Al-Rahi Urges End of Corruption in Easter Message
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi called on Good Friday for an end to violence and urged politicians to steer clear of corruption and the use of power for personal gains.
In his Easter message, al-Rahi rejected theft of public money and bribery.
Without naming them, the patriarch said officials should be committed to the public good and reconstruction.
He said each person should work for justice and end hatred.
He preached the liberation from the chains of slavery and ending revolt against the will of God.
The patriarch also called for peace in Lebanon, the world and Arab countries whose people revolted to enjoy democratic systems that would allow them to live in dignity and engage in public life.
Meanwhile, Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) said President Michel Suleiman and al-Rahi will hold closed-door talks in Bkirki on Sunday to discuss the details of Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to Lebanon in September.
Suleiman will attend Easter mass celebrated by al-Rahi in Bkirki.
06 April 2012, 11:56
00
Dream on Patrack. Corruption is indelibly engraved into the hearts of our politicians; That's why we still have no electricity and water despite all the billions that we spent on them. We still have favoritism in every governmental department and nothing could be done without paying a bribe. we are hypocrites because we breach that we are religious while our actions are but religious. In a normal country, corruption should not exist because public servants are simply employees that take a salary to survive not amass millions to spend on villas and luxury as the case is in Lebanon. lebanon will not and can't be a normal country simply because we have corrupt politicians everywhere. I challange any politician who could prove he or she was not corrupt. So Patrack keep this wishful thinking to yourself because it only exist in the bible which even clergy men don't adhere to.
06 April 2012, 16:17
00
One: his buddies are in the government... Tate's where corruption resides, by definition.
Two: our political leaders keep getting assassinated, And the corruption is what you picked as the main issue? How about "Treason", for once?
06 April 2012, 19:07
11
Tony Abbott the leader of the Australian government opposition, and future Australian Prime Minister, prayed with the Lebanese Maronite community during good friday. In Australia, the biggest good Friday mass is the Sydney parish of St Charbel. 20,000 people celebrate Good Friday at st Charbel which is one of 6 Maronite parishes.
Around the world, Lebanese are respected and lead their adopted homes, representing a diaspora that is highly respected and powerful through numbers. Our only weakness is our internal disputes. United, we can be as powerful and respected as any other lobby or ethnic group in the world. The Batrak is trying for this unity, that is blessed by the Vatican and the Pope. Together, the Lebanese, Muslim and Christian, can be a powerful voice and force in the world... If only we can unite!
06 April 2012, 21:29
00
Thank you for sharing this Historical Event. I think We the Lebanese abroad should lead the way.
In Lebanon Corruption is on the highest level in every public office and in Nonprofit organization to include religion institutions. :(
07 April 2012, 04:05
00
Future Prime Minister? Come on, maybe. It's not certain.
I'm not sure if you live in Sydney, but most Lebanese here are treated like scum, mostly because they are scum. There are some that are respected but the majority are hooligans. We don't want to give the wrong impression to everyone else.
07 April 2012, 08:07
00
Al-Raii and all other Religious figures including Kabbani and Hassona should stay away from politics. They are part of the problem and not part of the solution. Keep mixing Religion with Politics and you will always get Evil.
07 April 2012, 16:30
00
He urged Lebanese to steer clear of the use of power for personal gains. Doctor heal thyself. Tremenous power comes from occupying the Patriarchal seat. It is the symbol of the unity of Lebanese nationalism as well as the spiritual and moral compass of the nation, recognized by all Lebanese.
Its current occupant aspires to a political career, not one fit for a Maronite Patriarch. He seems vain and to be using the Seat in Bkerke for personal gain. It makes his words ring hollow.
This is from me, Beiruti, a Maronite.
