On behalf of myself, Fr Badaoui and my Brother Priests, we would ...

O n b e h a l f o f m y s e l f, Fr B a d a o u i a n d m y
B r o t h e r P r i e s t s , w e w o u l d l i k e t o w i s h a l l o u r
s p e c i a l f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y a b l e s s e d , h a p p y
and holy Easter.
Corcovado
Christ the Redeemer
Rio De Janeiro,
Brazil

March 2010
M a r o n i t e Me m o
Maronite
Catholic Church
Ou r La d y o f t h e Ce d a r s ,
Maronite
Wo o d m e a d
Tel: Catholic 011 805 1305 Church
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Ou r La d y o f t h e Ce d a r s
Email:
,
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maronite@netactive.co.za
Tel: 011 804 1305
Fax:
Ou r
011
La
804
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f Le ba n o n,
Mu l b a r t o n
Email:
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Email: Ou r La d y o f Le ba n o n,
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maroniteoll@hotmail.com Clu b
d e dica t e d t o p r e s e r v i n g o u r
Le ba n e s e h e r i t a g e t h r o u g h
• Le ba n e s e Fa m i l y
f a m i l y d a y s
• f a m iClu l y t rb
e e s
• d e dica f a tm e d i l ty o p b r o e s o e k r s v i n g o u r
• Le ba f na em s e i l hy e rw i t ae gb e s t i h t r e o s u g h
•
f a m i l y h d a e y a s lt h
Tel: • 011
f a m
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t r e e s
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lebfamilyclub@webmail.co.za
• f a m i l y h e a lt h
info@lebanesefamilyclub.co.za
Tel: 011 804 1305
Email: Website:
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info@lebanesefamilyclub.co.za
Postal Website: Address:
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PO Box 76043,
Postal Wendywood, Address: 2144
Office PO Box Hours: 76043,
Wendywood, 2144
8:30-4:30, Mon - Fri. Editor:
Office Hours:
Jeraldene 8:30-4:30, Coleman Mon - Fri.
Fr. Family Nadim Club: Abou Zeid M.L.M
Editor: Fa m i l y Clu b
Lauren Bakos Dos Santos
Superior:
Fr. Badaoui Habib
M.L.M.
De a r Br o t h e r s a n d Si s t e r s
A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor”, “Mighty God”,
“Eternal Father”, “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)
Again, I am writing to you, hoping that all is going well with you. It’s
almost the end of the Lent season, and we are all looking forward to Easter,
and I pray that the Light of Resurrection will radiate peace all over the
world.
During this Holy Week, we are going on a spiritual retreat, it’s a quiet
time for prayer and reflection; it is also a time where we listen carefully to
the Holy Spirit and take a deeper look into our lives.
Easter celebrates Jesus’ resurrection. His cruel death by crucifixion
took place at the same time as the Jewish holy celebration of Passover.
What they had been symbolizing for over 1,000 years with the killing of
sacrificial lambs and the Passover supper was now happening to the Lamb
of God. On that very day and at that very hour when people throughout the
land were selecting and slaughtering Passover lambs, Jesus was crucified.
The way Jesus died also fulfilled many other Old Testament prophecies in
amazing detail:
Prophecy: “He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before
its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7).
Fulfillment: When Jesus stood trial for His life before the governor,
Pontius Pilate, Jesus didn’t speak in His own defense (Matthew 27:12-14).
About 1,000 years before crucifixion became a usual means of execution
in the Roman Empire, King David wrote of the Messiah: “All my bones are
out of joint. They pierced My hands and My feet” (Psalm 22:14-16).
In death by crucifixion, the weight of the victim’s body pulls his arms
out of their sockets. Most of the condemned were tied to their crosses, but
Jesus was nailed to His through the hands and feet.
It was also customary for the Romans to break the legs of those who
had been hanging on their crosses for hours but hadn’t died yet. The lack
of support for the body caused the windpipe and lungs to collapse, and
hastened their deaths. But when the Roman executioners came to do this
to Jesus, they found that He was already dead.
Thus another Bible prophecy was fulfilled: “God guards all His
bones; not one of them is broken” (Psalm 34:20). Jesus also died
feeling like the lost sinner. He went through an experience that we
will never have to go through, not just crucifixion, not just agony of
body, but agony of mind and spirit, feeling that God had deserted
Him. As He died, “Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli,
lama shabaktani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken
Me?” (Matthew 27:46).
Had God forsaken Him? Yes, momentarily He had. He had to, that
Jesus might die like a sinner dies, without God. Think of it: Jesus
died the death of the unsaved, in agony! God had to temporarily turn
His back on His own Son so Jesus might die the death of the sinner.
You can receive Him and His salvation by simply and sincerely
praying a prayer like the one which follows:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and arose from the grave.
I need Your love to cleanse me from my mistakes and wrongdoing.
I need Your light to drive away all darkness. I need Your peace to
fill and satisfy my heart. I now open the door of my heart and I ask
You, Jesus, to please come into my life and give me Your free gift of
eternal life. Thank You for suffering for all of the wrong I have done,
and for hearing my prayer and forgiving me. Amen.
I would also like to wish you a very fruitful and happy Easter, that
with the Lord’s resurrection, we will all resurrect from our sins and
weaknesses and live in his light and strength forever.
Yours in Risen Christ,
Father Charbel Habchi

Methods and Principal Results of the Arab Conquest of the Levant
By Fr Charbel Habchi
The Arab method of conquest and expansion was in complete contrast to
that of the Phoenicians. This latter is well known for its pacific, humane and
liberal approach. This includes its policy of cultural and commercial
e x c h a n g e . I n c o n t r a s t , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e A r a b p h i l o s o p h e r I b n K h a l d o u n , t h e
Arab conquest is crushing and devastating, “under its domination, ruin is
r a m p a n t … . e s t a b l i s h e d o r d e r i s u p - e n d e d , a n d c i v i l i z a t i o n r e c e d e s … ” , “ W e s e e
t h e c o u n t r i e s w h i c h t h e A r a b s h a v e c o n q u e r e d s i n c e a n c i e n t t i m e s ;
c i v i l i z a t i o n h a s d i s a p p e a r e d f r o m t h e m , a s h a s t h e p o p u l a t i o n , t o t h e p o i n t t h a t
even the soil seems denuded of nature…”.
“ T h e t r a d i t i o n a n d n o m a d i c w a y o f l i f e t u r n e d t h e A r a b s i n t o n o m a d s , a
v i o l e n t a n d u n t a m e d p e o p l e . T h e r o u g h n e s s o f t h e i r c u s t o m s b e c a m e s e c o n d
nature to them. Such a tendency militates against progress and civilization. A
settled life style favours progress and growth while a nomadic life style does
n o t , i n f a c t i t i m p e d e s p r o g r e s s . I t i s s a i d t h a t i f a n A r a b n e e d s a s t o n e t o
s u p p o r t h i s p o t , h e w i l l d a m a g e a b u i l d i n g t o g e t a s t o n e t o m e e t h i s n e e d , i f
h e n e e d s a p e g f o r h i s t e n t , h e w i l l d i s m a n t l e a w h o l e r o o f j u s t t o g e t o n e p i e c e
of wood to make the peg”.
Statue of Ibn Khaldoun in
Tunis, North Africa
I n c o n t r a s t t o t h a t p o i n t o f v i e w , t h e E g y p t i a n h i s t o r i a n P h i l l i p A z i z , t h e a u t h o r o f “ P a l e s t i n e o f t h e C r u s a d e s ”
e x p r e s s e s a m o r e s y m p a t h e t i c o p i n i o n o f w h a t h e c a l l s “ I s l a m , t h e g r e a t t o l e r a n t o n e ” w h e n h e s a y s “ I t i s t r u e
t h a t a t i t s b i r t h I s l a m w a s p o r t r a y e d a s a r e l i g i o n o f v i o l e n c e , a n d i t m a d e a h o l y w a r , “ J i h a d ” , a s t r i c t o b l i g a t i o n
o f t h e M u s l i m c o m m u n i t y ” . H o w e v e r , t h e K o r a n d i s t i n g u i s h e s w i t h g r e a t c l a r i t y b e t w e e n t h e P e o p l e o f t h e B o o k ,
J e w s a n d C h r i s t i a n s , a n d a t h e i s t s . L i k e t h e f o r m e r s , t h e M u s l i m s a r e b o n d e d t o t h e B i b l e e s p e c i a l l y t h e 1 s t f i v e
books of the Old Testament, the Torah. As far as the Muslims are concerned, and according to the teaching of
the Koran, these people of the Book (Bible) share the same faith and believe in the same God, the God of the
Old Testament. Because of this belief, they have right to certain considerations, which the atheists have not”.

