Remarks of Cardinal Dolan on the Feast Day of Saint Charbel

Happy Feast of Saint Sharbel

Lebanon’s Christian leaders around the Pope in prayer for the nation - Vatican News

Christian leaders of Lebanon gathered around Pope Francis in the Vatican on Thursday for a Day of Prayer and Reflection for Lebanon. Vatican News

Patriarch Raï: Day of Prayer for Lebanon is important step for unity

The Patriarch of the Maronite Church, Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï says the day of Prayer and Reflection for Lebanon is an important step to help Lebanon remain the home of Islamic-Christian dialogue, and a country of democracy, progress and civilisation. Vatican News

Bishop Mansour on the Son Rise Morning Show ahead of Pope Francis's meeting with Lebanese leaders

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Anna Mitchell: We are honored to welcome back to the Sunrise Morning Show, Bishop Gregory Mansour, bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn. Bishop Mansour, welcome back to the show.

Bishop Gregory: Thank you very much.

Anna Mitchell: It's good to have you and we have been eagerly awaiting the meeting organized by Pope Francis to address the crisis in Lebanon and it is finally happening this week on July 1st. Who will be taking part in this meeting with the pope and what will they be doing?

Bishop Gregory: Of course the Pope will be there probably Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his Secretary of State; Cardinal Sandri, the head of the Congregation for Eastern Churches; the apostolic nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Joseph Spiteri; and of course the Maronite, the Melkite, the Syriac, the Armenian and the Coptic leaders. Maronite, Melkite, Syriac and Armenians would be the Patriarch and the Coptic would be local Latin local bishop as well as the Latin bishop as well as Evangelical and Orthodox leaders as well.

Anna Mitchell: And what is the purpose of this meeting? What do they hope to, I mean, are they hoping to accomplish something here?

Bishop Gregory: Yes, they are. It's for prayer, it's for sharing and it's for ecumenical encounter as the pope has said the other day. And the idea is that by the closer unity of the Christians perhaps that would inspire the political leaders who are right now torn between affinities towards Iran or affinities towards Saudi Arabia and hopefully to inspire the political leadership of the country to get their act together so that they can form a government.

Anna Mitchell: This is something that we've talked about a lot with the folks at in Defense of Christians about just the sheer incompetence that we are seeing from really what is the lack of a government in Lebanon these days. Can you give us the latest in terms of the state of affairs in Lebanon politically, socially, etc.?

Bishop Gregory: Yes. So there was a government that was formed about a year ago and then after the August 4th blast in Beirut harbor, that government all resigned. Another government was proposed but it was not received yet and we're still waiting to see if the members of that new government would be acceptable and on every side. And so the problem is, as I mentioned, Iran is pulling one way, Saudi Arabia is pulling another way and then you have the political leadership who have their own personal interests. That has created a real vacuum of governance in the country. So that's what we're praying for. That people would wake up to put their own interests aside, put Iran and Saudi Arabia's interests aside and focus on Lebanon.

Anna Mitchell: Because there is some major suffering happening right now. Correct bishop?

Bishop Gregory: Yes. For instance a family of four a year ago could live on a hundred dollars a month but with the drop of the currency of the Lira, that hundred dollars a month a year ago is now ten dollars a month.

Anna Mitchell: Wow ten dollars a month is what families have to live on?

Bishop Gregory: Well no; some of them but what to me is most amazing for you and the listeners is the outreach -- the humanitarian outreach of the Catholic Church. I mentioned the Melkite, Maronite, Syriac, Armenian, Coptic and Latin churches. They all have schools and hospitals and nursing cares, drug rehabilitation centers. These are all communities that work in their local parishes as well to work for the betterment of the poor. And that's the story of Lebanon. I hate, I can't stand the political ridiculousness of many countries, not just Lebanon. But, I love the passion and the service for the poor of the Catholic Church and that's what I'd love your listeners to take away. If they can help in any way they can go to our website. They can see ways in which we can help and that sustains the people of God on the ground.

Anna Mitchell: What is that website?

Bishop Gregory: “www”, “Saint Maron”, “s-t-m-a-r-o-n dot org”. That's “s-t-m-a-r-o-n dot org”.

Anna Mitchell: And we will have that linked at sunrisemorningshow.com for listeners so that they can find it that much easier. I did want to ask you, Bishop Mansour, I mean how important is the Christian community especially the leaders of the Christian community when it comes to rebuilding Lebanon?

Bishop Gregory: I cannot overstate the importance of the Christian communities in Lebanon. Their schools are open to Muslims and Christians alike. Their hospitals are open. I just went to a nursing home for special needs women and girls. Sixty percent of them are Muslim and the forty percent that Christian -- none of those families can pay for anything and it's the Sisters of the Cross who work for the poor and about fifteen staff members. Even in this most difficult time so the Christian community has taken up what the government has failed to do.

Anna Mitchell: How important is it for the people there to know that the pope is so invested in this?

Bishop Gregory: You know all of the popes have been -- Pope Paul, Pope John Paul ii, Pope Benedict, and now Pope Francis. They get Lebanon and what they get is that Lebanon is a country in which Christians deliberately work to include Muslims in a conviviality of common life. That's really big. That's really important for our world to see. Christians were not separated from them, from others. They worked with others to form a country and that's what the popes get and that's why the popes from John Paul ii on have said. “Lebanon is more than a country it's a mission”. It's a mission of East and West. An example for East and West and that's what we don't want to lose.

Anna Mitchell: So Bishop Mansour, what are your hopes for the results of this meeting that Pope Francis has organized?

Bishop Gregory: Well, I hope it'll bring attention of the world. Our pope, our patriarch in Lebanon wants two things: He wants to see Lebanon declared like a Switzerland of the Middle East, a neutral country so that every conflict of the Middle East doesn't engage Lebanon. That's first; second, he wants an international conference at the U. N. to help resolve some of the external issues that are that are blocking a formation of a government in Lebanon and we'll take care of the internal if we can, but the externals all need to be taken care of by the international community. So that's what our patriarch is hoping for and that's what the holy father by him bringing all of the Christian leaders to Rome will help to strengthen the vision of Lebanon, the mission of Lebanon, and hopefully the success of Lebanon.

Anna Mitchell: I'm sure that this is something that the Maronite community in the United States is praying fervently for alongside the Holy Father and the Christian leaders who will be meeting in Rome.

Bishop Gregory: Yes, we are. Bishop Elias Zaidan and myself penned a letter and sent it to all of our priests and our people and put it on our facebook pages. Just asking people to spend that day in a solidarity of prayer and fasting for Lebanon.

Anna Mitchell: Well we will join you in that as well. We've been talking to Bishop Gregory Mansour. He's the bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn and again, it's “stmaron.org” “s-t-m-a-r-o-n-dot-org” is where you can get more information to support the Christian communities in Lebanon and Bishop Mansour, we're so grateful that you had the time to join us and tell us more about this meeting. Be assured of our prayers and we hope to have you back soon. Thank you so much.

Bishop Gregory: Thank you, I appreciate it very much.

Christians in the Middle East

November 19, 2020

Symposium: Act in Time

Protecting Imperiled Christians

In most conferences on Persecuted Christians, we speak about infractions against the God given right of freedom to worship as well as freedom of conscience, that is, to live openly and freely one’s faith. These unjust restrictions are unfortunately on the rise.

They exist in overly secular countries, where it is considered “discrimination”, and in some places, people are no longer allowed to express a principled and reasonable approach to moral issues.

It is also true in socialist countries, such as some places in South and Central America. It is also true in communist countries such as China and Southeast Asia. This is certainly and unfortunately true in Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and others.

I would like to focus my brief remarks on the Islamic world, where Christians and Jews have left because they found no safe harbor, no protection, no respect for their “otherness”, and no respect of their status as citizens.

This sad story is old, and rather depressing. What happened over 100 years ago, namely the Armenian, Syriac, Assyrian, and Lebanese Christian genocide at the lands of those responsible in the Ottoman Empire, is even more distressing. In other words, Christians have suffered at the hands of Muslim rulers from the Mamluks to the Mongols, to the Ottomans, and recently at the hands of non-government militias such as, Al Qaeda, Al Shabab, ISIS, Boko Haram, and many others.

