On the feast-day of Saints Peter and Paul, in the village church of Assia-Batrun, Fr. Pierre Richa pronounced his solemn profession in the hands of Fr. Angelico Pilla.
Fulfilling the wish of Fr. Pierre, to have this celebration in his home village, the whole community rallied round for it to be as successful as possible and we prepared the liturgy, decorated the church and including singing in Arabic, Italian and Latin in the Mass.
The Celebration according to the Maronite rite, presided by Fr. Ibrahim Sabbah, was attended by the Parish Priest of Assia, the Beirut community, some of our Capuchin cleric brothers with their master, the relatives of Fr. Pierre and the villagers. All the priests went in procession to Fr. Pierre’s house and from there to St. George’s church. The atmosphere was friendly and joyous. In his sermon, Fr. Ibrahim recalled the profession of faith of St. Peter and the words of praise of Jesus for his faith which became a way of life. He also mentioned the conversion of St. Paul, who embodied faith, carrying his cross every day in the midst of difficulties and persecutions. Addressing Fr. Pierre, he then encouraged him to continue on his path, following the example of Saints Peter and Paul, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our Seraphic father St. Francis, so that he may transform his profession of faith, taken through his vows, into a life project, carrying his cross every day and living the Holy Gospel with generosity and joy. After the sermon, Fr. Angelico asked Fr. Pierre the questions, which were followed by the signing of the Litany of the Saints, in Arabic, and the reading of the wording of the solemn profession. At the end of the celebration, to thank all those present and continue the celebration, there was a reception for everyone in the nearby parish hall. For his relatives, the friars and some habitual worshippers at the church of St. Anthony in Harissa, there was an alfresco dinner at a restaurant, bringing the joyous day to an end.
Thankful to the Lord for the gift of Fr. Pierre, we, friars, pray for the Lord to always keep all of us faithful to His call.
Fra Antonino Milazzo ofm
Fulfilling the wish of Fr. Pierre, to have this celebration in his home village, the whole community rallied round for it to be as successful as possible and we prepared the liturgy, decorated the church and including singing in Arabic, Italian and Latin in the Mass.
The Celebration according to the Maronite rite, presided by Fr. Ibrahim Sabbah, was attended by the Parish Priest of Assia, the Beirut community, some of our Capuchin cleric brothers with their master, the relatives of Fr. Pierre and the villagers. All the priests went in procession to Fr. Pierre’s house and from there to St. George’s church. The atmosphere was friendly and joyous. In his sermon, Fr. Ibrahim recalled the profession of faith of St. Peter and the words of praise of Jesus for his faith which became a way of life. He also mentioned the conversion of St. Paul, who embodied faith, carrying his cross every day in the midst of difficulties and persecutions. Addressing Fr. Pierre, he then encouraged him to continue on his path, following the example of Saints Peter and Paul, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our Seraphic father St. Francis, so that he may transform his profession of faith, taken through his vows, into a life project, carrying his cross every day and living the Holy Gospel with generosity and joy. After the sermon, Fr. Angelico asked Fr. Pierre the questions, which were followed by the signing of the Litany of the Saints, in Arabic, and the reading of the wording of the solemn profession. At the end of the celebration, to thank all those present and continue the celebration, there was a reception for everyone in the nearby parish hall. For his relatives, the friars and some habitual worshippers at the church of St. Anthony in Harissa, there was an alfresco dinner at a restaurant, bringing the joyous day to an end.
Thankful to the Lord for the gift of Fr. Pierre, we, friars, pray for the Lord to always keep all of us faithful to His call.
Fra Antonino Milazzo ofm