NNA - Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bshara Butros Al-Rai, chaired Sunday's mass service at Saint Maroun's Church at the Maronite School in Rome.


Attending the church mass was a crowd of believers, preceded by Lebanon's Ambassador at the Apostolic Chair, Brigadier George Khoury; Lebanese Ambassador to Italy, Charbel Estphan; Lebanese Charge d'Affaires Karim Khalil, and Lebanese Consul Albert Samaha.


In his religious sermon, Al-Rai highlighted the meaning of real faith, which is translated in true acts. "True belief is man's ability to receive whatever he asks God for; and the Lord Grants man more than he asks and expects," Al-Rai explained.


Over the Cardinals' Assembly, Al-Rai praised their mission, adding that they are joined in their prayers for Pope Benedict XVI, who has given a wonderful example of huge faith and kindness to the Church. "Pope Benedict has taught us that life rises through sacrifices, even if the fruits of which remain unseen," added Al-Rai.


"We join the Cardinals' Assembly in their prayers for enlightenment and insight, to unveil the person to succeed Pope Benedict," Al-Rai added.


Following church mass, Al-Rai met with the crowd of believers at the Maronite School Hall.


Al-Rai is to also meet Sunday evening with Maronite parish members and Lebanese expatriate community residing in Rome, within the framework of the Christian Upbringing Program at Saint Maroun's Church.



================ R.Sh.