1-An engraving of a scroll of the Torah in Hebrew, British Library. 2-The last page
o f t h e G o s p e l o f M a r k i n G r e e k , 4 t h - 5 t h c e n t u r y, N o r t h A f r i c a . 3 - A n E a r l y
Koranic Manuscript in Arabic, 7th century, David Collection, Copenhagen.
I n t h e c o u n t r i e s c o n q u e r e d b y t h e
M u s l i m s , C h r i s t i a n s a n d J e w s h a d
the option of accepting and adopting
the Islamic faith or remaining faithful
t o t h e i r o w n r e l i g i o n . I f t h e y c h o o s e
t h e l a t t e r , w h i c h t h e y a r e p e r f e c t l y
f r e e t o d o , t h e y h a v e t o p a y a
s p e c i a l t a x , t o r e c o g n i z e t h e p o l i t i c a l
s u p r e m a c y o f I s l a m a n d o f c o u r s e t o
d e s i s t f r o m a t t a c k i n g i t . G i v e n t h a t ,
t h e y h a v e a r i g h t i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h
a n c i e n t A r a b t r a d i t i o n s t o a s p e c i a l
kind of contractual hospitality called
the “Dimma” which guaranties them
t h e s e c u r i t y o f t h e i r p e r s o n ,
belongings and religion.
N a t u r a l l y t h e s p e c i a l t a x i m p o s e d o n t h e C h r i s t i a n s l e d m a n y t o g i v e u p t h e i r
C h r i s t i a n f a i t h a n d c o n v e r t t o I s l a m . W h i l e i t w a s t r u e t h a t n o o n e c o u l d s a y
there was a persecution, there was however discrimination against the
non-Muslims. And at the same time there was no attempt of proselytism.
I s l a m i c t o l e r a n c e w a s m o r e i n e v i d e n c e d u r i n g t h e t i m e o f t h e U m a y y a d s t h a n
i n t h e t i m e o f t h e A b a s s i d s . F o r e x a m p l e t h e A b a s s i d C a l i p h , A l - M u t a w a k k i l
(847-861), was particularly cruel and persecuted both Christians and Jews
a l i k e , u s i n g t h e m o s t b a r b a r i c a n d h u m i l i a t i n g m e t h o d s t h a t c o u l d h a r d l y b e
imagined.
Allah, Oneness of God

The Arab era in general was not a happy time for the Lebanese especially those living along the coast. It led to
the decline of the following sectors of public life, building, commerce, industry, culture and art. The
P h o e n i c i a n c i t i e s a l o n g t h e c o a s t l i n e h a d , f o r c e n t u r i e s p a s t a n d u p t o t h e t i m e o f t h e A r a b c o n q u e s t 6 3 4 A D ,
been recognized as centers of business and commerce. From the point of view of development, culture and
c i v i l i z a t i o n , t o s p e a k o f t h e P h o e n i c i a n c i t i e s a s T r i p o l i , J b e i l ( B y b l o s ) , B e i r u t , S i d o n a n d T y r e b e f o r e t h e 7 t h
century was to speak of Paris, Rome, London, New York and Tokyo today. One could say that for many
c e n t u r i e s t h e L e b a n e s e c o a s t l i n e w a s o n e o f t h e p i v o t a l p o i n t s o f h u m a n a c t i v i t y a n d d e v e l o p m e n t f o r t h e w h o l e
ancient world.
B u t w i t h t h e a r r i v a l o f t h e A r a b s a n d t h e
beginning of the Arab era, the lines of
communication between the
P h o e n i c i a n c i t i e s a n d t h e w o r l d a t l a r g e ,
both East and West were cut. The
seaways were closed, and a
c o m p l e t e i s o l a t i o n f r o m t h e W e s t e r n
and Byzantine world on one side and
t h e I s l a m i c A r a b w o r l d o n t h e o t h e r ,
w a s b r o u g h t a b o u t . T h e s e c i t i e s o n t h e
Phoenician coastline l o s t t h e i r s t a t u s
a s ‘ c i t y - s t a t e s ’ a n d w e r e r e d u c e d t o t h e
c a t e g o r y o f t o w n s a n d v i l l a g e s . T h e
P e r s i a n i m m i g r a n t s , w h o h a d b e e n
r e l o c a t e d a l o n g t h e c o s t a l a r e a b y t h e
caliph Muawiyah I (661-680), were not
exactly the elite and clever members of
t h e i r c o m m u n i t i e s o f o r i g i n t o a d o p t t h e
P h o e n i c i a n c i v i l i z a t i o n o f t h e c o a s t a n d
to carry on with it.
Conquests of Prophet Muhammad and
the Rashidun Caliphate, 630-641
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e a r c h a e o l o g i s t M a u r i c e D u n a n d , t h e g r e a t e s t e x p e r t o f t h e r u i n s o f B y b l o s , t h e e r a w h i c h b e g a n
in 636 with the Arab conquest left no trace of its presence on the site of Byblos; the sea was closed to commerce
and the coast of Lebanon became one of the frontlines in the battle between Christianity and Islam.

T h e P r i e s t h o o d
i s t h e l o v e o f t h e
H e a r t o f J e s u s .
W h e n y o u s e e t h e
P r i e s t , t h i n k o f
O u r L o r d J e s u s
Christ.
(St. John Vianney)
100 Year Anniversary of
S a i n t P a d r e P i o ’ s
Priesthood Ordination
T h e P r i e s t i s
n o t a P r i e s t
f o r h i m s e l f , h e
is for you.
A f t e r G o d , t h e
P r i e s t i s
e v e r y t h i n g !
O n l y i n h e a v e n
will he fully
r e a l i s e w h a t h e
is.

