The Annual Pilgrimage Mass for the Shrine of Saint Rita in New Rawda - Lebanon: A Celebration of Faith and Humility
The Middle East Council of Churches Joins the Believers in Presence and Prayer
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
Hundreds of believers came to the Shrine of Saint Rita - New Rawda, Lebanon, to participate in an annual event that brings together Christian communities and civil society in moments of faith and devotion. The Divine Liturgy this year was presided over by the Head of the Mekhitarist Fathers’ Congregation, Monsignor Mesrob Sulahian, who gave the event an atmosphere of holiness and contemplation, and was organized and supervised by the Deputy Superior of the Congregation, Father Leo Nareg Jenanian.
The Mass witnessed a remarkable presence of more than 1,500 believers, in addition to representatives of various Christian denominations, representatives of embassies, parties, and security and military services, which reflects the diversity and unity of this spiritual gathering. Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and Representative of the Secretary General at the celebration, also participated in the Mass.
The celebration began with a walking march around the Shrine of Saint Rita, in which two groups of Armenian Scouts, students of the Mekhitarist Fathers School, and the educational body participated. This march was an expression of collective faith and spiritual participation, as participants chanted hymns and prayed, which enhanced the spirituality of the occasion.
In his Sermon, Monsignor Sulahian talked about the influence of Saint Rita on the lives of believers, stressing that the feeling of faith and reverence in the Shrine that stems from the belief of the particiants, with the Saint’s intercession and her actual presence in their lives. The Sermon touched the hearts of those present and encouraged them to strengthen their faith and adhere to the Teachings of Jesus Christ.
After Communion, the present Bishops and Priests, including Father Dr. Antoine Al Ahmar, the Director of the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department and Representative of the Secretary General at the celebration, read special Prayers to bless the roses of Saint Rita, a tradition that symbolizes the blessing and intercession that the Saint grants to her believers. Following the Mass, “Hriseh,” a traditional meal prepared by volunteers from the Mekhitarist Congregation, was distributed throughout the night of the occasion, which added to the celebration’s social and collective ambiance.
The annual pilgrimage Mass at the shrine of Saint Rita remains a major occasion in the lives of believers, where they gather not only to Pray, but also to renew their faith and strengthen their spiritual and social ties. This occasion always reminds us of the power of faith and unity in the face of challenges, and Saint Rita remains a symbol of hope and intercession in the hearts of all believers.
