A message from the Melkite Catholic Archbishop of Furzol, Zahle and the Bekaa, Lebanon

For many years I've been reciting a daily prayer in which I stand silently with reverence, aw, amazement and wonder at the work of God "Bless the Lord, O my soul... The lord is gracious and merciful..." (Psalm 102). It is wonder that makes my heart overflow with joy and thankfulness and allows me the certainty that God is behind everything that helps me prevail; a vision that stems from my deep faith that God is behind every success, and that he blesses the service that I give with my fellow ministers in every spiritual , social and health sector.

The service of love is the foundation of my work, "indeed the love of Christ urges us" (2 Corninthians 5/14) and therefore service to the poor and the needy is one of the priorities in my life. For this purpose we have started to build homes for the young people of the region, we founded welfare associates to care for the needy and we plan to build a social complex for the rehabilitation of drug addicts as well as centers for prayer and spiritual encounters.

We have also started to work with a specialized team to rehabilitate the buildings of Tel Chiha Hospital, which belongs to the Diocese, and develop it, and supply it with modern equipment.

However we have to thank God and praise Him for all his gifts, bless all benefactors who are overflowing us with love and charity, with them we build the city on whose doors we write "thanks for your blessing O Lord".

By the Mercy of God
(Most Rev) Issam John Darwish, BSO, DD
Melkite Catholic Archbishop of Furzol, Zahle and the Bekaa, Lebanon