OUR TRIP TO KOLKATA, INDIA
by Loraine Faris
S i x a d v e n t u r o u s l a d i e s l e f t S A o n F e b 6 t h o n
a t r i p t o C a l c u t t a i n I n d i a , n o w o f f i c i a l l y k n o w n
a s K o l k a t a , t o v i s i t S i s t e r M a r y R a f q a ( G i l l i a n
S i m p s o n ) , d a u g h t e r t o H e r b y a n d Y v o n n e S i m p s o n
f r o m L i n m e y e r . T h e g r o u p t h a t w e n t w a s m y
s i s t e r , Y v o n n e a n d h e r d a u g h t e r T a r y n S i m p s o n , m y
younger sister, Denise Jabour, together with
m y s e l f a n d m y d a u g h t e r , D o n n a F a r i s a n d D r
Alexis Oosthuizen, a very good friend.
Once landing in Kolkata it was prearranged that Sister Rafqa would meet us at the airport and
after looking everywhere for her, eventually found her standing outside waiting. No one is allowed
into arrivals unless you pay. Well needless to say tears flowed, and hugging and kissing was
showered on her. We went with Sister Rafqa in a Missionary of Charity “Ambulance” to our hotel,
The Peerless Inn, which is located about 2km from St Johns Contemplative Convent. No research or
tour guides could have prepared us for the traffic, hooters, pollution, congestion and masses of people
a l l a r o u n d a n d t h i s w a s a n i m m e d i a t e c u l t u r a l s h o c k t o u s . T o p u t i t m i l d l y w e s a w h u n d r e d s o f y e l l o w
taxis – tuc tucs – rickshaws – bikes all hooting and swerving in front of each other – there is no
apparent order – robots rarely in existence. There are many homeless dogs running around, and the
dirt and poverty is totally prevalent. Families live, sleep and trade on the side walks amongst all the
chaos and filth. India has 1.2 billion people of which 400 million are uneducated. Kolkata has nearly
2 0 m i l l i o n i n o n e c i t y - a l m o s t h a l f o f o u r p o p u l a t i o n h e r e i n S o u t h A f r i c a .

O n c e s e t t l e d i n t h e h o t e l , w e d e c i d e d t h a t a f t e r n o o n t o
a t t e n d S u n d a y e v e n i n g m a s s a t t h e M a i n C o n v e n t k n o w n
a s t h e M o t h e r H o u s e . H e r e i s w h e r e M o t h e r T e r e s a i s
l a i d t o r e s t i n a m a r b l e t o m b w h i c h i s o p e n t o v i s i t o r s
t h a t c o m e f r o m a l l o v e r t h e w o r l d . Y o u a r e g i v e n t h e
o p p o r t u n i t y t o w r i t e y o u r s p e c i a l i n t e n t i o n s w h i c h a r e
t h e n p l a c e d i n a b o x o n t h e t o m b . T h i s b o x , o n c e f u l l ,
i s t a k e n t o t h e a l t a r d u r i n g m a s s a n d o f f e r e d d u r i n g t h e
c o n s e c r a t i o n . W e s a w h e r r o o m w h e r e s h e s l e p t a l l t h o s e
y e a r s – j u s t a b e d , w i t h a w o o d e n b e n c h a n d t a b l e . T h e r e
a r e r e a l l i f e s t a t u e s p l a c e d a l l o v e r t h e h o m e o f M o t h e r
T e r e s a a n d a s e c t i o n , a l m o s t l i k e a m u s e u m , p o r t r a y i n g
her history and life journey. There are show cases of
h e r c l o t h i n g , s a t c h e l , s a n d a l s a n d r o s a r y t h a t s h e w o r e
b e f o r e s h e d i e d . W e a l s o a t t e n d e d A s h W e d n e s d a y m a s s
as well, and were blessed with her relics.
MOTHER TERESA STATUE IN CHAPEL
ASH WEDNESDAY AT MOTHERS TOMB
WORKER MANUFACTURING
SARIS MANUALY

The following morning our bus took us to St Johns Convent where Sister Rafqa is Superior and
has about 14 contemplatives under her wings. St Johns is situated next to the main rail station in
K o l k a t a c a l l e d S h a l d e a h a n d o u t s i d e t h e g a t e s i s a v o l u m e o f p e o p l e b e g g i n g , s e l l i n g t h e i r g o o d s ,
cooking food to sell or hurrying to catch a train. However once inside the convent, there is peace
and solitude with a garden at the back and a cemetery where nuns and priests are buried.
We were greeted by the Sisters where they put garlands around our necks and sang for us. Sister
Rafqa took us on the local train to a Leprosy Centre in Titagarh, which was founded by Mother
Teresa. It is run by 8 Missionaries of Charity Brothers. The train ride there, and long walk to the
convent, was an experience on its own. There are people living along the railway lines making a living
off cow dung. This they dry and sell for fire wood, and also use to plaster their homes outside to keep
mosquitoes away. Imagine the smell!!
Brother Michael welcomed us into the centre
and took us on a tour of the colony - which
i s n e a t , c l e a n a n d w e l l r u n . W i t h i n t h e c e n t r e
t h e r e i s a l o n g r o o m w h e r e m e n a r e w o r k i n g o n
t h e l o o m s a n d l a d i e s s i t t i n g o n t h e f l o o r s
s p i n n i n g t h e c o t t o n f o r t h e m . T h e y m a k e s a r i s
f o r t h e n u n s i n a l l t h e c o n v e n t s a r o u n d t h e w o r l d
f o r t h e M o t h e r T e r e s a o r d e r .
W e l e f t K o l k a t a t h e n e x t d a y a n d w e n t o n t o u r
t o N e w D e l h i , A g r a t o s e e t h e T a j M a h a l ,
Japair and Udaipur, returning back to Kolkata
on the 16th.
W e m e t u p w i t h S i s t e r R a f q a a g a i n w h e r e s h e
took us to another home called Shishu
Bhavan which Mother Teresa had opened in
1 9 5 3 f o r a b a n d o n e d a n d m a l n o u r i s h e d c h i l d r e n .
T h e r e a r e o v e r 4 0 0 o f t h e m t h a t a r e a g e d f r o m
new born up to early teens.
BREAKFAST WITH SR RAFKA AND SISTERS
Mar o n i t e Me m o 9

There was another section for the disabled and mentally retarded. There were volunteers helping the
Sisters, as they need constant feeding and washing. They had a board in the courtyard showing the
number of children they have managed to have adopted, but it is a small amount compared to the
h u n d r e d s t h a t a r e l e f t b e h i n d .
From there we went to the first home Mother Teresa opened for the sick and dying destitutes, called
Kalighat. The nuns pick up the dying people off the side of the streets and bring them to Kalighat,
where they bathe, feed, anoint and baptize them and let them die with dignity and love. There are two
s e c t i o n s , o n e f o r t h e m e n a n d a n o t h e r f o r t h e w o m e n .
O n t h e l a s t d a y , b e f o r e f l y i n g b a c k t o S A , w e w e n t b a c k t o S t J o h n s a n d F r D o n a l d G r a h a m
celebrated mass dedicated to our families with Sister Rafqa. We had breakfast there and returned
b a c k t o t h e h o t e l t o p a c k . S i s t e r R a f q a w a s a l l o w e d t o c o m e w i t h u s a n d s p e n d t h e l a s t f e w h o u r s
there. On the way to the airport we took Sister Rafqa back to the convent and said our goodbyes. This
was the hardest part of our journey, not knowing when we will see her again. She was so peaceful
a n d c a l m a s w e c r i e d , h u g g e d a n d k i s s e d h e r . S h e h a d t o l d u s t h a t w e m u s t a l w a y s h a n d o u r p r o b l e m s
to Jesus and surrender to Him. Sister Rafqa and Kolkata will always remain in our thoughts and
prayers.
SHI SHI CHILDRENS HOME
THREE SISTERS AT TAJ
WALL OUTSIDE ST JOHNS CONVENT WITH
MOTHER THERESA

