A Word from the President - Villanova University

PAOLA NOGUERAS (ALL)
In his remarks, Father Ellis noted
that Cardinal Sfeir’s importance
extends beyond that of leader of the
Maronite Church.
“He is the embodiment of Maronite
history and Maronite identity. Cardinal
Sfeir’s courage in advocating for peace
in war-torn Lebanon has demanded
that he play “a role much larger than
even that of his illustrious predecessors,”
Father Ellis stated.
“He has questioned the presence
of foreign occupiers in his country.
His sermons and statements, and the
reports of the Maronite bishops, have
challenged the international community
to guarantee Lebanon’s independence
and sovereignty.
“Cardinal Sfeir has fought for those
displaced because of war and for economic
justice for hundreds of thousands of
impoverished Lebanese,” Father Ellis
continued. “He has sought to
improve relations among all religious
communities in Lebanon.
He has faced these critical tasks
with powerful eloquence and
great personal courage.”
Villanova’s prayers are with
Cardinal Sfeir as Lebanon
teeters on the brink of another
civil war, Father Ellis said.
Department of communications
faculty member Nasser
Chour delivered in Lebanese,
followed by its English translation,
an invocation based on
I Corinthians 13 that enumerated
the qualities of charity and
love. Father Donohue read greetings
sent by invited guests from
AUST who had been prevented
from attending the dinner after a
fresh eruption of sectarian violence
in the politically unstable
country forced the closure of
Lebanon’s airports.
Marwan Kreidie, an adjunct
faculty member in the department
of political science, presented
a Governor’s Proclamation
to the Patriarch. Cardinal
Rigali then spoke. The Archbishop
of Philadelphia referred
to a quotation from Pope John Paul II:
The Rev. Richard G. Cannuli, O.S.A., ’73
A&S (center) created a gift of original art, an
icon, for Patriarch Sfeir (right) in honor of the
Maronite leader’s visit to campus to receive
an honorary degree. They are discussing
the icon with the Rev. Elie Madi, Superior
General of the Congregation of the Maronite
Lebanese Missionaries. (Below) The icon
is titled “Do Not Weep for Me Mother.”
“Lebanon is more than a country. It is
a message of freedom and an example
of pluralism for East and West.”
“This quote refers to the teaching of
his predecessor, Paul VI, who spoke
frequently about Lebanon. Paul VI
never lost hope that the full vocation of
Lebanon would be fulfilled.”
Father Donohue then presented
Cardinal Sfeir with a gift of original
art created by the Rev. Richard G.
Cannuli, O.S.A., ’73 A&S, chairperson
of Villanova’s department of
theatre, director of the Villanova
University Art Gallery and curator of
the University’s art collection. The
painting, an icon titled “Do Not Weep for
Me Mother,” is reminiscent of a statue of
the Blessed Mother Mary that overlooks
the city of Beirut.
Cardinal Sfeir commented on Villanova
University’s commitment to Catholic education
and its association with
AUST. The purpose of Catholic
education is to “know the
world and all of its cultures,”
the church leader said.
He then presented Father
Donohue with a medal from
Lebanon bearing an image of
the Blessed Mother on the
front with an inscription in
French that, in translation
reads, “Notre Dame (Our
Lady) of Liege Lebanon.
Protector of the Patriarchs”
and “Patriarchate Maronite
of Antioch and all the East”
on the back.
Beth Hassel, D.Min.,
P.B.V.M., Villanova University’s
executive director of
Campus Ministry, closed the
program with a benediction.
“It was an honor for Villanova
to have such an important
world and religious figure
grace us with his presence,”
Father Ellis remarked.
“His work for peace
and justice in Lebanon and
in the region of the Middle
East has been unstinting
and valuable.”
Summer 2008