Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Beshara Boutros al-Rahi, presided over Sunday Mass in Bkirki this morning.

In his homily, the Patriarch criticized Lebanese officials and influentials for their failure to rise up to their national duties, urging them to “stand before the court of God, conscience, the people, and history,” and to know that “every appeal that comes to you from the Arab and international communities is not just wishful thinking, but rather a condemnation of your corruption and misuse of your power and influence.”

He denounced officials’ failure to carry out their first constitutional responsibility in electing a president of the republic, who would legitimize the work of the parliament and the government. He also criticized their failure to carry out the internationally required reforms to help safeguard the country from its severe downfall.

“By electing the appropriate and best president, the work of institutions will be organized, and trading in the state’s wealth at the expense of its treasury and the people will cease!” al-Rahi asserted.

“It is not possible to continue destroying the progress and prosperity that distinguished Lebanon within its environment, in terms of the high scientific, cultural, medical, hospital, and banking levels, the cultural and religious diversity in national unity, living together in cooperation and mutual respect, and integrating within national identity and civilization, freedom of belief and expression, and openness to East and West, and cultural and economic contact with each other….” the Partiarch underscored.

He concluded that if these aspects are restored, Lebanon will regain its grandeur and the Lord Almighty will be glorified and praised.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon