St. Anthony Messenger | Featured Article | Christians in Lebanon: United in the Cross

Home

Catholic News

Daily Features

St. Anthony Messenger

Books

Catholic e-Greetings

Parish Newsletters/Services

ARCHIVE

April 2011

Home Page
Ask a Franciscan
On Faith & Media
You & Your Health
Editorial
Followers
Book Corner
A Catholic Mom Speaks
Living Simply
Web Plus

Christians in Lebanon: United in the Cross

View Comments

By Jennifer Scroggins

A cross on the stairs leading up to St. George Melkite Catholic Church in Yaroun is a fitting reminder
of the church’s own resurrection. Located a few miles from the Israeli border, St. George was nearly destroyed by bombing in 2006.

I am a Catholic. But I had to travel halfway across the world to understand that I am also a Christian.

Despite the fact that I was raised Roman Catholic, the idea of being a Christian was merely that—an idea, a concept without a true, meaningful reality in my daily life.

In Lebanon, I found that identity made manifest.

And as Christians around the world prepare for Easter, the call to unity in the love of Jesus Christ comes through to us all, loud and clear.

Jennifer Scroggins is the division director of Content Creation and Services for St. Anthony Messenger Press. She has a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University and previously worked for newspapers in Fort Wayne, Lexington and Cincinnati. She visited Lebanon in November 2010.

Thank you for your comments. Editors will review all posts before they are visible on the website.

blog comments powered by Disqus

Rita of Cascia: Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rita of Cascia was a wife, mother, widow and member of a religious community. Her holiness was reflected in each phase of her life.
<p>Born at Roccaporena in central Italy, Rita wanted to become a nun but was pressured at a young age into marrying a harsh and cruel man. During her 18-year marriage, she bore and raised two sons. After her husband was killed in a brawl and her sons had died, Rita tried to join the Augustinian nuns in Cascia. Unsuccessful at first because she was a widow, Rita eventually succeeded. </p><p>Over the years, her austerity, prayerfulness and charity became legendary. When she developed wounds on her forehead, people quickly associated them with the wounds from Christ's crown of thorns. She meditated frequently on Christ's passion. Her care for the sick nuns was especially loving. She also counseled lay people who came to her monastery. </p><p>Beatified in 1626, Rita was not canonized until 1900. She has acquired the reputation, together with St. Jude, as a saint of impossible cases. Many people visit her tomb each year.</p>

How am I supposed to believe what you are saying, if you don't believe it yourself? Preach with confidence and conviction, or sit down!

PICKS OF THE WEEK

	Sober Intoxication of the Spirit
	Learn about how the first Pentecost affected Jesus's followers.

	When the Spirit Comes in Power
	Catholic evangelist Peter Herbeck describes the work of the Holy Spirit in the personal lives of Christians.

	In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan
	In 1219 during the Fifth Crusade, Francis took it upon himself to cross battle lines and reach out to Muslims.

	For Mothers (and Fathers!)
	Author Curtis shares personal stories and advice for helping your children find God's voice amid the messages that target them.

	New from Franciscan Media
	When the initial shock and pain of widowhood has passed, Life after Death can help you build a new life.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Graduation
	If you’re not able to attend the graduation in person, send an e-card expressing your affection and pride.

	Ordination Anniversary
	Use Catholic Greetings to acknowledge your pastor’s ordination or pastoral anniversary.

	Happy Birthday
	Make the most of God’s graces and blessings throughout the coming year.

	Pentecost
	As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.

	Pentecost
	As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.

Come find us at:

American Catholic is for Catholics, all Christians and seekers. Find Roman Catholic Saints, Minute Meditations, Catholic Church Questions and Catholic News. Post Prayer Requests and send Catholic e-cards. Discover Catholic Books, Catholic Audio Books, Catholic Videos, and a leading Catholic Magazine.