However, on a more positive note, I want to focus on what also happened around 100 years ago which could be seen as an antidote, a sign of hope in the Christian Muslim conflict. This was the establishment of Modern Day Lebanon. In 1920 the Maronite Patriarch, Elias Howayek, led a delegation to Versailles, France, along with the Muslim Mulfti, to urge the allied countries to recognize “Greater Lebanon”. The boundaries proposed for this modern state intentionally included Shiite, Sunni, Christian and Druze areas, and the nation would live a conviviality, which years later, Pope John Paul II would remark, even in the midst of civil war 1975-1990, that Lebanon is “more than a country, a message for the world”.

The 74-year-old Maronite Patriarch made that dangerous trek to Versailles saying he was not a political man; he was armed only with his love for his homeland and the Rosary. This hope for a different world still abides in the hearts of Christians and Muslims living today in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East. They are armed only with the love of their homeland, their faith in God, and their reliance (Christians and Muslims) on the Blessed Virgin Mary.

I thus ask my Muslim brothers who govern in Saudi Arabia and in Iran, you are engaged in a fratricidal rivalry over hegemony in the region, and all the people of the Middle East suffer from this. Will the Middle East continue to suffer because of your rivalry? I also ask my Muslim brothers who govern in Turkey, you are intent on reclaiming the triumphal memory of the Ottoman Empire. Do you not see how this affects the minority populations, especially Christians in your midst? And I ask all Muslims of good will everywhere, is this dream of Lebanon, common to Muslims and Christians alike, which is also the dream of Christians throughout the Middle East to remain in their homelands, is this a shared dream? Does it meet with compassion in your hearts or are you determined to govern only Muslim people and all others are not welcome?

Whatever the answers may be, we Christians will continue to stay in our homelands, whether we are wanted or not. It seems to be the story of our lives ever since Mary and Joseph were told in Bethlehem that there is no room at the inn. There seems to be no room for us today in the Islamic world.

Nonetheless, it will be to the great loss of the Islamic world if Christians are absent. The ancient Christian communities have offered to their societies, before the advent of Islam, hospitals, nursing care facilities, schools, and a variety of charitable efforts. Christians have been known for these great services not only intended for themselves, but for non-Christian as well. It will be a sad day if the Islamic world continues to support policies that tell Christians they are no longer welcome in their own homelands. We can only pray that the good example of Lebanon will somehow, with the help of the Virgin Mary, prevail in the Islamic world.

✝ Gregory John Mansour

Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn

The Election of Maronite Patriarch Bechara Peter Rai -- March 2011 -- A Personal Reflection

In a Middle East where leaders do not easily give up power, nor do people easily work out differences, something beautiful took place among the Maronite Bishops, which has also refreshed the Maronite Church and in fact all Christians.

The March 2011 Patriarchal Synod of the Maronite Church has been for us a watershed of many graces. Together, we Bishops, for six days in March felt the history of the Church transporting us back to the communion and love present in the first gathering of Christians for the election of Matthias to take the place of Judas. (Acts 1:21-26) In the Chapel, the Bishops prayed for the intercession of Matthias, along with that of Mary and all the Apostles. God met us in our need.

After three days of prayer and fasting, and three days of democratic election and consultation, we elected Bishop Bechara Rai of Byblos/Jbeil as Patriarch. His election has proven to be a real blessing for our Church. Bkerke, the monastic style residence of the Maronite Patriarch, had been flooded with visitors from all parts and all communities of Lebanon, the Middle East and in fact from throughout the world. On the fifth day of our synod a Bishop proposed that we spend an evening of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. We did, and although there was more reflection and vocal prayer than the silence I was longing for, it was still beautiful and gave us the direction we needed. We were reminded that this is Christ's Church, not ours! We are stewards devoted to doing His work and His will. By a combination of prayer, conversation and much good will, each bishop was able to put the Church's needs first and their own needs second. The election process was one of the most respectful and beautiful acts a Church can witness; and by the grace of God, I had the privilege of participating and observing it firsthand.

Our Maronite Church, one of 21 Eastern Catholic Churches is governed by a Synod, which means by a "team" composed of a Patriarch and his Bishops. Our Maronite Church, since the acceptance by the Holy Father of Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir's resignation letter has been governed by Bishop Roland Aboujaoude, the oldest by rank of ordination in the Patriarch's Curia. He governed the Church from the time of the Pope's acceptance of the Patriarch's resignation up to the enthronement of the new Patriarch. But he did not govern alone, for like the Patriarch, he governed with the "team" of 40 Maronite Bishops.

We voted twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon for three days, until the 13th vote when Patriarch Rai emerged with the required 2/3. No one knew from the beginning who would become Patriarch. Some Bishops came to the Synod having in mind their favorite candidate while others thought that they themselves may have a chance to become Patriarch. Still others were undecided and open to hearing what their brother Bishops had in mind. Slowly hearts and minds were changed until we were able to determine which one of us was the best choice to assume the helm of this holy ship and to lead her to safe harbor. During each of the 13 sessions of voting each Bishop was required by oath to vote his conscience before God. During the final vote, along with each of us, the new Patriarch wrote his secret ballot. He later admitted to us that he was the one who had written the words: "communion and love" (sharika wa mahabba), which he said, and I most heartily agree, described the entire election. These words will subsequently guide his service as Patriarch.

His Homily at the Enthronement was beautiful. While working to help translate it, I told one of the Bishops it was way too long. My brother bishop quickly informed the new Patriarch of what I said. It is a good thing he has a sense of humor! After the enthronement, I greeted the new Patriarch, with, "I was wrong, the homily was perfect." In fact, it was.

The Liturgy of the Enthronement was stunning with Shiite, Sunni, Druze, Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical Christians, political leaders of Lebanon, including the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker all in attendance. The most significant moment in the Ceremony, which unfortunately was not well seen or understood; was when all bishops, in groups of 7, went to place their hand on the staff of the new Patriarch. This was a sign of our support for him and for all the responsibilities entrusted to him. If this reflection has helped you feel the beauty of communion and love that were woven in this entire process, perhaps you too will extend your hand to support the new Patriarch in the common labor we have been entrusted with - to build up the Church and society.

✝ Bishop Gregory Mansour

reprinted with permission

"A Theology of the Body" by Pope John Paul II

Introduction to the Annual Priest Retreat
Given by Father Thomas Loya
January 2007, Entitled:
"A Theology of the Body" by Pope John Paul II

In the book by Luke Timothy Johnson entitled The Real Jesus, the author distinguishes the four real from the several and well known false gospels by the following criteria:

In the authentic gospels, the essence is clear: the Pascal Mystery, for example the suffering, bodily death and true resurrection of Jesus Christ is treated honestly and without back peddling. In the false gospels, or the inauthentic ones, all of the authors shied away from the Pascal Mystery. They seemed to be afraid of the truth that says: real love suffers, makes sacrifices, dies!

Pope John Paul II brought with him from Krakow the text of his next book, his next course, it was "a study in human love". His starting point was this:

• a deep and abiding love and respect for the human person;

• a love for human love, and the profound God-given meaning for sex;

• a definition of love taken from the mystics, namely that love is a self-giving, a self- sacrifice for the good of the other. This gives meaning and joy both to the one who loves and to the one who is loved. This is made clear in Christ’s sacrificial love for us and in his "complete joy".

Thus “A Theology of the Body” was born. The Real Jesus is the One who teaches us about love, the One who lived and died for others. My brothers, this is true celibacy, this is true marriage: a way of being for others. I asked Father Tom Loya to give this retreat for several reasons:

• First, I have my own personal experience of him in Rome, knowing how dedicated he was and is to Christ and to His Church.

• Second, I know of his great love for John Paul II, and

• Third, I appreciate his commitment to help us better understand Pope John Paul II’s important work on human love. This essential insight into human love is at the very heart of our priestly ministry. And so I welcome Father Tom to help us reflect this week on Pope John Paul II's "A Theology of the Body."

