The Fall Spiritual Retreat took place on December 10, at the Holy Family Convent in Ibreen, Batroun. This Congregation was founded by Patriarch Elias Howayek (1843-1931) in 1895, who believed that a young woman is the future mother, who is the heart of the family, to form a healthy society. Therefore, God gifted him the vision to establish the Congregation of the Holy Family, and he encouraged the nuns to follow the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Moreover, Patriarch Howayek claimed independence for his country and led General Gouraud to proclaim the “State of Greater Lebanon” in 1920.
Following the visit of the Museum and the tomb of the Patriarch, Fr. George Nassif lectured the attendees about “Rejoice” reading from Epistle of St. James, where one should depend only on God’s Will to have the real joy, happiness and inner peace; and never depend on man’s decision. The true peace is a grace from the Lord, our Creator. We must keep the Lord as our leader, and no one or nothing else; love Him endlessly, since Jesus Christ gave us His life unconditionally.
After the lecture we headed to the Convent Church for the Holy Mass. Our day ended in Batrouniyat Restaurant where we shared delicious food and spent great moments together.