Speech of Patriarch Rahi at the Mass
December 02, 2025 · 12:15
Most Holy Father,
At the conclusion of this Eucharistic celebration, marked by the intensity of faith and the warmth of the bonds that unite us, I am deeply honored, on behalf of the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon, as well as all the religious families of our country, duly represented here, to express our heartfelt gratitude and the spiritual joy inspired by your paternal presence among us. Your visit illuminates our minds and rekindles our determination to work for peace, fraternity, and dialogue among all the sons and daughters of our beloved land.
Most Holy Father, your words, nourished by the Holy Spirit, have resonated in our souls as a call to remain faithful witnesses of Christ, bearers of light, justice, hope, and peace. You strongly remind us that our mission, in these difficult times, is to build bridges, foster unity, and serve the common good of our nation and the region.
We thank you for your care and concern for our faithful believers, your encouragement of youth and families, and your consoling presence for those who bear the weight of suffering and trial. Your message of fraternity and communion between Christians and Muslims, and on a broader scale, among all the components of Lebanese society, is a beacon that illuminates our path out of trials and guides our hearts toward renewed life.
Most Holy Father, we once again express our unwavering filial devotion to you, along with our assurance of fervent prayer for your apostolic ministry and for the universal Church. May the Lord guide your steps as a Peacemaker, and may the Holy Virgin, Our Lady of Lebanon, surround you with her maternal tenderness and watch over you in your high mission as Pontiff of universal fraternity and lasting peace.
Thank you, Most Holy Father, for who you are, for your blessing, your love, and your paternal closeness.
At the conclusion of this Eucharistic celebration, marked by the intensity of faith and the warmth of the bonds that unite us, I am deeply honored, on behalf of the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon, as well as all the religious families of our country, duly represented here, to express our heartfelt gratitude and the spiritual joy inspired by your paternal presence among us. Your visit illuminates our minds and rekindles our determination to work for peace, fraternity, and dialogue among all the sons and daughters of our beloved land.
Most Holy Father, your words, nourished by the Holy Spirit, have resonated in our souls as a call to remain faithful witnesses of Christ, bearers of light, justice, hope, and peace. You strongly remind us that our mission, in these difficult times, is to build bridges, foster unity, and serve the common good of our nation and the region.
We thank you for your care and concern for our faithful believers, your encouragement of youth and families, and your consoling presence for those who bear the weight of suffering and trial. Your message of fraternity and communion between Christians and Muslims, and on a broader scale, among all the components of Lebanese society, is a beacon that illuminates our path out of trials and guides our hearts toward renewed life.
Most Holy Father, we once again express our unwavering filial devotion to you, along with our assurance of fervent prayer for your apostolic ministry and for the universal Church. May the Lord guide your steps as a Peacemaker, and may the Holy Virgin, Our Lady of Lebanon, surround you with her maternal tenderness and watch over you in your high mission as Pontiff of universal fraternity and lasting peace.
Thank you, Most Holy Father, for who you are, for your blessing, your love, and your paternal closeness.