✝ Bishop Gregory J. Mansour

reprinted with permission

Address for Priests Retreat 2009

When God revealed His presence and made known His name to Moses at the burning bush, He began a new way of accompanying His people. During the years they wandered in the desert they were led by His presence in “cloud and a pillar of fire.” (Ex 13:22) He gave Moses the tablets of the law, and these, along with the blossomed rod of Aaron and the manna which appeared each day in the desert, were placed in the Ark of the Covenant, which the priests carried wherever His people went. On their way to the Promised Land as they carried the Ark, when the soles of their feet touched the water of the Jordan, it ceased to flow; “the water flowing down from upstream halted in a solid bank." (Jos 3:13)

When King Solomon built the Temple, even though God told his father, David, that He does not dwell in houses made by human hands, but would instead build a house for David, He was nonetheless, pleased, and as the Ark was brought to its resting place in the holy of holies “the cloud filled the temple of the Lord so that the priests could no longer minister because of the cloud, since the Lord’s glory had filled the temple.” (1 Kg 8:11)

In the fullness of time, shepherds had seen a star at its rising…which came to rest over the place where the child was…On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother…They prostrated themselves, did him homage and then opened their treasures to offer him gifts. (Mt 2:9-11) When Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John, upon coming out of the water the heavens were torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descended upon Him. A voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." (Mk: 1:9-11)

In a radically different way, on the day before He suffered, Jesus took bread into his hands, broke and gave it to His disciples and said: “take and eat, this is my body.” Likewise, He took the cup…and said “do this in memory of me.” (Lk 22) God’s way of accompanying His people, like the first time He spoke to Moses, would never be the same from this night forward. His self-giving love, manifest in Eucharist, would be a new manna, a bread of love, which priests offer each day throughout the world.

It is hard to imagine, brothers, that we who in the past were led by a “cloud and pillar of fire,” who carried the Ark, ministered in the Temple and beheld his glory, and who today, by privilege of ordination, hold Him in our very hands, could do anything less than honor this awesome presence. Do we realize this gift? Do we take His presence for granted? Can we spend an hour each night of our retreat in Eucharistic Adoration? Can we bear to consider our unworthiness? Has our share in His priesthood become routine? Do we possess within ourselves a spirit of awe and wonder at our lofty place between heaven and earth? Do we fulfill our priestly duties with love and devotion? Do we pray with reverence and “behind clouds of perfumed smoke cower, and dare not even glimpse the power that now descends over our altar?” (Liturgy of the Announcement to Mary)

Brothers, this week we break from routine, accuse ourselves before God, confess our sins, admit our faults, spend time with Christ in this chapel, make amends and start anew. But we need God’s grace, one another’s support, and the prayer of the Blessed Virgin.

Whether it was the inspiration of a priest, our parents’ encouragement, the support of a friend, or simply God’s grace working overtime in our soul that led us to this privilege place of priesthood, may we honor this gift by drawing ever nearer to the One who thundered from the heavens and said “this is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rests.”(Mk 1: 9-11) May He also be pleased with us, His priest sons, and accompany us in Eucharistic presence. May we enter once again into the mystery of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and may the prayer of the Virgin Mary and all the Church be with us. A blessed retreat to each of you.

✝Gregory J. Mansour

reprinted with permission

Address to Youth and the Young Adults

Once, in a time long ago, there was an artist. The artist put his whole heart and soul in his work. He found it hard to express what was in his soul. However, he worked hard and kept his eyes fixed on his goal. He heard comments like: “Stop shooting for the stars”, “quit dreaming” or “what you do doesn’t matter that much. This caused him much pain. His work suffered but he persevered.

People where he lived settled for what was average mediocre, they criticized innovation. After a while, he realized that for the sake of his God-given talent he had to leave that place. So he set out, hoping in his heart that his artistic vision could truly create beauty in the world. He settled in a barren place, on a river’s edge, and there he continued his work spending many hours of the day and night hammering out every detail. At first, those who looked at his work thought it a bit strange. He was again criticized and ridiculed. But, later, these same people came to know and love him and to see beauty and wisdom in his work.

Toward the end of his life, there arose in the people of the surrounding area much interest in his work. Friends became interested and actively involved in helping him create more beautiful works than he had ever imagined. Then, as the Divine Artist called him home, his faithful son entrusted his unfinished work to the hands of his friends.

The artist was St. Maron. His canvas was his very soul and character. Little did he suspect that his beautiful vision of Jesus Christ would one day become the interest for so many. In fact, we are blessed to share in his name and memory; we are Maronites!

The style of Christianity was becoming complex where Maron lived. The gospel of simplicity practiced since the time of St. Peter the Apostle, was quickly lost in the complexity of daily life. Maron left his home for the shores of the Orontes River in ancient Syria. There he sought solitude and prayer. The more he sought quiet, the more he found himself in the service of others, counseling and healing. By the time of his death in 410 A.D., monks gathered in his name to form the Monastery of St. Maron and they became the first Maronites.

The Monastery was soon a center of spiritual healing and prayer for the people of the surrounding villages who also became known as Maronites. They sought spiritual perfection in all they did. They not only “handed on”, but they enhanced the “Maron Mosaic” while calling upon poets, artists, spiritual guides, working men and women, families, elders and youth. Each of them, in their unique beauty, contributed to this unfinished work.

And so began a new way of life. The followers of St. Maron had no idea that their way of life would have such an impact on society. Maronites were to make their presence a positive one wherever they lived. By being faithful “monks”, they stood up against all that was shallow and artificial in society, for a monk leaves behind the busyness of a self-seeking society in order to start a new society, one born of justice, love, and good order.

The life-style that St. Maron inspired was not an escape from the world, but rather a bold re-entrance, a new engagement, almost a defiance, as if to say: “Christianity can truly be lived, come and see!”

According to the gospel precepts, a monk sold all that he had to follow Christ. He concerned himself only with the essentials, what was central to life itself. For the Maronite, prayer, which simply placed God on a pedestal and spoke in flowery words about His greatness was not prayer at all, but empty chatter. God is the God of silence. He is the God who is beyond our impressions of Him, yet very near to us in His Son, Jesus Christ, who became one of us.

The prayer of the Divine Liturgy reminds us:

“You have united, O Lord, Your divinity with our humanity, and our humanity with Your divinity”.

The Maronite addresses God not in distant and aloof terms, but rather as “Lover of Mankind”, “Ocean of Mercy” and “Fountain of Life”.

The best way for the Maronite to pray is in poetry and silence – the language of love. Poetry, because only by metaphors and analogy, which stretch words beyond their capacity, can people one express what is deepest in their hearts. Silence, because a contemplative life-style is a reminder that love of God and neighbor is what life is all about.

Maronite Art is deeply human yet touched by the divine. It depicts scenes from the Scriptures with full color and human faces.

Maronite Hymns make this point even clearer. The Latin Tradition has Gregorian Chant. The Byzantine Tradition has majestic hymns with multi-part harmonies. The Maronite Tradition uses music familiar to the people, simple and easy to remember. Sometimes the chant was festive, sometimes reflective, but always letting the words speak for themselves, assisting one to draw closer to God, touching both the senses and the heart.

The monks avoided mere habit when it came to art, music, poetry, or prayer. They prayed like the ancient Jews in the Temple and Synagogues. They used expressions, prayers and gestures like those of the earliest Christians. They were conservative and proud inheritors of Christ’s culture: His language and His customs, His Jewish ancestry.

By the seventh and eighth centuries the Maronites were forced to flee Syria because of persecutions, thus making the protective mountains of Lebanon home. They even helped to create the modern nation of Lebanon. In America we are the Maronites in a new culture planting ancient roots in a new soil. Today, we are living proof to an ever-greater migration from Lebanon and the Middle East through the centuries to the four corners of the earth.

Maronites are “old fashioned” when it comes to respecting themselves and others, believing that the body is a gift from God to be honored and respected. How we do this is very important. Maronites love chastity, not because they are prudish, but because they believe that sex has a noble purpose, and a lofty meaning. They believe that they can make a true gift of themselves in marriage, and they ought not give themselves to anything less. Thus, they believe that this gift of self is reserved either for consecrated service to God, for marriage, or for a generous single life. Everything else falls short of God’s love plan.

Maronites are down to earth, lovers of Scripture and nature, bold pilgrims and pioneers. They are a team of artists that dates back to the fifth century: artists specializing in the art of living. Maronites are future visionaries who must now complete the “Maron Mosaic” based on what they know of their past and what Christ and his Church teach about the present. Knowing who they are is important, not just for their own sakes, but to honor the blood, sweat and tears of those who labored before them.

