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 th e r P r i e s ts , 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 fa m i l y a b l e s s e d , h a p p y
a n d h o l y E a s t e r.
Corcovado
Christ the Redeemer
Rio De Janeiro,
Brazil
M a ron i t e Memo
March 2010
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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)
Dear Brothers and Sisters
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).
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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
exchange. In contrast, according to the Arab philosopher Ibn Khaldoun, the
Arab conquest is crushing and devastating, “under its domination, ruin is
rampant….established order is up-ended, and civilization recedes…”, “We see
the countries which the Arabs have conquered since ancient times;
civilization has disappeared from them, as has the population, to the point that
even the soil seems denuded of nature…”.
“The tradition and nomadic way of life turned the Arabs into nomads, a
violent and untamed people. The roughness of their customs became second
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
not, in fact it impedes progress. It is said that if an Arab needs a stone to
support his pot, he will damage a building to get a stone to meet his need, if
he needs a peg for his tent, he will dismantle a whole roof just to get one piece
of wood to make the peg”.
Statue of Ibn Khaldoun in
Tu n i s , N o r t h A f r i c a
In contrast to that point of view, the Egyptian historian Phillip Aziz, the author of “Palestine of the Crusades”
expresses a more sympathetic opinion of what he calls “Islam, the great tolerant one” when he says “It is true
that at its birth Islam was portrayed as a religion of violence, and it made a holy war, “Jihad”, a strict obligation
of the Muslim community”. However, the Koran distinguishes with great clarity between the People of the Book,
Jews and Christians, and atheists. Like the formers, the Muslims are bonded to the Bible especially the 1st five
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 - A n e n g r a v i n g o f a s c r o l l o f t h e To r a h i n H e b r e w, B r i t i s h L i b r a r y. 2 - T h e l a s t p a g e
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
K o r a n i c M a n u s c r i p t i n A r a b i c , 7 t h c e n t u r y, D a v i d C o l l e c t i o n , C o p e n h a g e n .
In the countries conquered by the
Muslims, Christians and Jews had
the option of accepting and adopting
the Islamic faith or remaining faithful
to their own religion. If they choose
the latter, which they are perfectly
free to do, they have to pay a
special tax, to recognize the political
supremacy of Islam and of course to
desist from attacking it. Given that,
they have a right in accordance with
ancient Arab traditions to a special
kind of contractual hospitality called
the “Dimma” which guaranties them
the security of their person,
belongings and religion.
Naturally the special tax imposed on the Christians led many to give up their
Christian faith and convert to Islam. While it was true that no one could say
there was a persecution, there was however discrimination against the
non-Muslims. And at the same time there was no attempt of proselytism.
Islamic tolerance was more in evidence during the time of the Umayyads than
in the time of the Abassids. For example the Abassid Caliph, Al-Mutawakkil
(847-861), was particularly cruel and persecuted both Christians and Jews
alike, using the most barbaric and humiliating methods that could hardly be
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
Phoenician cities along the coastline had, for centuries past and up to the time of the Arab conquest 634AD,
been recognized as centers of business and commerce. From the point of view of development, culture and
civilization, to speak of the Phoenician cities as Tripoli, Jbeil (Byblos), Beirut, Sidon and Tyre before the 7th
century was to speak of Paris, Rome, London, New York and Tokyo today. One could say that for many
centuries the Lebanese coastline was one of the pivotal points of human activity and development for the whole
ancient world.
But with the arrival of the Arabs and the
beginning of the Arab era, the lines of
communication between the
Phoenician cities and the world at large,
both East and West were cut. The
seaways were closed, and a
complete isolation from the Western
and Byzantine world on one side and
the Islamic Arab world on the other,
was brought about. These cities on the
Phoenician coastline lost their status
as ‘city-states’ and were reduced to the
category of towns and villages. The
Persian immigrants, who had been
relocated along the costal area by the
caliph Muawiyah I (661-680), were not
exactly the elite and clever members of
their communities of origin to adopt the
Phoenician civilization of the coast and
to carry on with it.
