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Beirut, Lebanon — During his tour of the southern villages, that falls within the framework of supporting resilience in rural areas, where the word of the Church meets developmental initiatives in a clear message: staying on one's land is an act of faith and hope for a better future, His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Raï, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, toured the agro-humanitarian center of Order of Malta Lebanon in Kfarfalous to inaugurate and bless it, given its importance in supporting local agriculture and farmers, thus, helping people stay on their land.

His Beatitude renewed his call to establish peace, expressing hope that the ceasefire continues and that international efforts yield lasting solutions. He stressed that "peace is God’s gift to humanity" and that the Lebanese people are called to be its peacemakers.

When addressing the area’s deputies, heads of municipalities, and audience, His Beatitude noted that “returning to the land is not merely an economic choice, but a path to salvation that rebuilds the Lebanese individual on foundations of honesty and sincerity.”

His Beatitude was welcomed by the President of Order of Malta Lebanon, Marwan Sehnaoui, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Lebanon, François Abi Saab, members of the Lebanese Association of the Order of Malta, and the team.

In his remarks, the President of Order of Malta Lebanon, Marwan Sehnaoui, emphasized that faith in Lebanon and in humanitarian work remains stronger than anything, adding when addressing the audience: “We are here by choice; we have chosen to be with you and by your side today, tomorrow, and the day after.” He continued: “Your presence with us today is a hymn of resilience and a celebration of life and of our precious land,” reaffirming the Order of Malta Lebanon’s commitment to continue its mission in serving all those in need, without discrimination.

The President of the Jezzine District Union of Municipalities, Mr. Bassam Romanos, delivered a speech in which he welcomed His Beatitude the Patriarch, as well as all religious leaders and civil society representatives, considering that this visit to the South carries a message of solidarity and support for its people. 

This meeting comes as a message of hope for a better tomorrow, reaffirming the Order of Malta’s faith in Lebanon— in all of Lebanon — and its commitment to serving the Lebanese people, strengthening their resilience and their ability to remain on their lands.