by Youssef Hourany

The bishops' monthly meeting focused on the Synod on the Eucharist. Bishops call for respect for the constitution and the presidency.

Beirut (AsiaNews) – In their monthly meeting the bishops of the Maronite Church discussed the life of the Church, with special focus on the Eucharist, the quiet and fruitful coexistence with Muslims and the state of affairs in which the country is in. The bishops expressed their support for the presidency and bemoaned the country's divisions.

Chaired by Patriarch, Card Nasrallah Sfeir, the meeting looked at the Eucharist in light of the conclusions reached at the recent synod of bishops in the Vatican. The Patriarch himself attended the event held in Rome

The bishops stressed the need to strengthen theological research not only into the Eucharist, but also into the history of the Maronite Church; they also insisted on the need to study all the disciplines linked to the "noble vocation" of the ecclesiastic ministry.

Existing directives were reiterated, especially insofar as the communion is concerned. Similarly, the impossibility to give the communion to divorced people was confirmed.

The bishops spoke about the situation of the country in the wake of the adoption of Resolution 1636 by the Security Council. They renewed their faith in the international community, expressing the gratitude of all Lebanese for what the UN is doing in order to find the truth about the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Harare. Still, they expressed concern over some problems they believe are affecting the international commission of inquiry and urged all parties to fully work together on this difficult path.

Notwithstanding demands for the resignation of the current president, the bishops renewed their support for the presidency, a "high and noble office that must be protected".

They called on everyone to show due respect to the constitution, "the only arbiter in this case".

By the same token, they expressed the wish to see the divisions besetting the country come to an end.

They concluded their press release expressing brotherly thoughts for all Muslims during Ramadan and hope that Christians and Muslims may continue building together a Lebanon that is worthy of its children.

Finally, on the occasion of the end of Ramadan the bishops wished to Muslims happy celebrations, full of peace and tranquility. 

• lebanon
• bishops
• monthly
• meeting
• ramadan
• constitution
• presidency