By Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh, MSCL
With 275 people in attendance from all seven Maronite parishes in Massachusetts, the evening’s program was filled with prayer and gratitude for God’s blessings, a delicious banquet buffet, and live entertainment.
We were blessed with the presence of both Maronite and Roman Catholic clergy, including the Daughters of St. Paul, who were a great means of support for Mother Marla Marie in beginning this foundation.
Chorbishop Joseph Kaddo gave the invocation. Msgr. James Root, Pastor of St. Anthony of the Desert, gave a short presentation on the early beginnings of the foundation and how he was a part of the clergy committee charged with overseeing the establishment of the Maronite Servants. Mother Marla Marie gave a heartfelt presentation on her experience as the foundress of the Maronite Servants, emphasizing God’s many blessings in the last 10 years. Msgr. Georges El-Khali, Pastor of Our Lady of the Cedars Church, finished the evening’s presentations by praising the work of the sisters, and how greatly the sisters are appreciated and needed in our Maronite eparchies.
The evening concluded with dancing and live entertainment by Mitchell Kaltsunas and his band giving us a nice rendition of Lebanese music. It was awesome to see so many people with a smile on their faces, many who had been there from the beginning supporting our foundation.
This hafle celebration could not have taken place without the help of many donors and benefactors, too many to be named here, who have overwhelmed us with their generosity in giving of their time, talents and treasures. We are most grateful to all who supported us.