where we were able to speak with many people one on one. This year the layout of our table was a little different. A devoted parishioner from our Maronite parish of St. Joseph’s in Atlanta, Cecilia Romero, had crocheted an assortment of baby items which she generously donated to the sisters as sale items on our table. This attracted a lot of attention, especially the dressed-up baby doll model. 

This year’s Convention offered an outstanding array of activities for the Maronite Young Adults (MYA). The sisters, especially Sr. Therese Maria, were busy facilitating Theology on Tap, discussions and luncheons, two of which were with Bishops Gregory and Elias. 

The workshops offered on each of the days were of the highest quality. We had Dr. William Rabil explain the medical aspects of our Lord’s crucifixion as depicted in the Shroud of Turin. Chorbishop Michael Thomas, Vicar General of the Eparchy of St. Maron, gave a beautiful presentation on the sacred dignity of the vocation of marriage. Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl Anderson, gave a well-attended workshop on building a civilization of love in the Middle East. My personal favorite workshop was the one delivered by Mother Olga Yaqoob, Foundress of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth, who highlighted so movingly the many great feats that Mary can accomplish in our lives when we simply place our trust in her maternal care. 

We attended the evangelical concert of Lebanon’s Christian singer, Abeer Nehme, who moved the audience to tears by her strong faith, radiant joy and sweet angelic voice. Abeer was remarkable as she charmed the crowd with hymns sang in English, Arabic, Syriac and even Armenian.

May God bless the efforts and work of all those involved in this year’s Convention. It was a great success. We look forward to attending next year in Houston, Texas, God willing.