The remarkable Christian-Druze reconciliation in Brih still marks its recent history making it the ideal location for the holding of Adyan’s 10th Spiritual Solidarity Day (SSD) organized in cooperation with the Brih Municipal Council, Al Orfan Druze Institute and Notre Dame University- Shouf Campus.
Christian and Moslem men, women and children joined a host of religious and political dignitaries including the Apostolic Nuncio, Gabriele Caccia; Chairperson of Adyan Foundation, Father Fadi Daou; Druze Sheikh Sami BoulMona, and Director of NDU-Shouf Campus, Father Hanna Tayar in celebrating the event on Saturday, October 22, 2016.
The Day started with the unveiling of a mural and the naming of Brih’s Spiritual Solidarity Street in commemoration. With a focus on the theme of Mercy, Christian prayers prepared by the NDU-Shouf Campus’ Pastrol Work were held in the St. George Church while Moslem prayers simultaneously rose up from the nearby Kholwa (Dar).
In his address, Fr. Fadi Daou assured that Adyan would be at the forefront in safeguarding reconciliation, freedom and diversity. Sheikh Mohammad Bou Zeid pointed out that mercy is not exclusive; it goes beyond the individual to include all the people.
Fr. Hanna Tayar emphasized that mercy transcends all differences to join man to man; it is the leeway to inter-religious dialogue. Mercy entails love and responsibility, Fr. Tayar said, and as a core component of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, it becomes the responsibility of every believer. “Let us all be manifestations of God’s love and mercy,” Fr. Tayar added.
The event ended with Adyan declaring Sheikh Sami BoulMona an honorary member of the foundation in recognition of his spiritual and academic initiatives and his unwavering commitment to spirituality, solidarity and co-existence.