C onquests of Prophet Mu hammad and
the Rashidun Caliphate, 630-641
According to the archaeologist Maurice Dunand, the greatest expert of the ruins of Byblos, the era which began
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.
1 0 0 Ye a r A n n i v e r s a r y o f
SaintPadre Pio’s
P r i e s th o o d O rd i n a t i o n
The Priesthood
is the love of the
Heart of Jesus.
When you see the
Priest, think of
Our Lord Jesus
Christ.
(St. John Vianney)
The Priest is
not a Priest
for himself, he
is for you.
After God, the
Priest is
everything!
Only in heaven
will he fully
realise what he
is.
OUR TRIP TO KOLKATA, INDIA
by Loraine Faris
Six adventurous ladies left SA on Feb 6th on
a trip to Calcutta in India, now officially known
as Kolkata, to visit Sister Mary Rafqa (Gillian
Simpson), daughter to Herby and Yvonne Simpson
from Linmeyer. The group that went was my
sister, Yvonne and her daughter Taryn Simpson, my
younger sister, Denise Jabour, together with
myself and my daughter, Donna Faris and Dr
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
all around and this was an immediate cultural shock to us. To put it mildly we saw hundreds of yellow
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
20 million in one city - almost half of our population here in South Africa.
Once settled in the hotel, we decided that afternoon to
attend Sunday evening mass at the Main Convent known
as the Mother House. Here is where Mother Teresa is
laid to rest in a marble tomb which is open to visitors
that come from all over the world. You are given the
opportunity to write your special intentions which are
then placed in a box on the tomb. This box, once full,
is taken to the altar during mass and offered during the
consecration. We saw her room where she slept all those
years – just a bed, with a wooden bench and table. There
are real life statues placed all over the home of Mother
Teresa and a section, almost like a museum, portraying
her history and life journey. There are show cases of
her clothing, satchel, sandals and rosary that she wore
before she died. We also attended Ash Wednesday mass
as well, and were blessed with her relics.
M O T H E R T E R E S A S TAT U E I N C H A P E L
A S H W E D N E S D AY AT M O T H E R S T O M B
W O R K E R M A N U FA C T U R I N G
S A R I S M A N U A LY
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
Kolkata called Shaldeah and outside the gates is a volume of people begging, selling their goods,
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
is neat, clean and well run. Within the centre
there is a long room where men are working on
the looms and ladies sitting on the floors
spinning the cotton for them. They make saris
for the nuns in all the convents around the world
for the Mother Teresa order.
We left Kolkata the next day and went on tour
to New Delhi, Agra to see the Taj Mahal,
Japair and Udaipur, returning back to Kolkata
on the 16th.
We met up with Sister Rafqa again where she
took us to another home called Shishu
Bhavan which Mother Teresa had opened in
1953 for abandoned and malnourished children.
There are over 400 of them that are aged from
new born up to early teens.
B R E A K FA S T W I T H S R R A F K A A N D S I S T E R S
Maronite Memo
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
hundreds that are left behind.
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
sections, one for the men and another for the women.
On the last day, before flying back to SA, we went back to St Johns and Fr Donald Graham
celebrated mass dedicated to our families with Sister Rafqa. We had breakfast there and returned
back to the hotel to pack. Sister Rafqa was allowed to come with us and spend the last few hours
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
and calm as we cried, hugged and kissed her. She had told us that we must always hand our problems
to Jesus and surrender to Him. Sister Rafqa and Kolkata will always remain in our thoughts and
prayers.
SHI SHI CHILDRENS HOME
T H R E E S I S T E R S AT TA J
WA L L O U T S I D E S T J O H N S C O N V E N T W I T H
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
editing of the book, “People of the Cedars”, a 20th Century insight into the Lebanese South African
Community, was spared in a motor car accident. Thank God she was at Holy Mass last evening.
