Diman: The Qannoubine Association for Mission and Heritage, in cooperation with the Antonine Sisters' Monastery of Saint Stephan, inaugurated the third edition of the Permanent Conference on the Heritage of the Sacred Valley, under the patronage of Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi. This year's event, themed "The National Dimensions of Sacred Valley Heritage and the Centenary of the Lebanese Constitution," was relocated from the House of Memory and Media in the Patriarchate's Garden to the Patriarchal seat in Diman due to inclement weather. It was attended by Lebanon's religious and political leaders, along with public officials and cultural, social, and media figures.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun's representative, Attorney Antoine Sfeir, delivered a key national address at the conference, conveying the President's greetings and linking the centenary of Lebanon's Constitution with the national significance of the Sacred Valley's heritage. Sfeir described the Sacred Valley, or Qadisha, as a spiritual and historical landmark embodying faith, resilience, and freedom, and emphasized its role as a pillar of Lebanese identity. He highlighted the importance of viewing the country's diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
Sfeir reflected on the Constitution's centenary as an opportunity for Lebanese citizens to contemplate the future state they desire for subsequent generations. He characterized the Constitution as a unifying social contract and a safeguard for national unity, while acknowledging challenges posed by consensus-based politics. He underscored that the state, with its authority and institutions, is the only option for Lebanon, with no group or sect claiming representation of the state.
Sfeir emphasized Lebanon's desire for peace, advocating for future generations' right to live in tranquility while preserving the country's sovereignty and dignity. He recalled the insights of former Presidents Camille Chamoun and Fouad Chehab on constitutional principles aligning with the Sacred Valley's message, underscoring national unity, equality, coexistence, and freedom. Sfeir concluded by linking Qadisha and the Constitution, asserting that the valley's enduring spirit mirrors Lebanon's resilience.
Patriarch Al-Rahi, in his address, highlighted the conference's historical, spiritual, and national context, linking the Sacred Valley's heritage to Lebanon's regional and global mission. He emphasized the Qannoubine Association's efforts to reintegrate the valley's living meanings into national life, focusing on shared Christian-Muslim heritage. Al-Rahi considered Lebanon's identity shaped by diversity, advocating for justice and equality among religious communities.
The Patriarch revisited the Sacred Valley's history, stressing its role in fostering spiritual and cultural interaction. He affirmed that Christian-Muslim partnership has faced challenges but ultimately returned to unity and coexistence. Al-Rahi urged that the Sacred Valley's heritage be seen as a living societal force, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, and expressed hope that shared memory would unify rather than divide the Lebanese people.
In this context, Al-Rahi stated the conference's significance as a national endeavor contributing to healing collective memory, strengthening coexistence, and preserving Lebanon as a homeland of freedom, pluralism, and partnership.