Pope Leo will visit the Lebanon "by December," following an invitation from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who traveled to the Vatican in June. The last papal trip to Lebanon was in 2012, when Benedict XVI visited the multi-faith nation. This is not only a great honor but a demonstration of the support of the Vatican for Catholics in Lebanon and the entire Middle East.

Such a great time was had by all at the Festival, the Festival Committee, led by its chair, Gloria Deeb-Reyes, has decided to host a dinner on Saturday, October 25, following the 4 PM Liturgy.

Please join us as partake of a delicious meal of chicken kabobs, rice, baked kibbe, grape leaves, salad, garlic, bread & dessert, only $25.00!!! Dine-in or takeout available. To make sure you do not miss out, reserve your dinner on Sign-up Genius by clicking here or the button below. 

If you are really lucky, you might be able to buy a Lebanese beer to accompany your meal!! Hope to see you all there! 

On Saturday, October 11, you are all encouraged to join the Public Square Rosary Crusade. Our nation is in great need of public prayer, repentance and conversion. We ask God to save America through the Rosary of His Most Holy Mother.

Please join us in praying for our nation on Saturday, October 11, at the local Public Square Rosary Rally, 12:00 noon, 903 North Dale Street, St. Paul, MN 55103. Please arrive by 11:45 am. Please give 30 minutes to devote to this beautiful prayer that day. Contact Anna Grimes, 612-599-5302 with questions.  

This past August, I had the privilege of attending the Maronite Academy trip in Lebanon with nearly 70 other Maronite young adults from around the world. We visited significant Maronite and Lebanese historical sites and even had the honor of meeting with Lebanon’s President and Prime Minister. The trip was a truly special experience and solidified my desire for Lebanon to not only be part of my ancestral past, but a large piece of my future.

My trip was sponsored by the Maronite Foundation, whose primary mission is to help members of the Lebanese diaspora pursue citizenship. I recently learned that I am eligible for Lebanese citizenship and am currently in the process with the Foundation’s assistance.
If you can trace patriarchal descent from a Lebanese citizen, you may also be eligible. In my case, my last registered Lebanese ancestor is my great-grandfather Joseph (Youssef), who had my grandfather Ed (Nader), who had my father Greg, who had me. Even three generations removed, I am still able to claim citizenship.

Lebanon extended citizenship in November 2015 to descendants of those on the 1921, 1924, and 1932 censuses. This opportunity is set to close this November, though it may be extended. If you are interested, check eligibility at MaroniteFoundation.com, or contact me at 651-895-4562 with any questions—I would be honored to help.

Benefits of Lebanese citizenship:
Support the Christian voter base in Lebanon
• Hold a second passport
• Men can pass citizenship to children
• Own property in Lebanon
• Reside in Lebanon indefinitely

Note: Lebanon does not require mandatory military service.

Thanks, Ben Mansur 

Here's a favorite picture of our beloved Abouna Emmanuel.  On a recent trip to Lebanon, he took the opportunity to show us how to properly skate on a moving sidewalk.  He makes look easy and safe, but it takes years of practice.  Please don't try it on your own without proper training.