Unfortunately the publishing of the book is delayed just a little - please be patient.
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.
The only seat I could get was right in the front and from there I saw the tears from Fr Fadi’s eyes as he
consecrated the Eucharist.
You will no doubt hear more about Fr Fadi’s Ministry & Mission.
Last night concluded the 8 week session of the “Life in the Spirit” Seminar, organised by the Lebanese
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.
The Lebanese Music Ministry must be the best in Johannesburg, which brings me to my next
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.
The Alpha course is a 15 session introductory seminar, which explains the basics of Christianity in a
logical, practical way. It has Christian ethos and is inter denominational. The presenter, Rev Nicky
Gumbel, a barrister by profession and a converted Christian, practicing in the Anglican Community in
England.
Over 13 million people world wide have been on this course. This Wednesday, God willing, I will have
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
father, Tony Samra, who was a past President of the Cedar Park Country Club and worker for the
community. His mom, my aunt, was a sacristant at the Victory Park ‘lemon squeezer’ and attended
Mass daily.
Our Situ attended Mass daily at the Maronite Church in Fordsburg until her death.
Our Aunt Rachel would read the bible in Arabic daily and taught herself to read.
Our great uncle would attend Mass daily and would dress up in a suit collar and tie in order to say the
rosary, as was the custom of the Lebanese of old.
So when Pete got the calling to build 110 Churches in South Africa, train Pastors, hold Conferences
and Crusades and get involved in the Political process of the Nation, I could at least comprehend
where he was coming from.
Today Pete has built more than 30% of the 110 Churches given in the vision. He has been assisted by
his wife, Steffi, who has a strong healing ministry and speaks in tongues.
She is excellent with the wife’s of Pastors.
Members of the Lebanese community who help Pete include Clive Kairuz, Roy Hanna, Mike Saffy and
myself. Paul Saad from Durban, introduced to Pete by our beloved Fr Nadim. A great proponent of
inter faith and inter denominational dialogue as proposed by our great
leader, Pope John Paul II.
The Catechism teachers in the Maronite Church decided to convey a message to the parents of the
Community. At the heart of the message was the incorporating of Catholic religious instruction to the
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
remember the most important, the key to the Kingdom of God and the training of our children and
grand-children in the faith.
One more line to add. To tell your children and grand-children they did not ask to have a Lebanese
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
me top spot in his featured piece in this issue, I find the opportunity of writing about my dear friend just
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
stuff like Antoun Fahry’s famous kibbe.
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
beautiful.) So, don’t miss any of these Mission Masses. They promise to be riveting. And Abouna Fadi
sings in a voice to knock the wings off a seraphim.
I floated out of Mass on soft little puffy clouds with tears of joy still rolling down my cheeks. Nor was 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
record faithfully the history of the Lebanese people in South Africa.
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.
Every author needs at least one editor. My current task is to shuffle words around, update time frames
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’.
‘People of the Cedars’ will be published this year. Your names are there. So make sure you buy the book.
I think we can persuade Ken to sign it for you.
Lebanon…. The message of Hope
By Ken Hanna.
Ken Hanna is the Editor of the “Cedar Leaf “ section of The Maronite Memo. Serving the Lebanese
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.
Has represented the Maronite Community of South Africa at two World Maronite Congresses, the
W.L.C.U. at two World Congresses and a Committee member of the Becharre Society in South
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.
His last visit to Lebanon was in the summer of 2004, accompanying him was his family
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
Lebanon and South Africa has made him so close to our dear Country and to all of us.
The Holy Father has stated that Lebanon is more than just a country, it is a ”Message of Hope”.
He did not elaborate, but like most of his teachings and sayings one has to ponder and discern.
He did however pass it on to the Catholic Bishop of Lebanon.
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.
For thousands of years Lebanon has been sending her son’s and daughter’s to the four corners
of the globe. South Africa is proof that the Phoenicians visited us, and stayed nearly 2,800 years
ago.
