Lebanon – Open Letter from the Provincial Superior, Sr Mary

Dearest Sisters,

On this day close to the Lord’s Resurrection, our thoughts certainly turn in a special way to those who are in countries at war – This is what the Superior General, Mother Maria Rosa, writes today, Holy Saturday 2026 – I share with you a letter from Sr. Mary Stephanos, Provincial Superior of the Province of the East, in which she gives news about the situation they are experiencing in Lebanon.

Let us continue to carry in our hearts and in our prayers our Sisters and all the peoples who are unfortunately put to the test by the war.

Together with the Councillors, I send each one greetings and best wishes for an Easter of Peace and Hope!

Mr. Maria Rosa Muscarella

Superior General

Many of you are asking for news and wish to know how we are living during this time marked by this absurd war. It is not always easy to put into words what we are experiencing, but I would like to share with you, simply, something of the reality that we are living here, together with all the people of this land.

For us sisters, thanks be to God, we are well so far. Life continues, but it unfolds in a climate of total uncertainty and provisionally. Our days now pass to the rhythm of announcements of strikes and the sound of bombardments. Little by little we are learning to live in this waiting: when the explosions resound, we turn inwardly to the Lord and implore Him for peace; then, when silence returns, we resume the ordinary course of life, carrying within us the anxiety of this war that does not seem to end. Gradually, we learn to live within this constant tension, between worry and hope.

Among ourselves, we strive to preserve moments of prayer, encounter and fraternity, so that hope may remain alive. In the fragility of these days, we experience that communion is a strength and that prayer keeps us united beyond distances.

We are also deeply touched by the faith of the people who, during Holy Week, filled the churches even in the areas most affected by war and destruction. Yes, the churches were full and prayer resounded everywhere, even in the villages where Christians have chosen to remain, to resist, and not to abandon their homes.

The most violent strikes are mainly affecting the south of the country, where some areas are occupied. But what deeply moves us are the many displaced families, marked by the loss of loved ones, their homes, their land and their belongings. In some villages, entire communities have chosen not to leave and now live without the basic necessities, while roads are often cut off, making travel extremely difficult.

The suffering is great, and the fragility of the country makes the situation even more painful. Many are searching for refuge, support, and a fraternal presence. Faced with so much distress, we often feel very poor and we carry in our hearts this question: how can we support so many people when the country itself is already so fragile and has been so deeply tried for many years? Humbly, we simply try to remain there, to be close, attentive and available.

In this context, we also carry the concern of maintaining the works entrusted to us. As far as possible, we try to continue supporting the staff, accompanying families who can no longer afford school fees, ensuring the continuity of education for children and young people, and continuing our social and pastoral service. The schools located in the mountains remain open, while those in Beirut alternate between online and in-person teaching depending on security conditions. It is a daily challenge, but also a responsibility that we try to live with trust.

At the heart of this fragile reality, we try to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. In these holy days, we feel with particular intensity how the mystery of the Cross meets the life of our people. Suffering, fear, and uncertainty are very real, but we believe with all our hearts that God continues to act in history and that He always brings forth life where everything seems overshadowed.

Like the women on the morning of Easter, we move forward at times with our worries and questions, but we believe that the stone can be rolled away and that life is always stronger than death. The word of the Gospel remains our light: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here;
He has risen.” (Lk 24:5–6)

Thank you for continuing to keep us in your prayers. Your discreet yet faithful support is a true comfort to us. In this Easter season, we remain deeply united with you in faith and hope, confident that the light of the Risen Lord always rises, even in the darkest nights.

With all the sisters, in deep communion of prayer for peace.

Sr Mary Stephanos, Provincial Superior of the Province of the East