On the evening of December 16, 2023, the friars of the Provincial Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land joyfully witnessed the diaconal ordination of Friar Khalil EL KHOURY. The event took place at the Conventual Franciscan Saint François d’Assise Church in Zahlè, Lebanon.
The Most Reverend César ESSAYAN, OFM Conv., Vicar Apostolic of the Latins of Beirut, Lebanon, presided over the ceremony. Others present included the Provincial Custos, Friar Anton BULAI, members of his Definitory, the friars and faithful of the two Lebanese communities, the permanent deacons belonging to the Vicariate, and the friends and family of Friar Khalil.
In his homily, Bishop ESSAYAN recalled the gift of the diaconate in the universal Church, and above all, in our Order. The diaconate was a service carried out by St Francis, who eight hundred years ago celebrated Christmas in a special way by creating the very first nativity scene, in Greccio. Italy.
At the end of the celebration, the Custos wished Friar Khalil a fruitful ministry, saying, that like Mary, the handmaid of the Lord, a deacon also has service that he must lovingly and willingly perform.
After some words of thanks were exchanged, everyone gathered in the friary hall for a fraternal reception organized by the community and to wish Friar Khalil well.
May Friar Khalil have a holy diaconal journey, carried out with love, openness, and abandonment in the Lord.
Friar Elias Paolo MARSWANIAN