Dear young brothers and sisters, no other time in the history of the Maronites is more important that right now. Maron’s artistic vision could very easily collapse. The Maronite Catholic Church, one of the twenty-two different Churches that make up the Catholic Church, united with the Pope in Rome could die of neglect! The Maronite Church is the only Church never to be divided, the only Eastern Church to have always maintained close ties with the Pope, the successor of the Apostle Peter in Rome.

We are more than an “ethnic” Church. We are a Church with a mission. We embrace almost every nation of the world. St. Maron, whom we believe, along with all the saints, is in the presence of God the Father, must be dancing with joy. How little did he know that God would use his life to establish an international way of following Jesus Christ and loving God and neighbor.

If today Maron could speak to you the Youth and Young adults, I believe he would speak in this way:

• “Beloved brothers and sisters, you and your ancestors have made many sacrifices to keep your faith. Thank you for your interest in my vision of life with Jesus as Lord. Today I celebrate your faith.

• Don’t worry about money or social status because this type of worry will blind you from seeing God’s face in the cedars of the mountain, the roar of the sea, and the eyes of your neighbor.

• Be concerned with the lives of others, the goodness of the earth, your own desire to do God’s will and in doing this you will find Him. Avoid whatever is superficial, and seek out what is unfading and sure.

• Listen to the voice of Pope Benedict and Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir and their successors. In doing this you are listening to the voice of St. Peter, who was chosen by Jesus Himself, as the head of the apostles.

• Complete the masterpiece that my friends and I labored over in past ages. You are young and you can see clearly the mistakes of the past. You can improve the present. You are the new team of artists in this yet unfinished work of art. The cost of living.

• Let your voices be heard! I trust your judgment and the adults need to hear you! Dream your dreams and make a gift of your lives for what is good.

• Open wide your hearts so that you may see clearly and hear our Lord’s call to you to rebuild His Church. Young people, you are my hope!”

Dear young people of today, put your whole heart and soul into the art of living. When you face adversity, as did Our Lord, persevere. Be wise, remain prayerful and never lose confidence that God walks with you. Don’t be afraid to be a little “old fashioned”. You are entrusted with a precious unfinished work of art – the Maronite Church! You can make all the difference in the world.

May the prayers of Saint Maron, father, hermit and friend to the youth, be with you.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
✝Gregory John Mansour

reprinted with permission

Artificial Contraception — Part I

Recently, on a visit to a parish I received two surprise compliments, the first from a young adult who thanked me for the articles I write in the Maronite Voice, the second from a father of a large family. The young adult asked that I keep in mind the young when I write, the father asked if I would write an article on artificial contraception since I “write with such a human touch”, as he put it.

To both of them I dedicate these few lines and refer to the popes who have written with a “human touch” on the sensitive issue of contraception.

The desire to regulate the size of our families has been on the mind of every parent from the beginning of time. It is only in the last 50 years or so that science has given us two effective ways to do it: artificial contraception and Natural Family Planning (NFP). Today, both ways have plenty of science behind them. Unfortunately, we know much about the artificial methods and little about the natural methods of family planning. NFP is based on the daily observation of the woman’s signs of fertility.

This natural means respects the God-given fertility of both the man and the woman, as well as calls forth the practice of virtue in both spouses. It imposes upon a man and a woman a brief period of abstinence from sexual relations if they would like to defer the possibility of conceiving a child. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, some professionals look with disdain on NPF. The most basic reason for this is that most physicians are not knowledgeable about NFP because they do not learn it in medical school. A lack of education is at the heart of this misinformation. Nonetheless, it is a spiritual and meaningful way to help a husband and wife bond with each other in a way that is truly life giving and personal as well as respectful of God’s plan for their family.

Pope John Paul II, in his groundbreaking work popularly called the Theology of the Body, said that God created man and woman as sexual beings who naturally yearn for union. We long to give ourselves as a gift and receive the other as a gift. This is so, says John Paul II, because men and women are made in God’s image. In the creation account in Sacred Scriptures, notes the Holy Father, “human beings are not compared to anything else in the world when they are created; but are compared to God Himself – this has profound meaning – for, as I John states, “God is love” (1 John 4:8).” Thus men and women are created in love for love. (Pope John Paul II’s Catechesis on Genesis)

God designed marital union to be both a sign of the couple’s “one flesh” union as well as to be procreative. The Church describes this as the “unitive and procreative” aspects of marital union. Thus in this union, so beautiful and profound, there should be nothing to obscure God’s image of men and women. Nothing should interfere with God’s design for married love. Every time marital intimacy is shared, the truth that this union is meant to give life should always be honored.

Married couples who have grown to appreciate Natural Family Planning often speak of the great joy they feel in developing a respect and appreciation for one another and the truth that their sexual union is always open to God’s will: the possibility of new life and the truth that their physical union is an image of communion with God Himself.

Pope Paul VI, writing in 1968, gives us a window into the beauty of chaste married life. Here below, with a very human touch, are his words in Humanae Vitae:

“Self-discipline is a shining witness to the chastity of husband and wife and, far from being a hindrance to their love of one another, transforms it by giving it a more truly human character. And if this self-discipline does demand that they preserve in their purpose and efforts, it has at the same time the salutary effect of enabling husband and wife to develop their personalities and to be enriched with spiritual blessings. For it brings to family life abundant fruits of tranquility and peace. It helps in solving difficulties of other kinds. It fosters in husband and wife thoughtfulness and loving consideration for one another. It helps them to repel inordinate self-love, which is the opposite of charity. It arouses in them a consciousness of their responsibilities. And finally, it confers upon parents a deeper and more effective influence in the education of their children. As their children grow up, they develop a right sense of values and achieve a serene and harmonious use of their mental and physical powers”.

To those who for years have practiced artificial contraception, I hope you will reconsider; to those young couples just beginning their married life, and to those young adults who are contemplating marriage, I hope you will consider the Church’s teaching a positive source of life and meaning so that your marriage will be happy and holy.

In the next part, with the help of the “human touch” of Pope John Paul II, I hope to explore the meaning of why the Church teaches against the use of artificial contraception.

✝Gregory John Mansour

reprinted with permission

Artificial Contraception — Part II

Before discussing in more depth artificial contraception, I have often been struck by Pope John Paul II’s often-made connection between certain moral issues and contraception. Kindly allow me to review the issues of abortion, assisted suicide and stem cell research, as outlined by the late Holy Father, before moving on to our topic.

Abortion is a choice. God made us free to choose as we see fit, and no one should limit our freedom. The argument sounds valid, but although God made us free, abortion is not a real choice. How can one morally choose to harm or kill others, whether they are embryo size, unborn and still in the womb, disabled, old or infirm? Life is a sacred gift in every way and at every moment, and always worthy of respect.

With regards to assisted suicide, although we have every right to say “enough” to suffering, the assisted suicide that is now legal in Oregon and Washington State, under the premise that we should have some control over our lives, is not a solution. The argument may sound valid to some, but the logic is not complete. For self-serving reasons of money, inheritance, or family or personal issues, the disabled, infirmed, terminally ill or depressed is placed in an even more vulnerable position if left to think that they ought to consider ending their lives for the good of others or themselves.

On the topic of stem cell research, there are now over seventy proven cures that are directly the result of stem cell research. Catholic hospitals, which make up one third of all hospitals in the United States, are in fact on the cutting edge of much of this scientific progress. The problem is that some scientists and bio-tech firms as well as the present Administration and Congress, have been promoting, with the help of certain ideological movements, another kind of stem cell research, one that has delivered nothing yet falsely claims to hold great promise: embryonic stem cell research. This research destroys embryos, clones human life and experiments on tiny conceived human beings, who if never touched would become you or me.

How are these moral issues related to artificial contraception? According to Pope John Paul II they are tied by one tiny but clear thread. In all of the above issues, we take what are God’s prerogatives and make them our own. In abortion, we play God and say that a certain unborn child who is wanted may live and another who is not wanted may die. In assisted suicide, we say that one person deserves to be loved and cared for until the time of natural death and another should end his life because he is a burden on himself and/or others. In embryonic stem cell research, we say that science, which has offered awesome wonders by reprogramming adult stem cells, should be able to tamper and destroy the embryo for medical benefits.

