Grace and love to you in the Lord Jesus.

I pray that this note will reach you and find you well with your family and loved ones.

As we enter this journey of Lent leading us to the Glorious Resurrection we are invited again to the gift of transformation and renewal by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We pray and fast in imitation of our Lord and Savior who prepared himself during this period for his saving ministry. We are all called to dedicate extra time to prayer and to perform extra work of mercy, especially toward the poor. It is not enough to fast from food and what goes into the mouth, but to fast from injuring others with what comes out of the mouth and the heart. I urge you to set rules for yourself, speak less and listen more, to reduce the noise of electronics and the many distractions and to experience the gift of silence where we can hear God better. Take extra measures to attend the Divine Liturgy more frequently, to take advantage of our retreats, the Benediction of the Cross and other spiritual exercises. Of course, all of this requires some sacrifices, but that’s what Lent is all about. It is a new rebirth. Whatever you give up, do not give up doing good and loving and forgiving your neighbor, especially those who have hurt you.

This is a very special Jubilee Year for us Pilgrims of Hope. Let us make it unique and different. Let us hold on to the love of Jesus, who is our only Hope.

On the 9th of March we are welcoming our shepherd Bishop Elias Zaidan. Join us in welcoming him into his home of Saint Maron.

Let us intensify our prayers for the people of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. Maybe one day we can call it the "Middle Peace" instead of Middle East. After all, it is the land where the Son of God was born and saved humanity.

I am looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful faces during this sacred Lenten Journey.

I assure you of my prayers and I beg you to pray for me.

With prayers and best wishes, I remain,

Devotedly yours,