JIDU’S LETTER
by Ken Hanna
Since I was in communication with you much has happened. Firstly, Jan Fitzgerald, who is doing the
e d i t i n g o f t h e b o o k , “ P e o p l e o f t h e C e d a r s ” , a 2 0 t h C e n t u r y i n s i g h t i n t o t h e L e b a n e s e S o u t h A f r i c a n
C o m m u n i t y , w a s s p a r e d i n a m o t o r c a r a c c i d e n t . T h a n k G o d s h e w a s a t H o l y M a s s l a s t e v e n i n g .
U n f o r t u n a t e l y t h e p u b l i s h i n g o f t h e b o o k i s d e l a y e d j u s t a l i t t l e - p l e a s e b e p a t i e n t .
The beginning of Holy Week and Father Fadi Tabet from Lebanon is doing the Mission at both
Churches. I was at the Church in Woodmead, a packed congregation witnessed a Mass and
Eucharist celebration, which was awesome.
T h e o n l y s e a t I c o u l d g e t w a s r i g h t i n t h e f r o n t a n d f r o m t h e r e I s a w t h e t e a r s f r o m F r F a d i ’ s e y e s a s h e
consecrated the Eucharist.
You will no doubt hear more about Fr Fadi’s Ministry & Mission.
L a s t n i g h t c o n c l u d e d t h e 8 w e e k s e s s i o n o f t h e “ L i f e i n t h e S p i r i t ” S e m i n a r , o r g a n i s e d b y t h e L e b a n e s e
Parish and open to all.
Again a blessing for which I thank the Almighty God.
The testominies, experiences and input were awe inspiring. Each more touching than the next.
T h e L e b a n e s e M u s i c M i n i s t r y m u s t b e t h e b e s t i n J o h a n n e s b u r g , w h i c h b r i n g s m e t o m y n e x t
experience - The Alpha Course at the Rosebank Catholic Church.
The “God’s fire over Africa” Conference at the Rhema Church, where I gave testimony and
participated, subjectively, I could compare.
Observe, remember and compare. The exercises were not for comparison, but enrichment.
A little about both seminars.
T h e A l p h a c o u r s e i s a 1 5 s e s s i o n i n t r o d u c t o r y s e m i n a r , w h i c h e x p l a i n s t h e b a s i c s o f C h r i s t i a n i t y i n a
l o g i c a l , p r a c t i c a l w a y . I t h a s C h r i s t i a n e t h o s a n d i s i n t e r d e n o m i n a t i o n a l . T h e p r e s e n t e r , R e v N i c k y
G u m b e l , a b a r r i s t e r b y p r o f e s s i o n a n d a c o n v e r t e d C h r i s t i a n , p r a c t i c i n g i n t h e A n g l i c a n C o m m u n i t y i n
England.
O v e r 1 3 m i l l i o n p e o p l e w o r l d w i d e h a v e b e e n o n t h i s c o u r s e . T h i s W e d n e s d a y , G o d w i l l i n g , I w i l l h a v e
completed my 15th session and I am happy to say that a number of Lebanese and Maronites
and those married to Lebanese and with Lebanese connections attended.
The normal introductory questions were, are you Catholic? Where do you worship? In which I told them
I was a Maronite Catholic. Most wanted to know more about the Maronites, and
naturally I obliged.
Why “God’s Fire over Africa”?

Well my cousin, Pete Samra asked me to help him. He is based in the USA. The community knows his
f a t h e r , T o n y S a m r a , w h o w a s a p a s t P r e s i d e n t o f t h e C e d a r P a r k C o u n t r y C l u b a n d w o r k e r f o r t h e
c o m m u n i t y . H i s m o m , m y a u n t , w a s a s a c r i s t a n t a t t h e V i c t o r y P a r k ‘ l e m o n s q u e e z e r ’ a n d a t t e n d e d
Mass daily.
O u r S i t u a t t e n d e d M a s s d a i l y a t t h e M a r o n i t e C h u r c h i n F o r d s b u r g u n t i l h e r d e a t h .
Our Aunt Rachel would read the bible in Arabic daily and taught herself to read.
O u r g r e a t u n c l e w o u l d a t t e n d M a s s d a i l y a n d w o u l d d r e s s u p i n a s u i t c o l l a r a n d t i e i n o r d e r t o s a y t h e
rosary, as was the custom of the Lebanese of old.
S o w h e n P e t e g o t t h e c a l l i n g t o b u i l d 1 1 0 C h u r c h e s i n S o u t h A f r i c a , t r a i n P a s t o r s , h o l d C o n f e r e n c e s
a n d C r u s a d e s a n d g e t i n v o l v e d i n t h e P o l i t i c a l p r o c e s s o f t h e N a t i o n , I c o u l d a t l e a s t c o m p r e h e n d
where he was coming from.
T o d a y P e t e h a s b u i l t m o r e t h a n 3 0 % o f t h e 1 1 0 C h u r c h e s g i v e n i n t h e v i s i o n . H e h a s b e e n a s s i s t e d b y
his wife, Steffi, who has a strong healing ministry and speaks in tongues.
She is excellent with the wife’s of Pastors.
M e m b e r s o f t h e L e b a n e s e c o m m u n i t y w h o h e l p P e t e i n c l u d e C l i v e K a i r u z , R o y H a n n a , M i k e S a f f y a n d
m y s e l f . P a u l S a a d f r o m D u r b a n , i n t r o d u c e d t o P e t e b y o u r b e l o v e d F r N a d i m . A g r e a t p r o p o n e n t o f
inter faith and inter denominational dialogue as proposed by our great
leader, Pope John Paul II.
T h e C a t e c h i s m t e a c h e r s i n t h e M a r o n i t e C h u r c h d e c i d e d t o c o n v e y a m e s s a g e t o t h e p a r e n t s o f t h e
C o m m u n i t y . A t t h e h e a r t o f t h e m e s s a g e w a s t h e i n c o r p o r a t i n g o f C a t h o l i c r e l i g i o u s i n s t r u c t i o n t o t h e
youth of the Community.
I listened to Willie Karam, he was outstanding. An advocate by profession, he has been teaching
Catechism, in a honorary capacity for 30 years. His wife, a Medical Doctor.
His children go to a private school as do one of my grand-daughters.
His message a simple one.
Sure send your children to private schools, let them do all the extramural activities, but always
r e m e m b e r t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t , t h e k e y t o t h e K i n g d o m o f G o d a n d t h e t r a i n i n g o f o u r c h i l d r e n a n d
grand-children in the faith.
O n e m o r e l i n e t o a d d . T o t e l l y o u r c h i l d r e n a n d g r a n d - c h i l d r e n t h e y d i d n o t a s k t o h a v e a L e b a n e s e
connection, THEY JUST GOT LUCKY.
And what is luck?
Labour Under Correct Knowledge.
Until next time.
GOD BLESS.