The same incomplete and mistaken logic has to do with artificial contraception. Natural Family Planning has scientifically proven itself, and its moral and ethical benefits are praised by many couples. Nonetheless, we want to do things our way, and no one, not even the Church, should tell us what to do with something so private and personal.

Even though the issue of artificial contraception is unlike the issues mentioned above, it is similar in how we relate to one another and whether or not we honor what God has written in our very nature. The late Pope John Paul II, from 1979 to 1984 in his Wednesday general audiences, dedicated these lessens to the beauty of our nature, gender, sexuality, love, need for friendship, and dignity of marriage and family life. These audiences were later edited and put in one volume, entitled The Theology of the Body.

The late Pontiff’s main point was that our masculinity or femininity is a gift from God. This is how we relate to others – in particular our spouse if we are married. How we see ourselves in relation to God is not a private matter that we determine all by ourselves, but also a personal and communal one that involves God and others. There is a language, certain wisdom, written in our natures, in our very bodies, and we are not just “on our own” to figure it out. Rather, we belong to God—indeed, we are made in His image! Like our Lord Jesus, we can give ourselves as a gift. This self-giving, the secret logic of love, ought not be taken lightly. In marriage, a man and a woman say a complete “yes” to God and to one another. By virtue of this “yes” they come to personally experience and know more about themselves and God.

The language that spouses speak, Pope John Paul II says, must be as honest as possible. They must not take each other for granted, nor use the other for their own gain, but rather share all things in common. The highest form of their personal sharing is prayer, the second highest is their sexual union, which is also, along with prayer a most honest communication. Sexual union says, “I give myself completely into your keeping; I want our union to be open to God; I love you no matter what.”

Artificial contraception confuses the clear logic and language of self-giving love and openness to God. It is like saying “I love you” but with “fingers crossed”. Pope John Paul II said that the union of spouses is so special that it is part human and part divine. Couples, therefore, ought to enter this union with respect and awe.

Two elements of divine wisdom are written into this marital union: first, it brings a couple to a deeper union with each other, and second, since this union is holy, couples have the privilege of co-creating with God a new person, a child, made in His image and likeness. Artificial contraception obscures the procreative element of this profound and sacred union, and thus places what is a divine, yet very human, completely into the hands of the couple alone.

In artificial contraception we take what is holy, what is God’s, what is given to us for our freedom to decide, and take too much of it to ourselves to control. Artificial contraception, unlike its alternative Natural Family Planning, does not encourage the couple to know and respect the fertility cycle of the woman, and thus the couple lives according to their own plans and emotions. This distances them from the woman’s fecundity cycle and the man’s power to create, which God alone has placed within their very own bodies. As Pope John Paul II has said, when we alone direct our path without the help of God, we easily become strangers to ourselves and to one another.

There is much more to say on this topic. For more information please log onto www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp. and see especially the United States Catholic Bishops’ summary of Catholic teaching in Married Love and the Gift of Life, which can also be found on line at: www.usccb.org/laity/marriage/MarriedLove.pdf.

✝Gregory John Mansour

reprinted with permission

Bishop Gregory Mansour Homily At Enthronement

Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
As of Today, I Entrust Myself to You.
“With You I Am Christian, For You I Am a Bishop.”
Today I Am Yours.
Bishop Gregory Mansour Homily At Enthronement

Following his enthronement ceremony, Bishop Gregory John Mansour presided over a solemn Divine Liturgy. After reading from the Gospel of John, the gospel of the Good Shepherd, he addressed his church for the first time as a bishop. Following is the full text of his homily.

In the Gospel today we have the story of the Good Shepherd who freely lays down his life for his sheep…he is not a hired hand, he is shepherd. I too am ready to lay down my life for you, and like Peter and the first bishops of Antioch, I am not afraid to do so generously.

I chose “no greater love” for my motto, not because I am good at it, but rather….to encourage myself to live it.

In this I have had many teachers, mostly, but not only priests. Spouses lay down their lives for each other, parents, sometimes single parents, do this for their children, generous single people do this for their families and others, those who are primary care-givers do this silently. Our priests do this every day in the hidden arena of their parish life.

The Gospel of Christ does not exist in mere words. We are not like the Mardi Gras partyers who forget about the beginning of Lent. Good Friday and Easter Sunday mean less to us if there is not also a Holy Saturday, a day when we are asked to make peace with God, neighbor our own soul. We are admonished in our prayer of that day “You who are angry, find another God other than the Crucified One.” Thus Holy Saturday is a day for reconciliation, it brings us to the Peace of Easter Sunday, and face- to- face with the God of Peace.

Like Holy Saturday, the day of the Last Supper, Holy Thursday, is complete only by Christ’s washing the feet of the disciples. Thus humble service and the Eucharist are forever linked. “What good is it to have faith,” James asks, “ and no action to correspond.” This faith is meaningless. Thus, Holy Saturday gives meaning to Easter, and loving service gives meaning to our Eucharist.

Today in this Eucharist, I give thanks to God for all the many gifts He has bestowed on me in my life. I give thanks and I make an offering.

The word “Eucharist” in Greek means “thanksgiving.” The word Qorbono, in Syriac means “offering.” Thus, today I bring my gift to the altar, my very self and I give thanks.

In this Mary is our model. She came to God in thanksgiving, she offered herself, her very person, and in her womb abided the One who dwells in the heavens.

Like Mary we, too, come today in thanksgiving. We offer our gifts, ourselves, and by this offering we receive communion with the living God who dwells in the humble heart as in a mansion.

In this context, I want to offer:

• Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, my respect and obedience,
• to Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir, my love and loyalty,
• to Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio, who represents the Holy Father in our midst, a special welcome,

• to the Maronite Synod of Bishops, a prayer for solidarity.

• Specifically to Archbishop Francis M. Zayek, our founder, Bishop John G. Chedid, my mentor Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, my brother bishop, and Bishop Stephen Hector Doueihi, my teacher, ..as well as to Archbishop Harb of Lebanon, Bishop Mahfouz of Brazil, Bishop Khoury of Canada, Bishop Abi-Younes of Mexico, Father Khalil Alwan, the Superior of the Krimist Fathers, Monsignor Khairallah of the Patriachal Synod. To Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishops Basil Schott, Stefan Soroka, and Peter Gerty and the many Latin and Eastern Catholic archbishops, bishops and priests here today, among them Bishop Robert A. Brucato, representing Cardinal Egan, Bishop DiMarzio of Brooklyn, Bishop Migilore, Holy See Representative to the United Nations, Bishops of New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, Bishops of the Melkite, Armenian, Syriac, Syro Malabar, Ukrainian, and Ruthenian Catholic Churches here present, my special thanks and my love.

• To the clergy, religious and the laity of the Eparchy of Saint Maron . As of today, I entrust myself to you. St. Augustine said, “With you I am Christian, for you I am a Bishop.” Today I am yours.

• A special word of respect and esteem to the priests of the Eparchy of Saint Maron, the hidden heroes of our Church. We know that we are called to a higher standard, to a stricter account by one God. A word of thanks to the priests and to those who have gone before us.

• A special word of thanks to Archbishop Zayek, founding bishop of the Maronite Church in the USA, and Bishop Doueihi who contributed so much to her life and who poured their life into this church. Thank you.

• To Monsignor Sadek and this Cathedral Parish, my new home, I come to you as a Pastor, a brother and a fellow Christian.

• To the Abbot of Holy Trinity Maronite Monastery, Mothers Superior of the Antonine Sisters and Hermits of Jesus, Rector of our Maronite seminary, monks, nuns, deacons and subdeacons and wives, seminarians, the members of the National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM),the Order of Sharbel, the Maronite League from Lebanon, the International Maronite Foundation, members of the Catholic Near East Welfare Society (CNEWA), Catholic Home Missions Board, distinguished ecumenical guests, especially Archbishop Khouri, representing Metropolitan Phillip Saliba of the Orthodox Church,to civil and non Catholic friends and guests, welcome.

• Welcome to Congressman Lahood and Kildee, The Lebanese Ambassador to the United Nations, the Consul General of Lebanon, members of the news media …

• To my Father, George here present, and Amal, my brothers and sisters, Brian, Joni, John, Suzie, George, Najib, Wissam, Monie and their families, my aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends, all who have come today as well as those who were unable to travel.