Maronite Memo
15
Once again let us turn to The Holy Father: “You are not what they say you are: Let me remind
you who you really are”
If Lebanon is a “Message of Freedom and Hope”, then all Lebanese are messengers of freedom
and hope. Each community is a servant under this banner.
As a Maronite this is of significance to me.
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.
Vatican Council is specific on this point. (Vatican council 2, Decree on the Catholic Eastern
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
communities for the common benefit of all. Our Politicians, who must be true representatives of
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.
Six thousand kilometers south of Lebanon is a Lebanese South African community that believes
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
dependent on the state. (Gibran)
It has given us our fellowship so that the Lebanese are friendly and hospitable (culinary arts) to
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.
Maronite Memo
16
Please remember that the Fathers of the Church and the Catholic Church came before the New
Testament. As Catholics we believe that the Council of the Church was inspired by the Holy
Spirit, when giving us the New Testament of the Bible. The same inspiration that the Holy Father
displayed when he visited Lebanon in1995.
In February 2010, the Lebanese world, the World Lebanese Cultural Union and their fellow
Lebanese brothers and sisters in Australia will be meeting in Brisbane Australia, to share with
their Australian brothers and sisters to celebrate the Commemoration of 140 years of immigration
and appreciation with a country that has been hospitable to them. There will be a permanent
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.
That we are grateful to all countries that have hosted
us.
We will build and help build with them. (Gibran)
That we, as a closely knit small world family wants to
give the “message” to the World.
Thank you God for giving us Pope John Paul II.
Thank you for his message.
May the spirit of Pope John Paul the Second touch
your hearts.
Maronite Memo
17
Getting to know and love,
our new Priest to the Maronite Church,
Fr Fadi Matni
When were you born and which village are you from in Lebanon?
25th Dec 1973 in a village called Damour
What are your hobbies?
Swimming, playing cards, playing backgammon, Cinema. (waiting for something new in south
Africa...)
How many in your family?
6 sisters and 3 brothers (final numbers!)
Favourite biblical quote?
“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)
Favourite Book?
“ Vivre le Christianisme “ (Living the Christianisme); Father Francois Varillon
Favourite Sport?
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?
They respect and trust the priests a lot, very kind people they make you feel at home. They are
supporting their Church. ( It’s lovely when they try to speak Arabic).
March 2010
Lebanese Lessons
C l o t h e s – T ye b
Bag – Jezden
Female Shoes – Sk arbinet
Male shoes - Sobbat
Dress – Festaan
Scarf - Shel
S k i r t – Ta n n o u r a
Gloves – Kfouf
Socks – Kalset
Umbrella – Shamsiyyeh
Long sleeved shirt – Ameess Kem tawil
Short sleeved shirt – Amees Kem assir
Tie –Krafatt
Jersey – Kanze souf
Zip – Sa7ab
Belt – 2chat
Button – Zerr
Coat – Kabbout
Pocket –Jeybé
Jewellery – Moujawharat
Ring – Khatem
Watch – S e3a
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 is the “BREAK” sound in the word
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
b u t t e r. D i l u t e t h e s u g a r i n t h e m i l k a n d a d d t o t h e m i x t u r e . K n e a d t h e d o u g h a n d
allow to rest for 2 hours. Shape flat cakes about 7 cm in diameter and 1 cm thick
(wooden molds exist to imprint a motif on the dough). They can also be stretched in
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
Once the kaaks are baked, you can dilute 2 tablespoons of sugar in half a cup of milk
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
Reef City casino Lyric Theatre on Friday March 12. There was great excitement and
curiosity at the start of the show, with awesome entertainment such as hip hop dancers which were
divine to watch. We also had Father Charbel surprising us on stage at the beginning of the show.
