Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai called for reinforcing people’s attachment to the land by supporting farmers and the agricultural industry.
In his Sunday sermon, Rai stressed that “the land forms an essential part of the national identity,” and that farmers should be supported to remain in the land.
He praised the efforts of the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture in this regard, calling on the state “to help farmers enhance agricultural production efficiency and improve adaptation to climate change.”
Rai also urged the Lebanese diaspora to market local produce and food industries, as this would bring foreign currency into Lebanon.
The patriarch’s mass was dedicated to prayers for the recovery of Karam Bou Chaaya, who has been in a coma for a year due to a car accident.
Lebanese army soldiers had “accidentally” fired at Bou Chaaya’s car one year ago today in Baalbeck. His friends, who were also in the car, were able to dodge the bullets, but a bullet to the spinal cord hit Karam.
Regarding the political situation, the Maronite Patriarch stressed that Lebanese politicians should “free themselves from their personal interests and work for the common good.”
He asked “how any politician could perform his duty without turning to the Holy Spirit,” noting that if they did, they would have elected a president committed to national principles.