• For my departed mother Gloria Farhat Mansour a special prayer of gratitude, as well for my departed cousins Dolores and Ann, and my friend Mark, and for all those whom I love, and who love me, and whose lives have helped form me as a Christian and as a priest.

• For all this and for so much more, I come to give you thanks O Lord, and to make my offering part of the offering of the church throughout the world.

We have a common work to do, my friends, it is the work of the Church, the work of salvation. I cannot do this work by myself nor do I want to…I need your help, we need to work together. By virtue of our baptism, we are collaborators with Christ.

To begin, we must protect, respect and honor life which is a gift from God. This begins with the unborn… People ask why does the Church insist on this principle of respect for life? Because it is foundational, the bedrock of a civilization of love, a culture of life which we are called to create and promote. It is not a Catholic issue, but a moral and justice issue. We defend the marginalized, serve the forgotten, the poor, the immigrant… we protect children who have the right to be safe in our society, and grow up well-loved, respected and valued. We live and we love the Gospel and the Person of Jesus Christ…

The Church like our mother, is as dear to us as is Christ. We do not use her for our own gain, exploit her or, unduly criticize her. She is a beautiful instrument in the hand of God to bring good news to the world. Thus, by our lives we preserve and promote her spiritual, moral and cultural heritage.

We are willing to challenge society, and not just accept everything as it is; we bring to society a respect for the dignity of each human person, we promote the beauty of chastity (there is nothing wrong with loving this virtue today), we honor the gift of married love, and we place family life first.

We are practicing Catholics, not perfect, but practicing. We are not “grocery cart” Catholics who pick and choose what we believe. Rather, we have the courage to accept the fullness of the truth as taught by the Magisterium of the Church. Our parishes are an oasis for anyone looking for a spiritual home, especially Maronites who want to come home, as well as all Middle Eastern Christians of different denominations.

Lebanon is a holy place for us, a spiritual homeland, a wonderful yet fragile experiment of Christian – Muslim conviviality. Thus with our Patriarch, whom we fully support, we are not afraid to wage a war of persuasion and friendship for her integrity, her mission, her right to self governance, and her free decision, and to promote her cultural value and heritage as a gift to the world – West and East.

We strive for a new solidarity with Maronite Catholics everywhere. As the Maronite Patriarchal Synod has been saying, we are one Church….yet.

We are also part of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Thus we also take our proper place among all the Catholic Churches under the Holy Father, and rather than to turn-in on ourselves, we turn out toward others, and place ourselves in their service, properly equipped with the beautiful tools of the liturgy, music, poetry, language, and culture of our Maronite Catholic and Aramaic heritage, so close to the culture of Jesus Himself.

We have much to do. With God’s help, and by His loving plan, we begin anew, together. Strengthened by the work of those who have gone before us, we begin.

As you leave the Cathedral today, I hope you will pray for me and for the Church so that God will give us the courage and the grace to fulfill this apostolic mission. Let us also say a special prayer for Lebanon, and for peace in the Middle East.

From my heart to yours, thank you. May Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd and the light of the world, and our Blessed Mother Mary keep you in their loving care.

Saints Maron, John Maron, Sharbel, Rafka, soon to be canonized Blessed Hardini, may the Blessed Massabki Brothers, and one day we hope, Patriarch Doueihi, and all the Maronite saints, pray for us.

As we prepare to offer ourselves in this Eucharist, let us together profess together our faith.

reprinted with permission

Brief Reflection in Honor of Our Lady

St. Maron Church Philadelphia
May 16, 2008

Msgr. Sharbel Lischaa, Pastor of St Maron and Beloved Parishioners;
Bishops Mansour, Aboujaoude and Shaheen;
Fathers Mouawad, Madi, Beloved Clergy, Religious and Laity;

We gather today on day after the Feast of Our Lady of the Harvest, May 15th. We take time to chant, with heartfelt emotion and sincere respect, the Ya Um Allah and we honor Mary under her many titles.

In a special way these days we pray for a good spring harvest and ask Mary’s intercession. We also ask Our Lady for a blessing on our spiritual harvest as well. Whenever we sow in justice we reap peace. Each of our actions and words sow either justice and peace or hurt and division.

Let our entire life sow justice and goodness so that the fruits of our labor may be peace.

May Our Lady of the Harvest, Our Lady of Lebanon, bless all our endeavors and bring Lebanon justice and peace. Amen

✝ Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir

reprinted with permission

Divorce and Remarriage

Why would the Church want to make life difficult for those who have already gone through a painful civil divorce? According to critics of the Catholic annulment process, the Church “re-traumatizes” Catholics who want, and deserve, a second chance at marriage after their first marriage failed.

Why should the Catholic Church make people go through an annulment in the first place? No other Church or Christian community, Orthodox or Protestant, makes anyone go through this in such a detailed procedure. In fact, no other religion in the world forces anyone to review his or her previous marriage before being able to marry again. Couldn’t the priest who is preparing the couple for marriage simply discern whether both parties have sufficiently “worked through” their previous marriage(s) and are now ready to “go on?”

Why is there need for a separate Church tribunal to discern whether or not there was a valid marriage that continues to bind someone, or if there was some problem that may need attention before someone remarries? Is not this matter a personal one, and not the business of anyone else? Why does the Church take marriage so seriously, and stop people from doing what they want to do?

The only answer to these questions is the seriousness in which the Church takes Jesus’ prohibition of divorce. Jesus told the men of his time that although Moses permitted divorce, they should not (Matt 5:31). Jesus said that a man and wife are one before God and no man should “put asunder” this bond (Matt 19:6). In fact, Jesus taught that man and wife are “one flesh”, a very strong reminder of the beautiful unity of a man and woman as husband and wife.

The Church takes divorce seriously because it takes marriage seriously. Marriage is a pact, a covenant between a man, a woman and God. Nonetheless, we know that people change, they make mistakes, and sometimes cannot keep promises. The Church understands that. The practice of annulment may not be the best means to help discern the true sacramentality or validity of a marriage that has failed, but nonetheless, it is the best way the Church has been able to develop to help us to both honor our Lord’s prohibition of divorce, and at the same time to accommodate the reality of broken marriages.

If you, a family member or friend is divorced and remarried outside the Church I hope you will contact your local parish priest to discuss what can be done to help you receive the Sacraments again. You may also call Fathers Abdallah Zaidan or Francis Marini at the Eparchial Marriage Tribunals of Our Lady of Lebanon or St Maron respectively. We will assist in any way we can.

✝ Gregory John Mansour

reprinted with permission

Got Anger?

Ever notice that people stay away from people who always seem angry? Who wants to be around them? Maybe that is why Pope Francis is so popular. He seems to be genuinely happy, even in the midst of so many difficulties!

Anger can become quite destructive if left unchecked, yet all people have anger issues, we just learn how to manage it. We may be angry because of something someone did, or did not do; or at those who seem to "tell us what to do"; or we are sometimes angry and we don't even know why.

Aristotle put it this way: "Everybody can get angry, that's easy. But getting angry at the right person, with the right intensity, at the right time, for the right reason and in the right way, that's hard." Some Christians justify that anger by saying that Jesus was angry when he chased the money changers from the Temple. Yes, he was angry; but after all, the Son of God has every right to be angry! Nonetheless, scientists who have studied the Shroud of Turin, which is believed to have covered the face and body of the battered, scourged, pierced and crucified Christ, continue to be amazed at the serene look on the face of the Son of God. If Jesus was angry at one time, and for some specific reason, he certainly did not stay angry like the rest of us do!

Anger, has become an epidemic today. We live in an angry world; and there is no sign of it letting up! Got anger? God invites us to find a way to "get over it". By tempering anger with love and mercy, as Pope Francis does, we can manage our lives a little better, and we will be happier, more like disciples of the Crucified One. Got Anger. Get God!

✝ Bishop Gregory J. Mansour

reprinted with permission

Homily For the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of Priesthood

Sunday September 16, 2007

On September 16, 2007, His Excellency Bishop Gregory Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, celebrated his Silver Anniversary of Priesthood at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn, N.Y. Following is the homily Bishop Mansour preached during the Divine Liturgy.

I was told to keep it short, so I offer three words: a word on the Gospel, a word in honor of Mary, and a personal word of thanks.

