May 29, 2019 – Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) celebrated the consecration of the new statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the main entrance of the University, NDU main campus.
The event started at noon near the library where the Very Reverend Abbot Maroun Chidiac, Superior General of the Maronite Mariamite Order, began with a prayer to the Holy Spirit and an Act of Contrition. Then, Abbot Chidiac, NDU President Fr. Pierre Najem, O.M.M. Secretary Fr. Charbel Zogheib, NDU Vice-President for Administration Fr. Samir Ghsoub, Chaplains Fr. Antonio El Feghali and Fr. Jean-Pierre Eid, director of NDU choir Fr. Khalil Rahme, Deans, Professors and Staff members of NDU, proceeded towards the main entrance while praying a one-decade-rosary. When they arrived, all participants gathered around the new statue where Georges Mghames, Director of Publishing at the Office of NDU Publications, read a passage from Saint Gregory of Nyssa. The Superior General read a passage from the Gospel of Luke, followed by a short homily.
In his homily, the Abbot Chidiac highlighted the importance of Mary’s presence in our lives and the essential nature of her intercession. He stressed on the Virgin’s evangelical virtues and encouraged all participants to adopt them and to place Mary as a Christian example.
After the homily, the Superior General consecrated the statue with Holy Water. All participants said a prayer of consecration of self and the University. Fr. Khalil Rahme said “Ya Oum Allah”. All of NDU was lifted up in prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, placing every person under her loving gaze.