“People of the Cedars”
by Jan Fitzgerald
For this month’s Maronite Memo I’d planned on describing the sets of icons for the Syro-Maronite
Liturgical Year which occupy a position of honour to the side of the altars at Our Lady of Cedars and
Our Lady of Lebanon.
But it seems that God and Ken Hanna had a another plan for me, and as Ken has been so gracious to give
m e t o p s p o t i n h i s f e a t u r e d p i e c e i n t h i s i s s u e , I f i n d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y o f w r i t i n g a b o u t m y d e a r f r i e n d j u s t
too delicious to let slip.
First, let me declare my credentials. Unlike our stunning new Miss Lebanon who got lucky by being born
Lebanese, I had to wait until the second half of my life to be adopted by our beloved church, priests and
community. I love Lebanon and am passionate about all things Lebanese – and that’s even before I get into
s t u f f l i k e A n t o u n F a h r y ’ s f a m o u s k i b b e .
The opening Mass of the Easter Mission last night at Cedars was awesome, and Abouna El Badaoui was
on target when he described our valued visitor from Lebanon, Abouna Fadi Tabet, as the most handsome
and talented priest to come our way in a long time. (He forgot to mention that all our priests are
b e a u t i f u l . ) S o , d o n ’ t m i s s a n y o f t h e s e M i s s i o n M a s s e s . T h e y p r o m i s e t o b e r i v e t i n g . A n d A b o u n a F a d i
sings in a voice to knock the wings off a seraphim.
I f l o a t e d o u t o f M a s s o n s o f t l i t t l e p u f f y c l o u d s w i t h t e a r s o f j o y s t i l l r o l l i n g d o w n m y c h e e k s . N o r w a s I
alone. Ken’s cheeks were still a little damp as well.
Right now I am having one of the best times of my life because I have the extraordinary privilege of
editing Ken’s book ‘People of the Cedars’. Most of our community know Ken in his professional
capacity as a community pharmacy. Also as the editor of the Cedar Leaf publication which kept us
informed of matters Lebanese all these years.

What most people don’t know is that for more than 30 years it has been Ken’s singular delight to
winkle information out of every single Lebanese mouth he could find, here and around the world, to
r e c o r d f a i t h f u l l y t h e h i s t o r y o f t h e L e b a n e s e p e o p l e i n S o u t h A f r i c a .
I don’t think he ever gave a thought to the depth of the passion or love or curiosity or humanity –
leavened with touches of wicked humour - he dedicated all these years to our community. Nor did he
ever think his labour of love had the capacity to be published in its totality in book form. In its current
format the book is long, long, long. As Liza and Georgia Alexiou know very well. They spent several
years capturing all Ken’s words, notes and anecdotes into legible type-written format so that the editing
process could take place.
E v e r y a u t h o r n e e d s a t l e a s t o n e e d i t o r . M y c u r r e n t t a s k i s t o s h u f f l e w o r d s a r o u n d , u p d a t e t i m e f r a m e s
where necessary, add, delete, check grammar, double-check facts. And at the same time I’m laughing (or
crying) as I recognise names and put faces to names and perceive the cohesive cobweb of the most
remarkable community I have ever known.
Suddenly I’m discovering the family histories of my friends. Their grandparents’ stories. The sheer
tenacity and intelligence and faith which kept everything and everybody together. And which live today
vividly in my contemporaries, their children and their grandchildren.
So, after the Easter week I’ll be chained to my computer as I proceed at speed toward completion. Don’t
wish me luck. After all, I’m still alive after a nasty collision. Wish me ‘God speed’.
‘ P e o p l e o f t h e C e d a r s ’ w i l l b e p u b l i s h e d t h i s y e a r . Y o u r n a m e s a r e t h e r e . S o m a k e s u r e y o u b u y t h e b o o k .
I think we can persuade Ken to sign it for you.

Lebanon…. The message of Hope
By Ken Hanna.
K e n H a n n a i s t h e E d i t o r o f t h e “ C e d a r L e a f “ s e c t i o n o f T h e M a r o n i t e M e m o . S e r v i n g t h e L e b a n e s e
South African Community from I970 to 2010.
He is the Chairperson of the Maronite Action Committee.
A Past President of the W.L.C.U. (World Lebanese Cultural Union) Johannesburg Chapter.
H a s r e p r e s e n t e d t h e M a r o n i t e C o m m u n i t y o f S o u t h A f r i c a a t t w o W o r l d M a r o n i t e C o n g r e s s e s , t h e
W . L . C . U . a t t w o W o r l d C o n g r e s s e s a n d a C o m m i t t e e m e m b e r o f t h e B e c h a r r e S o c i e t y i n S o u t h
Africa. He is also the founder of the Gibran Society of South Africa.
He has visited Lebanon on four occasions as well as Syria and Palestine.
H i s l a s t v i s i t t o L e b a n o n w a s i n t h e s u m m e r o f 2 0 0 4 , a c c o m p a n y i n g h i m w a s h i s f a m i l y
representing third, fourth and fifth generation South Africans of Lebanese descent .
Here are his impressions.
The death of Pope John Paul II has touched the hearts of all in the modern world. His visit to
L e b a n o n a n d S o u t h A f r i c a h a s m a d e h i m s o c l o s e t o o u r d e a r C o u n t r y a n d t o a l l o f u s .
T h e H o l y F a t h e r h a s s t a t e d t h a t L e b a n o n i s m o r e t h a n j u s t a c o u n t r y , i t i s a ” M e s s a g e o f H o p e ” .
He did not elaborate, but like most of his teachings and sayings one has to ponder and discern.
H e d i d h o w e v e r p a s s i t o n t o t h e C a t h o l i c B i s h o p o f L e b a n o n .
Let us start this exercise with a visit to Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa near Jounieh.
A gift from The Holy Father to the Lebanese people, an image of the Mother of Jesus, Our Lady.
It is the most beautiful of all reminders, a reminder of Lebanon as the eternal mother.
F o r t h o u s a n d s o f y e a r s L e b a n o n h a s b e e n s e n d i n g h e r s o n ’ s a n d d a u g h t e r ’ s t o t h e f o u r c o r n e r s
of the globe. South Africa is proof that the Phoenicians visited us, and stayed nearly 2,800 years
ago.
Mar o n i t e Me m o 15

O n c e a g a i n l e t u s t u r n t o T h e H o l y F a t h e r : “ Y o u a r e n o t w h a t t h e y s a y y o u a r e : L e t m e r e m i n d
you who you really are”
I f L e b a n o n i s a “ M e s s a g e o f F r e e d o m a n d H o p e ” , t h e n a l l L e b a n e s e a r e m e s s e n g e r s o f f r e e d o m
and hope. Each community is a servant under this banner.
A s a M a r o n i t e t h i s i s o f s i g n i f i c a n c e t o m e .
Jesus of Nazareth has told us what to do and the Maronites are trying to show us how to do it.
We as Maronites - with our separate Rite - within the bosom of Mother Church, are different for
and not different from our fellow brothers and sisters.
V a t i c a n C o u n c i l i s s p e c i f i c o n t h i s p o i n t . ( V a t i c a n c o u n c i l 2 , D e c r e e o n t h e C a t h o l i c E a s t e r n
Churches Page 441 to 444)
What does this mean?
In Lebanon our families and our people have to work and co-operate with all sectors and
c o m m u n i t i e s f o r t h e c o m m o n b e n e f i t o f a l l . O u r P o l i t i c i a n s , w h o m u s t b e t r u e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f
the people of Lebanon, have to seize the day (“Carpe Diem”)and seize the moment with both
hands and with open hearts.
Syria and Zionism are out and please God democracy is in. Lebanese politicians have stated
openly that The Syrians will always be our brothers and sisters, not our masters.
S i x t h o u s a n d k i l o m e t e r s s o u t h o f L e b a n o n i s a L e b a n e s e S o u t h A f r i c a n c o m m u n i t y t h a t b e l i e v e s
in our Lebanon. It has given us our faith. It has given us our families.
It has give us the financial skills to earn by labour and only by labour so that we are not
d e p e n d e n t o n t h e s t a t e . ( G i b r a n )
I t h a s g i v e n u s o u r f e l l o w s h i p s o t h a t t h e L e b a n e s e a r e f r i e n d l y a n d h o s p i t a b l e ( c u l i n a r y a r t s ) t o
all. Maurice Toweel, famous boxing promoter of the world renowned boxing family quotes:
”If you have a Lebanese friend you have a friend for life but if you have an enemy, God help you”.
Ex President of the Republic of Mexico quotes: ”If you do not have a Lebanese friend, go out and
find one”.
So it is family, faith, finance and fellowship, like the four legs of the table.
Each must be equally balanced so that it remains sustainable.
This is only part of the message.
Mar o n i t e Me m o 16

