Bkerke:Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai recently hosted Vincent Gelot, Director of L'Œuvre d'Orient's office in Lebanon and the Middle East, along with a delegation at the patriarchal headquarters in Bkerke.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the meeting included discussions on the challenges faced by Catholic institutions in Lebanon, such as schools, universities, hospitals, and social service centers. These institutions are facing increasing threats to their operations due to deteriorating conditions in the region.

The meeting was also attended by Mother Marie-Antoinette Saadeh, Superior General of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, and lawyer André Bassil. Gelot highlighted L'Œuvre d'Orient's mission to support vulnerable communities and institutions, reaffirming the organization's dedication to providing essential services and maintaining dignity for those in need amid regional instability.

Mother Saadeh stressed the historical significance of Catholic institutions as pillars of hope and support for generations. She cautioned against the diminishment of their vital humanitarian, social, cultural, and educational roles.