Al-Rahi Makes Pastoral Visit to South, Prays for Nation’s Unity
Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi visited the South on Saturday, the first tour of south Lebanon by a Maronite patriarch in 275 years.
On his way to the city of Sidon, he made a stop in Rmeileh where residents welcomed him with claps, roses and banners carrying the patriarch’s photo and welcoming slogans.
“We pray for the unity of the church, the nation and the society,” al-Rahi said. “The church cannot exist if their sons remain apart.”
After Sidon, al-Rahi will head to Jezzine.
The last Patriarch to visit Sidon was Semaan Awwad who toured the city when he was elected in 1736.
On Friday, al-Rahi made a pastoral visit to the northern town of Besharri where he met with the town’s political leaders.
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