P l e a s e r e m e m b e r t h a t t h e F a t h e r s o f t h e C h u r c h a n d t h e C a t h o l i c C h u r c h c a m e b e f o r e t h e N e w
T e s t a m e n t . A s C a t h o l i c s w e b e l i e v e t h a t t h e C o u n c i l o f t h e C h u r c h w a s i n s p i r e d b y t h e H o l y
S p i r i t , w h e n g i v i n g u s t h e N e w T e s t a m e n t o f t h e B i b l e . T h e s a m e i n s p i r a t i o n t h a t t h e H o l y F a t h e r
d i s p l a y e d w h e n h e v i s i t e d L e b a n o n i n 1 9 9 5 .
I n F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0 , t h e L e b a n e s e w o r l d , t h e W o r l d L e b a n e s e C u l t u r a l U n i o n a n d t h e i r f e l l o w
L e b a n e s e b r o t h e r s a n d s i s t e r s i n A u s t r a l i a w i l l b e m e e t i n g i n B r i s b a n e A u s t r a l i a , t o s h a r e w i t h
t h e i r A u s t r a l i a n b r o t h e r s a n d s i s t e r s t o c e l e b r a t e t h e C o m m e m o r a t i o n o f 1 4 0 y e a r s o f i m m i g r a t i o n
a n d a p p r e c i a t i o n w i t h a c o u n t r y t h a t h a s b e e n h o s p i t a b l e t o t h e m . T h e r e w i l l b e a p e r m a n e n t
Memorial erected.
The World Lebanese diaspora will be showing their solidarity and love.
They will be displaying their unity as a world body and the Lebanese Message to the world.
They will be celebrating with their brother Australians, celebrating with those
Lebanese South Africans who have made Australia
their home.
A message that we want to have all our future
gatherings in a free, fair and democratic world.
T h a t w e a r e g r a t e f u l t o a l l c o u n t r i e s t h a t h a v e h o s t e d
us.
We will build and help build with them. (Gibran)
T h a t w e , a s a c l o s e l y k n i t s m a l l w o r l d f a m i l y w a n t s t o
give the “message” to the World.
Thank you God for giving us Pope John Paul II.
Thank you for his message.
M a y t h e s p i r i t o f P o p e J o h n P a u l t h e S e c o n d t o u c h
your hearts.
Mar o n i t e Me m o 17

G e t t i n g t o k n o w a n d l o v e ,
our new Priest to the Maronite Church,
Fr Fadi Matni
W h e n w e r e y o u b o r n a n d w h i c h v i l l a g e a r e y o u f r o m i n L e b a n o n ?
25th Dec 1973 in a village called Damour
What are your hobbies?
S w i m m i n g , p l a y i n g c a r d s , p l a y i n g b a c k g a m m o n , C i n e m a . ( w a i t i n g f o r s o m e t h i n g n e w i n s o u t h
Africa...)
H o w m a n y i n y o u r f a m i l y ?
6 sisters and 3 brothers (final numbers!)
F a v o u r i t e b i b l i c a l q u o t e ?
“I am the bread of life whoever will come to me will never be hungry and who believe in me will
never be thirsty” (Jn 6/35)
F a v o u r i t e B o o k ?
“ Vivre le Christianisme “ (Living the Christianisme); Father Francois Varillon
F a v o u r i t e S p o r t ?
Swimming
Favourite Film?
Patch Adams
What are your views on Johannesburg?
Wonderful country, well organised, the weather is nice, ...
How do you find (up to now) the Lebanese Community in South Africa?
T h e y r e s p e c t a n d t r u s t t h e p r i e s t s a l o t , v e r y k i n d p e o p l e t h e y m a k e y o u f e e l a t h o m e . T h e y a r e
supporting their Church. ( It’s lovely when they try to speak Arabic).

March 2010
Lebanese Lessons
Clothes – Tyeb
Bag – Jezden
Female Shoes – Skarbinet
Male shoes - Sobbat
Dress – Festaan
Scarf - Shel
Skirt – Tannoura
Gloves – Kfouf
Socks – Kalset
Umbrella – Shamsiyyeh
Long sleeved shirt – Ameess Kem tawil
Short sleeved shirt – Amees Kem assir
Tie –Krafatt
Jersey – Kanze souf
Zip – Sa7 ab
Belt – 2 chat
Button – Zerr
Coat – Kabbout
Pocket –Jeybé
Jewellery – Moujawharat
Ring – Khatem
Watch – Se3 a
Gold –Dahab
Silver-Fedda
Diamond-Elmaz
Pearl-Loulou
Reminder: 7 is pronounced as a strong H
3 i s p r o n o u n c e d AY
2 i s t h e “ B R E A K ” s o u n d i n t h e w o r d
Please take note: Lebanese Lessons take place at the Sheikh’s Palace
every Monday evening. Contact Ken Hanna 084 783 0726

KAAK B'HALIB
(milk cakes)
Prepared for Easter
Ingredients:
500g flour
100g butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup of milk
200g sugar
1 teaspoon yeast
1 teaspoon powdered aromatic plants: wild cherry seed, marjoram, aniseed.
M i x t h e f l o u r, y e a s t , a r o m a t i c p l a n t s a n d g r a d u a l l y a d d t h e o l i v e o i l a n d m e l t e d
butter. Dilute the sugar in the milk and add to the mixture. Knead the dough and
a l l o w t o r e s t f o r 2 h o u r s . S h a p e f l a t c a k e s a b o u t 7 c m i n d i a m e t e r a n d 1 c m t h i c k
( w o o d e n m o l d s e x i s t t o i m p r i n t a m o t i f o n t h e d o u g h ) . T h e y c a n a l s o b e s t r e t c h e d i n
t h e s h a p e s o f b r a c e l e t s t h i c k a s a f i n g e r. B a k e i n m e d i u m o v e n a f t e r p r e h e a t i n g i t a t
a high temperature. They are eaten lukewarm or cold.
Tips
O n c e t h e k a a k s a r e b a k e d , y o u c a n d i l u t e 2 t a b l e s p o o n s o f s u g a r i n h a l f a c u p o f m i l k
a n d d i p t h e t o p f a c e o f t h e c a k e s i n i t , t h e n s p r i n k l e t h e m w i t h s u g a r. A l l o w t o d r y a
bit before serving.