There was one of the best belly dancers I ever seen dancing to stunning Arabic music, and a solo
singer which ended the night with a big bang. I remember seeing the choir as the opening act and
thinking this show was going to be a blast. And it was! It was fantastic and worth missing Kelly
Clarkson! My gorgeous sister Jenna entered the competition and I know how much effort the girls
put in. One year of training and planning. Well girls, it definitely paid off, you all put on one
awesome show.
The pageant is hosted about every two years except for this year which saw the last one in 2007.
The Miss Lebanon winner gets to compete in Lebanon with Lebanese girls from all over the world;
later this year. This year more money was raised than any other Miss Lebanon pageant before. The
Basel family did not disappoint, with spectacular entertainment and hosting. Clint was the M.C.,
his classic jokes and good looks made me very happy in my third row from the front! Neil was the
producer and Deloris the director. Jenny Anderson was the choreographer who taught the girls
how to shake and bake.
The Miss Lebanon contestants entertained audiences with hip hop dancing, the avant garde scene,
casual wear and evening wear and then the crowning of the winner. The girls strutted their stuff
with confidence and sass. Lebanese girls are definitely the best! Now we all know why! I really
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
characters and show them what it really means to have fun and wish the best girl to win. As my
sister put it, “rehearsals were so much fun! We were all sisters helping each other and wishing each
other the best. It also brought the youth together.” I agree with that statement. The pageant brought
the Lebanese youth together. Celebration and lots of planning coming together to be enjoyed. The
pageant created bonding and support. Altogether the girls raised two hundred thousand rand. The
most ever raised!
The winners for Miss Teen were – Lavinia Kalil miss personality, photogenic prize went to
Sarah Hage, Jessica Lategan second princess, Charnet Korff first princess (and miss teen cedar)
and Miss Lebanon teen 2010 Demi-Lee Rebula. The winners for Miss Lebanon 2010 – Talar Karam
won miss personality, photogenic prize went to Gabriella Steyn, second princess Tatum Bakos,
first princess Bianca Citron (and Miss Lebanon cedar), and Miss Lebanon 2010 Nikita McKinnon.
I wish the winners the best of luck on their journey to better our church prospects. Our new
Lebanese school has a lot to look forward to with the big sum of money that has been raised. I am
happy we finally have a school we can call our own.
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......
M i s s Te e n L e b a n o n
Demi- Lee Rebula (Milham)
Miss Lebanon
M i s s Te e n
Nikita McKinnon (Joseph)
Miss Lebanon
1st Princess
Charne Korff (Habib)
1st Princess
Bianca Citron
2nd Princess
Jessica Lategan
2nd Princess
Tatum Bakos
An evening enjoyed by all..
Thank you!!!!
Cemlie Bakos
Delores Basel
Neil Basel
Jenny Anderson
An enjoyable evening and
more importantly a grand
gathering of Lebanese
people which
always puts a smile on my face
Thank you to Delores,
Cemlie, Neil & Jenny for all you time,
hard work and dedication you put into
making this evening so magical.
Fr Badaoui Habib
Superior of the Maronite Catholic
Mission in SA.
A very big thank you goes
out to this great team, who
worked so hard to put this
Production together.
Congratulations!!!
We are looking so forward
to 2012......
M a r r i a g e P r e pe r a t i o n C l a s se s 2 0 1 0
M y e x pe r i e n c e
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
we were certainly proved wrong. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of my fiancé,
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 production by
Fr Fadi Tabet.
A screening of the movie
will take place on
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
C U M M I N G T R AV E L
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)
B r i n g t h e f a m i l y, i t s t i m e t o c e l e b r a t e y o u r M O M t h i s y e a r a n d s h o w s o m e
appreciation for all her love and care. Give her the day off and spoil her with 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
O u r L a d y o f L e b a n o n Fe s t i v a l
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
Joshua Burger
&
Francesca Dello-Iacono
13/02/2010.
T h e We d d i n g o f
L orenzo Mug naioni
&
Lara Giuricich
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
headboy of
Charterhouse
Pr e p a r a t o r y S c h o o l
for 2010.
We l l d o n e ! ! !
