Upon his arrival in Lebanon, His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona, Patriarch of the Chaldeans in Iraq and throughout the world, headed to St. Raphael Chaldean Cathedral in Baabda – Brazilia, where he was welcomed by Bishop Michel Kassarji, Head of the Chaldean Community in Lebanon, along with several bishops, Episcopal Vicar General Monsignor Raphael Traboulsi, Fr. Nabil Al-Danno, and a large crowd of parishioners and faithful who gathered to welcome His Beatitude. The celebration began with a welcoming speech delivered by Bishop Kassarji on behalf of the faithful of the diocese, expressing their great joy at this paternal visit and emphasizing that the Patriarch’s presence represents a spiritual and national milestone that strengthens the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in Lebanon. In his address, Patriarch Nona stressed that this gathering was not merely a social occasion, but rather a spiritual event that bears witness to Christ and strengthens His presence in the lives of believers. He described his visit to Lebanon as a deeply spiritual visit, calling on everyone to remain attached to their faith and spiritual roots and to work toward strengthening the Christian presence in Lebanon and the region despite current challenges. His Beatitude emphasized that faith remains stronger than all difficulties and that the Church will continue its mission and hope despite the decline in the number of faithful and the difficult circumstances and challenges facing the region. At the conclusion of the visit, Patriarch Nona moved to the Archbishopric reception hall, where he welcomed parishioners and well-wishers who came to greet him and express their joy at his visit to Lebanon, in an atmosphere of love, fellowship, and ecclesial communion.
العربية