Shake And Bake
By Jodie Peter
Nearly 20 beautiful Lebanese girls competed in Miss Lebanon and Miss Lebanon teen at the Gold
R e e f C i t y c a s i n o L y r i c T h e a t r e o n F r i d a y M a r c h 1 2 . T h e r e w a s g r e a t e x c i t e m e n t a n d
c u r i o s i t y a t t h e s t a r t o f t h e s h o w , w i t h a w e s o m e e n t e r t a i n m e n t s u c h a s h i p h o p d a n c e r s w h i c h w e r e
d i v i n e t o w a t c h . W e a l s o h a d F a t h e r C h a r b e l s u r p r i s i n g u s o n s t a g e a t t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e s h o w .
T h e r e w a s o n e o f t h e b e s t b e l l y d a n c e r s I e v e r s e e n d a n c i n g t o s t u n n i n g A r a b i c m u s i c , a n d a s o l o
s i n g e r w h i c h e n d e d t h e n i g h t w i t h a b i g b a n g . I r e m e m b e r s e e i n g t h e c h o i r a s t h e o p e n i n g a c t a n d
t h i n k i n g t h i s s h o w w a s g o i n g t o b e a b l a s t . A n d i t w a s ! I t w a s f a n t a s t i c a n d w o r t h m i s s i n g K e l l y
C l a r k s o n ! M y g o r g e o u s s i s t e r J e n n a e n t e r e d t h e c o m p e t i t i o n a n d I k n o w h o w m u c h e f f o r t t h e g i r l s
p u t i n . O n e y e a r o f t r a i n i n g a n d p l a n n i n g . W e l l g i r l s , i t d e f i n i t e l y p a i d o f f , y o u a l l p u t o n o n e
a w e s o m e s h o w .
T h e p a g e a n t i s h o s t e d a b o u t e v e r y t w o y e a r s e x c e p t f o r t h i s y e a r w h i c h s a w t h e l a s t o n e i n 2 0 0 7 .
T h e M i s s L e b a n o n w i n n e r g e t s t o c o m p e t e i n L e b a n o n w i t h L e b a n e s e g i r l s f r o m a l l o v e r t h e w o r l d ;
l a t e r t h i s y e a r . T h i s y e a r m o r e m o n e y w a s r a i s e d t h a n a n y o t h e r M i s s L e b a n o n p a g e a n t b e f o r e . T h e
B a s e l f a m i l y d i d n o t d i s a p p o i n t , w i t h s p e c t a c u l a r e n t e r t a i n m e n t a n d h o s t i n g . C l i n t w a s t h e M . C . ,
h i s c l a s s i c j o k e s a n d g o o d l o o k s m a d e m e v e r y h a p p y i n m y t h i r d r o w f r o m t h e f r o n t ! N e i l w a s t h e
p r o d u c e r a n d D e l o r i s t h e d i r e c t o r . J e n n y A n d e r s o n w a s t h e c h o r e o g r a p h e r w h o t a u g h t t h e g i r l s
h o w t o s h a k e a n d b a k e .
T h e M i s s L e b a n o n c o n t e s t a n t s e n t e r t a i n e d a u d i e n c e s w i t h h i p h o p d a n c i n g , t h e a v a n t g a r d e s c e n e ,
c a s u a l w e a r a n d e v e n i n g w e a r a n d t h e n t h e c r o w n i n g o f t h e w i n n e r . T h e g i r l s s t r u t t e d t h e i r s t u f f
w i t h c o n f i d e n c e a n d s a s s . L e b a n e s e g i r l s a r e d e f i n i t e l y t h e b e s t ! N o w w e a l l k n o w w h y ! I r e a l l y
liked the fact that the girls simply had fun. It wasn’t about winning. It was about the experience
and making new, strong friendships. Experiences and friendships that will build the girl’s
c h a r a c t e r s a n d s h o w t h e m w h a t i t r e a l l y m e a n s t o h a v e f u n a n d w i s h t h e b e s t g i r l t o w i n . A s m y
s i s t e r p u t i t , “ r e h e a r s a l s w e r e s o m u c h f u n ! W e w e r e a l l s i s t e r s h e l p i n g e a c h o t h e r a n d w i s h i n g e a c h
o t h e r t h e b e s t . I t a l s o b r o u g h t t h e y o u t h t o g e t h e r . ” I a g r e e w i t h t h a t s t a t e m e n t . T h e p a g e a n t b r o u g h t
t h e L e b a n e s e y o u t h t o g e t h e r . C e l e b r a t i o n a n d l o t s o f p l a n n i n g c o m i n g t o g e t h e r t o b e e n j o y e d . T h e
p a g e a n t c r e a t e d b o n d i n g a n d s u p p o r t . A l t o g e t h e r t h e g i r l s r a i s e d t w o h u n d r e d t h o u s a n d r a n d . T h e
most ever raised!
T h e w i n n e r s f o r M i s s T e e n w e r e – L a v i n i a K a l i l m i s s p e r s o n a l i t y , p h o t o g e n i c p r i z e w e n t t o
S a r a h H a g e , J e s s i c a L a t e g a n s e c o n d p r i n c e s s , C h a r n e t K o r f f f i r s t p r i n c e s s ( a n d m i s s t e e n c e d a r )
a n d M i s s L e b a n o n t e e n 2 0 1 0 D e m i - L e e R e b u l a . T h e w i n n e r s f o r M i s s L e b a n o n 2 0 1 0 – T a l a r K a r a m
w o n m i s s p e r s o n a l i t y , p h o t o g e n i c p r i z e w e n t t o G a b r i e l l a S t e y n , s e c o n d p r i n c e s s T a t u m B a k o s ,
first princess Bianca Citron (and Miss Lebanon cedar), and Miss Lebanon 2010 Nikita McKinnon.
I w i s h t h e w i n n e r s t h e b e s t o f l u c k o n t h e i r j o u r n e y t o b e t t e r o u r c h u r c h p r o s p e c t s . O u r n e w
Lebanese school has a lot to look forward to with the big sum of money that has been raised. I am
h a p p y w e f i n a l l y h a v e a s c h o o l w e c a n c a l l o u r o w n .
To the ‘gheyas’ of the year, well done and make us proud!

Miss Lebanon & Miss Teen Lebanon
Gallery & Winners

Entertainment & Guests of Honour

And our Winners are......
Miss Teen Lebanon
Demi- Lee Rebula (Milham)
Miss Teen
1st Princess
Charne Korff (Habib)
2nd Princess
Jessica Lategan
Miss Lebanon
Nikita McKinnon (Joseph)
Miss Lebanon
1st Princess
Bianca Citron
2nd Princess
Tatum Bakos

An evening enjoyed by all..
Thank you!!!!
Delores Basel
Cemlie Bakos
A n e n j o y a b l e e v e n i n g a n d
m o r e i m p o r t a n t l y a g r a n d
g a t h e r i n g o f L e b a n e s e
p e o p l e w h i c h
always puts a smile on my face
T h a n k y o u t o D e l o r e s ,
C e m l i e , N e i l & J e n n y f o r a l l y o u t i m e ,
hard work and dedication you put into
making this evening so magical.
Fr Badaoui Habib
S u p e r i o r o f t h e M a r o n i t e C a t h o l i c
Mission in SA.
Neil Basel
Jenny Anderson
A v e r y b i g t h a n k y o u g o e s
out to this great team, who
worked so hard to put this
Production together.
Congratulations!!!
We are looking so forward
to 2012......

