His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai Launches the Founding Document of the Synodal Path
“Women’s Vocation and Mission in God’s Plan and the Life of the Church and Society”
The MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Receives this Document from His Beatitude in Bkerke
Photo Source: Maronite Patriarchate’s Facebook Page (you can also find some photos below the text)
With the aim to enhance the role of women in the Church and society, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, launched the founding document for the Synodal path “Women’s Vocation and Mission in God’s Plan and the Life of the Church and Society”, which was prepared by the Women’s Pastoral Office in the Patriarchal Department in Bkerke. The launching was made during a celebration held on Saturday 9 September 2023, in the Church of the Resurrection at the Patriarchal Edifice in Bkerke - Lebanon, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Professor Michel Abs, and the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, along with a group of spiritual, civil and official leaders, women’s organizations and scouts from various Dioceses in Lebanon, the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait, Syria and Jordan.
Photo Source: Maronite Patriarchate’s Facebook Page
The celebration began with a Prayer, presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai. It was followed by introduction to the occasion addressed by the Master of the ceremony Sister Celine Nohra. As well as, readings were read about women in the Bible from the Book of Genesis, the Song of Songs, the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation.
For the occasion, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai delivered a speech in which he relied on the Gospel of John 4/6-7 and 9-10, and the dialogue of Jesus Christ with the Samaritan woman. He also stressed the role that God has given to women in dialogue and telling the truth, and said: “This is what requires courage and acknowledgment of reality, even if it is costly.”
Based on Jesus Christ’s answer to the question of the Samaritan woman about Worship, His Beatitude indicated that “true Worship is not in place, but in spirit and truth.” He concluded: “This woman is an example for every woman in all stages of life, from a rejector, an enemy, a skeptic, a mocker, to a messenger.”
The celebration also included a speech by the Coordinator of the Women’s Pastoral Office in the Patriarchal Department, Professor Mirna Abboud Mzawak, who presented a historical and strategic explanation of the path that produced this document, with the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Al-Rai, in cooperation with the Dioceses, Parishes, and a special Ecumenical committee of experts that studied the answers of the surveys presented by the Parishes, and wrote the document’s text in its final version.
In addition, Mzawak shed light on the content of the document which is related to policies, goals and recommendations. She also pointed out some of these goals, which are “launching a thinking workshop on women’s vocation and promoting a culture of listening and dialogue, making an in-depth study to rediscover the Eastern tradition and Theology related to the women’s Diaconate, encouraging women to study Theology, and encouraging the involvement of women in the Church’s leadership and management by strengthening their presence in the decision-making process, amending all that is lacking in women’s rights in the Personal Status Law in our Maronite Church, activating women’s involvement in the spiritual courts, and accompanying women litigants by establishing a special body in the court for this matter. As well as, contributing effectively to a workshop about the women and the protection of their rights which has been fought by society for years.”
At the end of the celebration, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai and Professor Mzawak, presented the document to the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Professor Michel Abs, as a token of partnership with the Churches of the Middle East. In addition to presenting the document to Church and civil officials, diocesan women coordinators in women’s pastoralism and Church media, as well as to “Anta Akhi” Foundation. Thus, this document is a bright beginning for a new path in the process of implementation and change in the situation of women’s role and effective presence in the Church.
Photos Source: Maronite Patriarchate’s Facebook Page
