Local Hierarchy honour local servants of God

The Parish of Ehden Zgharta marked at a special service in St. Maron's Church, Zgharta, last Sunday, the 50th anniversary of Mother Dominic Halby, Father Gabriel Makary, Sister Marie Georgette Azizi, Sister Jeanne Abou Haroun, entering into religious orders. The four, who were all born in the Parish, were honoured by the presence of two of the Parish's leading sons who hold high office in the Church: Bishop Paul Emile Saade, Bishop of Batroun and Archbishop Paul Dahdah, O.C.D. Vicar Apostolic of Beirut. They officiated at the Mass in the absence of Bishop Samir Mazloum, Vicar General Patriarchal of Ehden Zgharta, who it was explained could not attend for reasons beyond his control. Archbishop Dahdah, born 1941, succeeded Bishop Paul Bassim, now Vicar Apostolic Emeritus of Beirut, who was also born in Ehden, on the latter's retirement at 76. Bishop Saade, born 1933, prior to the creation of the Diocese of Batroun in June 1999, was Vicar General Patriarchal of Ehden Zgharta. He was succeeded by Bishop Mazloum, born 1934, Kaakour, Metn. It is not known whether Bishops Saade and Mazloum will retire this year having reached the official retirement age for bishops of 75.