Launch of the Official Annual National Celebration of the Annunciation
Under the Patronage of the Presidency of the Republic at Notre Dame University – Louaize
In a significant national and spiritual gathering, Notre Dame University – Louaize hosted the official launch of the Annual National Celebration of the Annunciation, under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun. The event took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Issam Fares Hall on the university’s Zouk Mosbeh campus, marking the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.
The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Abbot Edmond Rizk, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order, assisted by the President of the University, Father Bechara El Khoury, along with a number of clergy. The university choir, led by Father Khalil Rahme, animated the celebration.
The event reflected a remarkable national consensus, bringing together representatives of Lebanon’s highest political, religious, and institutional authorities. President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam were represented by the Minister of Information, Dr. Paul Morcos. Former President Michel Sleiman was also in attendance, alongside senior representatives of Lebanon’s major Christian and Muslim religious authorities, reflecting the deeply rooted spirit of coexistence that defines the country.
A National Feast Beyond Divisions
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by Majed Bouhedir, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the university, who emphasized that the Feast of the Annunciation is a national occasion that unites all Lebanese. He highlighted the initiative of the university—supported by the Presidency—to institutionalize this celebration as an annual national platform, particularly engaging youth in promoting its message of unity and hope.
In his spiritual reflection, Abbot Edmond Rizk underlined the profound meaning of the Annunciation as a feast “greater than all denominations,” a celebration rooted in faith, hope, and love. He echoed the teachings of Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, affirming that the Annunciation is not only a message for the Church but for all humanity.
He described Lebanon, often referred to as a “message country,” as a unique space where the Annunciation transcends religious boundaries to become a meeting point between Christians and Muslims. In a world marked by fear and uncertainty, he stressed that this feast carries a renewed call to hope, encouraging people to transform suffering into meaning and challenges into a path forward.
“Lebanon Does Not End”
In his closing address, Father Bechara El Khoury delivered a powerful message centered on resilience and national identity. He described the Annunciation as “hope in the midst of despair” and a declaration of new beginnings, even in the most difficult times.
Addressing the current challenges facing Lebanon, he stated:
“Do not let anyone convince you that Lebanon’s time is over. Lebanon does not end. Lebanon may grow weary, it may bleed, but it does not fall—because in its roots there is prayer, in its land there is history, and in its people there is a stubborn, undefeated will to live.”
He introduced the concept of “soft resistance”—a form of resilience grounded in knowledge, perseverance, and constructive action rather than confrontation. He emphasized the role of universities as protectors of youth aspirations and as bridges from despair to hope, particularly in times of crisis.
Father El Khoury called on Lebanese people to hold firmly to their right to remain, to learn, and to live together in dignity, stressing that diversity remains Lebanon’s greatest strength. He also reaffirmed faith in the state as the ultimate framework for stability and collective future, despite ongoing challenges.
A Living Symbol of Coexistence
The celebration concluded with a joint spiritual prayer recited by five students representing Lebanon’s diverse religious communities—Catholic, Orthodox, Sunni, Shiite, and Druze—offering a powerful symbol of unity.
By officially launching the Annual National Celebration of the Annunciation, Notre Dame University – Louaize, under the patronage of the Presidency, has established a lasting platform that not only commemorates a religious feast but also reinforces Lebanon’s enduring message: a nation where diversity is not a weakness, but a foundation for unity, dialogue, and hope.
Under the Patronage of the Presidency of the Republic at Notre Dame University – Louaize
In a significant national and spiritual gathering, Notre Dame University – Louaize hosted the official launch of the Annual National Celebration of the Annunciation, under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun. The event took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Issam Fares Hall on the university’s Zouk Mosbeh campus, marking the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.
The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Abbot Edmond Rizk, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order, assisted by the President of the University, Father Bechara El Khoury, along with a number of clergy. The university choir, led by Father Khalil Rahme, animated the celebration.
The event reflected a remarkable national consensus, bringing together representatives of Lebanon’s highest political, religious, and institutional authorities. President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam were represented by the Minister of Information, Dr. Paul Morcos. Former President Michel Sleiman was also in attendance, alongside senior representatives of Lebanon’s major Christian and Muslim religious authorities, reflecting the deeply rooted spirit of coexistence that defines the country.
A National Feast Beyond Divisions
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by Majed Bouhedir, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the university, who emphasized that the Feast of the Annunciation is a national occasion that unites all Lebanese. He highlighted the initiative of the university—supported by the Presidency—to institutionalize this celebration as an annual national platform, particularly engaging youth in promoting its message of unity and hope.
In his spiritual reflection, Abbot Edmond Rizk underlined the profound meaning of the Annunciation as a feast “greater than all denominations,” a celebration rooted in faith, hope, and love. He echoed the teachings of Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, affirming that the Annunciation is not only a message for the Church but for all humanity.
He described Lebanon, often referred to as a “message country,” as a unique space where the Annunciation transcends religious boundaries to become a meeting point between Christians and Muslims. In a world marked by fear and uncertainty, he stressed that this feast carries a renewed call to hope, encouraging people to transform suffering into meaning and challenges into a path forward.
“Lebanon Does Not End”
In his closing address, Father Bechara El Khoury delivered a powerful message centered on resilience and national identity. He described the Annunciation as “hope in the midst of despair” and a declaration of new beginnings, even in the most difficult times.
Addressing the current challenges facing Lebanon, he stated:
“Do not let anyone convince you that Lebanon’s time is over. Lebanon does not end. Lebanon may grow weary, it may bleed, but it does not fall—because in its roots there is prayer, in its land there is history, and in its people there is a stubborn, undefeated will to live.”
He introduced the concept of “soft resistance”—a form of resilience grounded in knowledge, perseverance, and constructive action rather than confrontation. He emphasized the role of universities as protectors of youth aspirations and as bridges from despair to hope, particularly in times of crisis.
Father El Khoury called on Lebanese people to hold firmly to their right to remain, to learn, and to live together in dignity, stressing that diversity remains Lebanon’s greatest strength. He also reaffirmed faith in the state as the ultimate framework for stability and collective future, despite ongoing challenges.
A Living Symbol of Coexistence
The celebration concluded with a joint spiritual prayer recited by five students representing Lebanon’s diverse religious communities—Catholic, Orthodox, Sunni, Shiite, and Druze—offering a powerful symbol of unity.
By officially launching the Annual National Celebration of the Annunciation, Notre Dame University – Louaize, under the patronage of the Presidency, has established a lasting platform that not only commemorates a religious feast but also reinforces Lebanon’s enduring message: a nation where diversity is not a weakness, but a foundation for unity, dialogue, and hope.