The portion of the Gospel assigned to the First Sunday after the Feast of the Holy Cross is the story in the Gospel of Mark of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who asked Jesus the honor to sit on His right and left in glory. Jesus asked if they could share the same “cup of pain” as he would. They said they were willing, and we know that they eventually shared in his pain. In Jerusalem, where he was bishop, James was the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:2), and John, exiled to the Island of Patmos (Rev 1:9), lived a long life (later in Ephesus) as guardian of the Virgin Mary, yet endured much suffering by what he saw as a witness to Christ.

Nonetheless, Jesus did not grant their request to sit at his right and left. Rather he instructed them, and all the disciples, especially those indignant with such a request, that true greatness comes from loving service.

Oddly enough, the account of the “sons of Zebedee” in Matthew’s Gospel has the mother of the “sons” come to Jesus to make this request. There is also something else in Matthew’s Gospel that is noteworthy: this same mother of the “sons of Zebedee” is also mentioned among the women at the Cross! There, both mothers came to know firsthand the message of the Cross, “a stumbling block for the Jews and complete foolishness for the Gentiles, yet for those who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:23).

What a gift it is for our mothers to be with us both in our glory and in our shame. For this reason, in the Season of the Victorious Cross, my second word is to honor Mary, who at the foot of the Cross, bears with all mothers and all people the labors and burdens of the day.

We wonder how Christ’s mother made room for the mother of James and John, “sons of Zebedee” at the foot of the Cross. How did she manage the jealousies among the apostles, each vying for his place among the most important? How was she able to pray with them in the Upper Room as together they awaited the promised gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? How has she managed to follow God’s people throughout history as mother and guide?

It is this strong, faithful and maternal love, a Marian love, that we call upon in our celebration today of the Eucharist of her Son. To our shame, we reflect on our own power struggles, jealousies, insecurities, adult yet childish competitions that leave us far from her Son and far from one another, and we ask her for help.

Lastly, on a personal note, with John and James, sons of Zebedee, I too have sought the glory of sitting at Christ’s right or left; yet I have been given the grace to also know the “cup of pain” associated with that close following of Christ.

With James and John I have also learned the joy of loving service, as well as the sadness of personal competition. All my priestly assignments, and for that matter, my assignment as bishop as well, have been decisions of my superiors, and for this I thank God. Although I have not chosen any of them, I have chosen Christ and continue to choose Christ and serve Him in the priesthood. For me all the rest is grace! My life has been a life of grace.

On this 25th anniversary of the priesthood, this son of Mary as well as all her priest sons offer this Eucharist and ask her prayer on behalf of her sons and daughters. May God make us pleasing in His sight, and may the prayer of the Virgin Mary, present at the Cross, at Pentecost and here today, be always with us.

✝ Gregory John Mansour

reprinted with permission

Homily for the Priest Retreat 2009

Saint Paul reveals his great zeal for the Gospel as well as his personal disappointments when he says in his first letter to the Corinthians: “Please put up with a little foolishness on my part…For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God, since I betrothal you to one husband to present you as a chaste virgin to Him…but I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve, someone has deceived you” (1Cor 11:1-4).

Brothers, as pastors we too carry in our bosom a similar zeal as well our own personal disappointments. We love those entrusted to us and yet grieve their sins and faults. We sometimes feel betrayed by their weakness and misdeeds. It is not easy to love, pastor, care and lead. It is even harder when one encounters contempt, dislike, or lack of respect.

Saint Paul felt betrayed; and, therefore, needed to “boast” of the many sacrifices and hardships he endured to bring to “full stature every person in Christ.”(Col 1:28) He needed to boast because he felt belittled by his peers - the very people he was called to serve. Sounds familiar? Nothing hurts more than harmful words, deeds or lack of support from those we trust and love.

However, just criticism can help us improve our Christian witness and unjust criticism can help us be conformed more to Christ. But it still hurts.

Saint John the Baptist gives us some perspective in our need to be built up and not torn down. Although he says very little in the Gospel, his simple words have made him a great consolation to all priests and consecrated persons in the Lord’s Service: “I am the voice crying out in the desert: make straight the way of the Lord.” (Jn 1:23)

Brothers, we do not preach our own sanctity, our own virtues, or our own reputation. We preach Christ, and as Saint Paul says “Him Crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). It is not in our name that we baptize, but Christ’s. It is not our churches that we build, but His. It is not our sufferings that we bear, but His. It is not all about us – this ministry entrusted to our care - but about Him: “Whoever receives the one I send, receives me.” (Jn 13:20)

There will always be times when we as priests will be shaken, grieved and personally hurt and disappointed by our peers, our superiors, or by the people we love and serve. Nonetheless, the zealous Saint Paul, and the clear-minded Saint John the Baptist would tell us simply and passionately “He must increase, but I decrease (Jn 3:30).

✝ Bishop Gregory J. Mansour

reprinted with permission

Is the Catholic Church too Strict?

Is the Catholic Church too strict? What about marriage and divorce, about priests who want to marry after priestly ordination, about all the difficult moral teachings on abortion, homosexuality, sex outside marriage, etc.? Rather than being a “fortification of forgiveness”, as our Liturgy for the Dedication of the Church describes, some say we are a fortification of unbending moral principles that exclude and expel rather than include and welcome, a wall too high to allow some to climb in, and to daunting a task for others who want to find their way home. Recent press about the Catholic Church portrays us as if we are stuck in “ideological” positions that are irreconcilable for those who want to love and be open to the world. Can I as a Catholic, be open to the world around me and to others who think, feel and live differently than I do?

As a Bishop for more than five years and a priest for more than twenty seven, I have become used to the difficult teachings of the Church. This may sound as if I have surrendered my God given right to think for myself and to stand up to authority. However, as a thinking, willful man, not a cardboard, unfeeling, unthinking person, but as a man, a sexual being, a passionate and loving person, who likes to do it “my way”, I love the Church and believe all She holds and teaches. I am even willing to lay down my life for Her and Her Lord, Jesus Christ. But how can I accept all her hard teachings? This is how:

• If I were a married man, and my marriage failed due to my own fault, the fault of my spouse or a combination of both, I would take the time to let a Church tribunal review my marriage to see if the essential ingredients of a Christian marriage were missing or not, before I sought to reenter into marriage.

• If as a priest I were to fall in love and want to marry, if I would have taken my time to discern, I would then ask the Holy See to dispense me so I can live accordingly. I would understand that the Church has the right to require certain sacrifices of Her ministers and I would accept these as part of Her nature.

• If I were a homosexual person and wanted to share my life with someone special I would not force others to see this as marriage, but rather a form of friendship. I would try my best to be chaste and to honor the time held Christian belief that sexual activity belongs to a man and woman in marriage.

• If I had encouraged someone to seek an abortion, I would seek the forgiveness of Christ through the Sacrament of Penance and then work to build a more just society that supports women in difficult times and at the same time affirms the sacredness of life from conception to natural death.

• If I were a scientist or a doctor I would respect the embryo as a unique human person. If I were a married man I would respect my wife’s God given nature and respect the natural fecundity of our love and study well Natural Family Planning. If I disagreed with Church teachings I would continue to study them in depth until I could say to myself and others that I understand.

Pope John Paul II set the Church on a solid foundation when during five years of Wednesday audiences he taught on human love and sexuality, giving a positive view to our natural desire to “love and to be loved.” He gave basic rules for engagement in these talks, now dubbed Theology of the Body, which transforms the “thou shall not” approach into a “respect thy nature” approach. He simply asked us to honor God and the way He made us as man and woman in His image. This is the core of the moral and ethical life.

Is the Catholic Church too strict? Perhaps, but She is also faithful to Christ who said “be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect.” (Matt 5:48) If we are not up to the challenge of following Christ completely, we need humility to at least try. With humility we can learn from our mistakes. We must seek holiness, which will always entail a certain cost to ourselves. We must always be “practicing” Catholics, never perfect. The Church may be strict, but as a Fortification of Forgiveness, as a Mother and as guide to the faithful She is always able to help us find our way if we are willing to practice.

✝ Gregory J Mansour

reprinted with permission

Loneliness

Loneliness can be one of the most difficult feelings to shake, and if not checked, can become a destructive force, even leading to suicide. Yet no one can escape feeling lonely and it is something that faith alone cannot completely remedy. All people, whether married, single, priest, or consecrated religious will inevitably feel lonely at times and must deal with these feelings throughout their whole lives.