Marriage Preperation Classes 2010
My experience
by Mariana Correira (engaged to Jonathan Bakos)
Marriage preparation is a 7 week course designed to inform engaged couples on some very
important areas of marriage. We imagined that this would be a boring but compulsory process. Well
w e w e r e c e r t a i n l y p r o v e d w r o n g . I w o u l d l i k e t o t a k e t h i s o p p o r t u n i t y o n b e h a l f o f m y f i a n c é ,
Jonathan and the other members of the group to thank all who were
involved in making it so enjoyable and worthwhile.
To Fiona Grant for the efficient way you ran the course.
To Fr Barney for being the first speaker of the course and “breaking the ice’ amongst the group.
To Desiree Cos for giving us great tips in resolving conflicts.
To Veronica Hannouch for helping Desiree and Fiona with the marriage prep feedback session.
To Willy Karam for your laugh a minute explanation on Marriage contracts.
To Norman & Alida Cahi, Trevor & Alexis Michael for sharing the secret to your successful
marriages.
And last but not least, Fr Badaoui for closing our course with a special mass in the shrine and for
organising a delicious dinner after mass.
(Thanks to Aunty Bernie and Anna for preparing the meal).

End of Dream
A p r o d u c t i o n b y
Fr Fadi Tabet.
A s c r e e n i n g o f t h e m o v i e
w i l l t a k e p l a c e o n
Wednesday 31st March
at Our Lady of Lebanon
Mulbarton
at 8:30pm
&
Friday 2nd April/
Saturday 3rd April
at Our Lady of the Cedars
Woodmead
at 7:00.
All Welcome

CUMMING TRAVEL
LEBANON
Tour Departs: 31 July 2010 | Tour Returns: 14 August 2010
Tour Price Per Person: R15,590
For more information contact Tenielle on (011) 788 0600

Happenings in and around the Church
Mothers day (Our Lady of the Cedars)
Bring the family, its time to celebrate your MOM this year and show some
a p p r e c i a t i o n f o r a l l h e r l o v e a n d c a r e . G i v e h e r t h e d a y o f f a n d s p o i l h e r w i t h a
delicious lunch on
Sunday 9th May 2010
at 11:00 am (after 9:30am Mass)
at the Church Hall (Sheik’s Club and Conference Venue.)
Booking essential: Mariaan 011 802 6378
Our Lady of Lebanon Festival
It is that time of the year again!!
Our Lady of Lebanon,
Mulbarton
30 May 2010
Come and join in the festivities!!
All welcome!!

WEDDING BELLS
T h e We d d i n g o f
J o s h u a B u r g e r
&
Francesca Dello-Iacono
13/02/2010.
T h e We d d i n g o f
Lorenzo Mugnaioni
&
L a r a G i u r i c i c h
27/02/2010.
T h e We d d i n g o f
Lawrence Azar
&
Marsha Du Preez
06/03/2010.

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !
L u ke K a r a m w a s
chosen as
h e a d b o y o f
C h a r t e r h o u s e
P r e p a r a t o r y S c h o o l
for 2010.
Well done!!!
2nd Birthday
of
Sasha Alexander
Parents:
Gary & Danika
A l e x a n d e r
The Baptism of Christian Ford
Pa r e n t s : J o h n & G e n e v i e v e ( K a i r o u z )
The Baptism of Diego Afonso
Parents: Antonio & Jennifer (Germanus)

Ba p t i s m s & We d d i n g s
Co n gr at u l at io n s and blessings to the following members who were baptised and married.
Baptised Parents Godparents
Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon - Woodmead
Al e s s i o Jo a n n i d e s Justin & Natalie Joannides Nestor Joannides & Silvana Roux
Na l e d i Zh u n g u Cyril & Rosemary Zhungu Charles & Wadzana Manoivenyi
Le a h Bo l u s Richard & Maria Bolus George & Belinda Bolus
Di e g o Af o n s o Antonio & Jennifer Afonso Carlos Afonso & Jasmine Germanus
Sh a a z i a Re g o Youssef & Lynette Rego Carlos DeLima & Anabela DaPaz Barreto
Ar r a b e l l a Re g o Carlos & Shaazia Rego Carlos Da Cunha Rego & Tarry Rego
Lu k e Kn i g h t Carl & Deirde Knight Paul & Vanessa Knell
Al e x a n d e r Kn e l l Paul & Vanessa Knell Carl & Deidre Knight
Ja d i t e Fe r n a n d e s Joao & Laurinda Fernandes Paulo & Dolores Delgado
Olivia Au s t i n Jeff & Donne Austin Shamus Ortwein & Monique Deklerk
Lu k e Ru p e r t o Stefano & Debbie Ruperto Allan & Sandra Ruperto
Jo h n a t h a n Fy n n Karen & Kerry Fynn Andrew & Jeanine Cooper
An e l l a Wi t t e n Andrew & Kathleen Witten Mark Witten & Janine Thurling
Al i i k u t l w a n o Ts h a b a l a l a Albert & Desiree Tshabalala Lawrence Makondo & Tsholofelo Kgosiemang
An t i m o Pi c o n e Domenico Picone & Nicole Raposo Marco Picone & Angelique Raposo
Our Lady of Lebanon - Mulbarton
Li l l i-An n Go m e s Brian & Jackey Gomes Dean Saunders & Janine Gomes
Ti a g o Do s Sa n t o s Nuno & Sheree Dos Santos Brandon McInnes & Sonia Soares
Ga b r i e l l a Te Lo o Ruan & Elizabeth Te Loo Sonja Da Roche Trindade
Tressa Sh e l v e r Wesley & Sylvia Shelver Isak & Mary Crystal
Wa y n e Sh e l v e r Wesley & Sylvia Shelver Vanessa Da Silva & Chad Shelver
Gi o v a n n i Wo s t e n v e l d t Holger & Natalie Wostenveldt Martin Pretorious & Karien Zoppa
Ro g a n Gu i m a r a e s Carlos & Sherilynn Guimaraes Jason Wallace
De a n V.D. Be r g Arne’ & Charlen V.D.Berg A. V.D.Berg
Ni c o l e Sm i t Stewart Smit & Sandra Setzee Trevor & Cindy Ham
Fr a n k Be r r a n g e Elaine & Frank Berrange Nick Van Hysteen & Carina Rix
Ky r a La t e g a n Ronnie & Angie Lategan Calvin Delport & Jamie Harris
Co n n o r De l p o r t Rudi & Lisinda Delport Angie Lategan & Jaco Breytenbach
Cailie Ja n s e n Patrick & Shireen Jansen Michael & Nicole Jansen
Weddings
Our Lady of the Cedars - Woodmead
a Ma r c e l & Rh e n a y (Mo r r i s o n) Ha m - 13/03/2010
a Ca r l o s & Sh a a z i a (Al i) Re g o - 14/03/2010
a Pa u l o & Ta m m y (Ge r m a n u s) De Ol i v e i r a- 21/03/2010
a Pi e t e r & An n e t t e (Ba b a) En g e l b r e c h t - 27/03/2010
Obi t ua r i e s †
Ou r La d y o f Le b a n o n
† Mi c h a e l Pe t e r s - 30/4/1944 - 01/03/2010
† To n y Ma r q u e s - 1/2/1960 - 4/3/2010
† Su s a n Ha r r i s - 24/12/1924 - 10/3/2010
† Ram o n De i b - 16/9/1977 - 13/3/2010
Our Lady of Medugorje Message
25 March 2010
“Dear children! Also today I desire to
call you all to be strong in prayer and in
the moments when trials attack you. Live
your Christian vocation in joy and
humility and witness to everyone. I am
with you and I carry you all before my
Son Jesus, and He will be your strength
and support. Thank you for having
responded to my call.”