Al-Rahi at Huwayyik’s beatification: Lebanon needs the intercession of men of vision to build a state of sovereignty and peace

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi affirmed that Lebanon stands at a stage that requires adherence to national constants and work toward restoring stability and reconstruction, expressing hope that recent developments will help achieve what is best for the country.

Al-Rahi made his remarks while presiding over the Mass announcing the beatification of Patriarch Elias Huwayyik in Diman, where he thanked God for what he described as the “signs of success” of President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Washington, expressing hope that these efforts would open new horizons for Lebanon.

Al-Rahi prayed through the intercession of Blessed Huwayyik that hopes related to Lebanon’s security and stability would be fulfilled, and that the framework agreement would be implemented in a way that guarantees its full sovereignty over its territory, its independence, and its lasting, just, and comprehensive peace.

He noted that Patriarch Elias Huwayyik represented an exceptional national model, having carried Lebanon’s cause to the Paris Peace Conference and defended his people’s right to freedom, dignity, and the recovery of lands taken from them during the Ottoman era.

Al-Rahi pointed out that Huwayyik was a “man of vision and of the nation,” stressing that he believed Lebanon was not merely a geographical entity but a human message, and that the human person was always the highest wealth in his journey.

He concluded by stressing that the sanctity of Patriarch Elias Huwayyik is not merely an honor bestowed by the earth, but a divine gift for one who lived the values of the Gospel with sincerity and steadfastness, considering his beatification a luminous milestone in the history of the Church and the nation.