In some cases loneliness is more poignant and painful. I wonder if our handicapped brothers and sisters and elderly who live alone fight with these feelings. Likewise, patients at nursing homes and hospitals, although busy and bustling places, may feel forgotten and long for the warmth and love of friendship. Although it would take just a little kindness for them to feel welcome, often few even bother to visit.

Loneliness often can come as a result of the choices we have made, or circumstances in our lives. Separation and divorce can ignite feelings of rejection and lead to seclusion. The pain of rejection is a high price to pay, but it is sometimes the bitter side of loving. Single people also, may question the meaning and value in their lives when they feel a certain loneliness. Catholics who have a homosexual inclination, and who try to live their faith and to live chastely, sometimes feel that this world (and perhaps their Church as well) has let them down. They deserve our respect and encouragement.

Married people, as well, suffer from the pain of loneliness. Even when marriage is good, spouses still pass through difficult times when they feel alone. They may feel that their partner does not understand, or marriage is not what it ought to be, and at times it is quite difficult to bear. While a spouse and children may take the edge off loneliness, they can never completely eradicate it, nor should they, since they are gift, not a possession to erase loneliness.

Although loneliness is an inevitable part of our lives, there are certain things that seem to help when we feel alone. The feeling of being close to someone and being able to speak freely, without fear of being judged helps a great deal. Friendships are very important, although we cannot and should not place all our expectations on friends to cure our loneliness. In his reflection on friendship, in The Prophet, Khalil Gibran writes, “For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill? Seek him always with hours to live. For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.”

Prayer is a great support in dealing with “emptiness.” The late Father Henri Nouwen, in his spiritual classic Reaching Out emphasizes that life is a threefold movement of reaching out, first to our innermost being, then to others and also to God. Even if prayer is often dry, or our relationship with God is a “work in progress” praying is still reaching out to Him.

However, there is no guarantee that prayer and reaching out to others can banish loneliness. We know that life is difficult and although love heals, it can also hurt! The paradox of loneliness is that only by giving love and extending friendship to others can we actually receive it in return. This is a hard lesson to learn. The words of St. John of the Cross come to mind: “Where there is no love, place love, and you will find love.” How true!

As a young man, a priest and now bishop I have experienced loneliness. It has been a great grace for me to have the support of family, a few faithful friends and the joy of serving the Church to help me realize that there are ways to remedy loneliness, or at least to take its edge off. When I was young, a priest was the first to help me move from my own personal loneliness to a certain inner peace and solitude. This may be why I feel close to the youth in their longing for love and friendship. Their loneliness can be quite painful; however, their generosity of spirit and their love for life is quite needed in today’s world. They are not afraid to hope, believe, or give generously. If there is an answer to our loneliness, our young people have found it: they believe it is in sincere prayer and in the joy of human love. I agree, and thank God for the young.

We were created to live in communion with God and others. When we can touch the “emptiness” inside of ourselves without running from it, we can find God’s healing joy, and then are able to share it. When we recognize this God-given call to communion with others, we help ease the loneliness of those around us, whether they are family, friends or strangers. More importantly, the way we reach out to God and to others is the key to help us to transform our own painful loneliness into a generous solitude.

The great Saint Augustine prayed “our hearts are restless until they rest in You, O God.” Our hearts are restless, but this is for a reason: to need others and to need God. It is this loving Father who put loneliness, not isolation, in our hearts, because He knows that we are at our best when we need others, for we are forced to break down the walls of our self-imposed isolation, and reach out in a way that makes this world better. Loneliness is difficult to bear, but the other side of this interior struggle is communion and hope. O Mary, Mother of all who seek God and the good of others, pray for us.

✝ Gregory J. Mansour

reprinted with permission

Homily for the Feast of Pentecost | 31 May 2020

Homily for the Feast of Pentecost

31 May 2020

Cathedral of Our Lady of Lebanon

Brooklyn, New York

Bishop Gregory John Mansour

“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love and you shall renew the face of the earth”. 

This beautiful prayer shows the power of the Holy Spirit to change us and to make the earth new again. Like the warmth of the sun that makes all things grow, like the rainfall that waters the parched earth, the Holy Spirit makes all things new again.

But for a moment let’s go beyond the beauty of creation, and of God’s Holy Spirit, and focus on our own sinful human actions. We can name just a few:

Human trafficking, pollution, wars, refugees, the internally displaced, greed, egotism, “me first”, political rivalries, hatred, anger, revenge, poverty, apathy, “I do not care”. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, all too familiar these days. May God’s Holy Spirit help us! 

Pope Francis noted these sinful human behaviors in the middle of the Coronavirus Pandemic. On March 27, 2020, in a stunningly beautiful walk in the rain in a lonely Saint Peter Square, he invited us to seek forgiveness. He challenged us to care, to call upon God for help, to become better, and to change. 

Nonetheless, one sentence in his address stands out, in fact, it could be considered an indictment of our bad behavior.

Pope Francis said, “We carried on regardless, thinking we could stay healthy in a world that was sick”. (Urbi et Orbi address) 

This sobering indictment was meant to wake us up, and for many, like myself, it did. The Holy Father then granted a plenary indulgence to all who during this Pandemic served those in need, and he asked us to stay in the state of grace, far from any sin.

In the Divine Liturgy of Pentecost, right after the priest’s communion, we celebrate the Rite of Genuflection, which is a sincere and honorable worship of God. It is sincere because we kneel and pray, not only with our lips, but with our lives, changed by the Holy Spirit. 

The Pentecost of 2,000 years ago, was a time of deep and abiding change for the early Christians; they found the courage to do God’s will, even to suffer death for the truth of God’s merciful invitation to repent. They also found the courage to be humble before God, and to accept any harsh treatment, just as their Lord and Master did.

There’s a story in the Old Testament, in the Book of Genesis, that reminds us of just how human beings can be sinful towards one another. The story begins with the joy and harmony of Adam and Eve in paradise, which is central to understanding the Bible. But then comes the Fall of Adam, then Cain’s murder of his brother, Abel, out of jealously. Then evil multiplied on the earth, and so Noah and the flood came as a “solution” to man’s sinfulness. Then came the Tower of Babel, where the people continued, even after Noah, to grow in sinfulness, competition, envy, and hatred. Once again, we are reminded of the words of Pope Francis: “people carried on regardless, thinking they would stay healthy in a world that was sick”. This was the world of long ago, but unfortunately, it is also our world of today: defiant and angry, “carrying on regardless”.

Pentecost is different. One could say it is the opposite of this uncaring world. In fact, Pentecost is the remedy for this world of sin. In the Acts of the Apostles we read that the early Christians were of one heart and one mind; they preached a life-giving repentance. They welcomed all people into this new “Way”. They gave of their wealth to the community, so that poor among them felt at home and equal. They thought of the orphan and widow, and so they ordained deacons to serve them. They “broke the bread” and prayed in their homes. They were no longer afraid of what Jesus suffered, but were willing to suffer this way themselves. They spoke their own language, yet different people from different lands understood them in their own language. This new “Way” is the direct opposite of Babel, where because people were so evil to each other, God confused their languages, but now God’s followers could make themselves understood to all, they included all, and they served all, especially the poor and marginalized among them.

Pentecost is a marked change in human history. Jesus’ way of life and of death become the way and the hope of the early Christians. They were unafraid to say, as we do and in Arabic “we are witnesses of this”, of what? of Christ risen! (Nahna shoodun ala thalika) Those early Christians now witnessed unafraid their new hope found in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen from the dead. 

On the Feast of Pentecost, with the Rite of Genuflection, a humble kneeling before God, the words of Pope Francis remind us of our past way of life: “we carried on regardless, thinking we could stay healthy in a world that was sick”. Today we humbly acknowledge that we made the world sick by our greed, hatred, anger, revenge, rivalries, and apathy. However, today by God’s grace, and by the gift of the Holy Spirit, we also help make this tired and sick world of ours right again.

With God’s Holy Spirit, the prayer of the Virgin Mary and the Apostles, and our own life-giving repentance, in Jesus’ name, we can make the world new again.

“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love, and you shall renew the face of the earth”.