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 )
2nd Birthday
of
Sasha Alexander
Pa r e n t s :
G a r y & D a n i ka
Alexander
The Baptism of Diego Afonso
Pa r e n t s : A n t o n i o & J e n n i f e r ( G e r m a n u s )
Baptisms & Weddings
Congratulations and blessings to the following members who were baptised and married.
Baptised
Parents
Godparents
Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon - Woodmead
Alessio Joannides
Naledi Zhungu
Leah Bolus
Diego Afonso
Shaazia Rego
Arrabella Rego
Luke Knight
Alexander Knell
Jadite Fernandes
Olivia Austin
Luke Ruperto
Johnathan Fynn
Anella Witten
Our Lady of the Cedars - Woodmead
Justin & Natalie Joannides
Nestor Joannides & Silvana Roux
Cyril & Rosemary Zhungu
Charles & Wadzana Manoivenyi
Richard & Maria Bolus
George & Belinda Bolus
Antonio & Jennifer Afonso
Carlos Afonso & Jasmine Germanus
a Paulo & Tammy (G ermanus) D e O liveira- 21/03/2010
Youssef & Lynette Rego
Carlos DeLima & Anabela DaPaz Barreto
Carlos & Shaazia Rego
Carlos Da Cunha Rego & Tarry Rego
a P ieter & A nnette (Baba) E ngelbrecht - 27/03/2010
Carl & Deirde Knight
Paul & Vanessa Knell
Paul & Vanessa Knell
Carl & Deidre Knight
Joao & Laurinda Fernandes
Paulo & Dolores Delgado
Jeff & Donne Austin
Shamus Ortwein & Monique Deklerk
Stefano & Debbie Ruperto
Allan & Sandra Ruperto
Karen & Kerry Fynn
Andrew & Jeanine Cooper
Andrew & Kathleen Witten
Mark Witten & Janine Thurling
Aliikutlwano Tshabalala Albert & Desiree Tshabalala
Lawrence Makondo & Tsholofelo Kgosiemang
Antimo Picone
Marco Picone & Angelique Raposo
Lilli-Ann Gomes
Tiago Dos Santos
Gabriella Te Loo
Tressa Shelver
Wayne Shelver
Giovanni Wostenveldt
Rogan Guimaraes
Dean V.D. Berg
Nicole Smit
Frank Berrange
Kyra Lategan
Connor Delport
Cailie Jansen
Weddings
Domenico Picone & Nicole Raposo
a M arcel & R henay (M orrison) H am - 13/03/2010
a C arlos & S haazia (A li) R ego - 14/03/2010
Obituaries †
Our Lady of Lebanon
† M ichael P eters - 30/4/1944 - 01/03/2010
† Tony M arques - 1/2/1960 - 4/3/2010
† Susan H arris - 24/12/1924 - 10/3/2010
† R amon Deib - 16/9/1977 - 13/3/2010
Our Lady of Lebanon - Mulbarton
Brian & Jackey Gomes
Dean Saunders & Janine Gomes
Nuno & Sheree Dos Santos
Brandon McInnes & Sonia Soares
Ruan & Elizabeth Te Loo
Sonja Da Roche Trindade
Wesley & Sylvia Shelver
Isak & Mary Crystal
Wesley & Sylvia Shelver
Vanessa Da Silva & Chad Shelver
Holger & Natalie Wostenveldt
Martin Pretorious & Karien Zoppa
Carlos & Sherilynn Guimaraes
Jason Wallace
Arne’ & Charlen V.D.Berg
A. V.D.Berg
Stewart Smit & Sandra Setzee Trevor & Cindy Ham
Elaine & Frank Berrange
Nick Van Hysteen & Carina Rix
Ronnie & Angie Lategan
Calvin Delport & Jamie Harris
Rudi & Lisinda Delport
Angie Lategan & Jaco Breytenbach
Patrick & Shireen Jansen
Michael & Nicole Jansen
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.”