‘First of all, thank you for thinking of us,’ – Sister Marie Rached wrote to us late last night. “Feeling supported and accompanied by our sisters around the world is a real comfort to us. Your fraternal communion strengthens us, reassures us and helps us to remain steadfast in hope.
Our communities in Lebanon at this time: we are well and we open our doors
As you know, we currently have four communities in Beirut, the capital, and another four scattered in the mountainous regions far from the capital.
Those located far from Beirut: Kfour, Kefraya, Baabdath and my own, Baskinta, are spared for the moment and we hear no direct echoes of the violence. However, these regions are home to numerous refugee families who already bear the burden of exile and uncertainty. Their presence broadens our mission and requires greater solidarity and tenderness.
Schools: closed but with a broader mission
Our schools remain closed, but life does not stop. To ensure educational continuity, we have implemented online courses so that the educational link is not interrupted. In addition, we have launched mental health listening and support programmes: in these difficult times, offering a listening ear and a space for dialogue becomes as essential a mission as teaching itself.
Communal prayer: an oasis of sharing and hope
In Baskinta, we have also organised prayer vigils for peace, bringing together parishioners, parents, teachers and students around the Lord. Together we raised our voices reciting the rosary, then entrusted our country to the heart of the Eucharist during Mass.
These moments were like oases in the midst of turmoil: moments when fear subsides, hearts come together, and hope catches its breath. Seeing all these generations united in the same supplication was a discreet but powerful sign that love is stronger than hatred.
As for the communities in Beirut (city centre, Nabaa and 2 in Baabda), I will give the floor to Sister Mary Stéphanos, our provincial superior, who is currently in Beirut, to share with us their reality more directly through her testimony.
The heartfelt appeal of Sister Mary Stephanos, Provincial Superior
“Unfortunately, the bombings have resumed in Lebanon and Beirut has not been spared. We hear the bombings, we see the columns of smoke rising into the sky, we hear the sirens piercing the silence… and above all, we see the worried faces, the families fleeing, wandering, seeking shelter and sleeping in their cars. It is a deep sadness that pierces our hearts.
How can we not wonder when humanity will finally understand that war brings no fruit of life? It only sows ruin, tears and death.
For our part, we sisters are fine. So far, we have not been directly affected, and we give thanks for that.
But around us, everything seems to be on hold: schools and universities are closed… until when? An entire country has come to a standstill, and with it an entire region is plunged into uncertainty.
More than ever, we continue to implore the Lord for peace. In the face of this madness and this spiral of violence, may our only weapon be our confident cry to Him. Let us remain united in prayer, certain that light always ends up piercing the night.
TOGETHER
Let us remain united, Sister Maria Rached asks us, more than ever, in this invisible chain that crosses borders and unites our hearts. Where violence seeks to divide, may our brotherhood become a bridge; where fear wants to take hold, may our tenderness open a way.
Let us carry together the tears of this country, but let us also carry the certainty that the night never has the last word. Under the ashes, the embers remain; in the heart of winter, the sap continues to rise in silence.
May our communion be a luminous vigil. And may we, amid the noises of war, know how to keep alive this small flame of hope which, humbly and stubbornly, already heralds the dawn.
