Beirut: Christians have been significantly affected by the intense bombings launched by Israel against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to the pontifical charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Mariele Boutros, the organization's project coordinator in Lebanon, reported that many Christian families residing in the bombed areas have been impacted by the attacks. Some Christians have lost their homes, and many are fleeing to Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and the north in search of safety and shelter.
"I am 37 years old and have lived through more than five wars in Lebanon. It is not easy to live in a country that recovers one day and hides from missiles the next. This is not the kind of life young people want to live. The problems people are facing now and the impact of yet another war cannot be easily forgotten," Boutros said.
Despite the ongoing bombings, Boutros emphasized that the Catholic Church's projects through ACN have not stopped; they are needed now more than ever. Many people are taking refuge in the halls of Catholic churches, where they are in dire need of food, sanitary products, mattresses, and blankets. Boutros expressed hope that the crisis would not be prolonged and urged for prayers for the people of Lebanon.
Charbel Abdallah, the Maronite Archbishop of Tyre, also spoke about the dire situation in the country. He noted that the Lebanese people are deeply concerned about their future. “Everyone is seeking peace. Nobody wants war. If the situation worsens, all of Lebanon will be affected, not just the south,” Archbishop Abdallah stated. Catholics across the country have resolved to pray fervently for an end to the conflict. Priests in every parish have initiated prayers, including the daily rosary, an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, and continuous prayers for the peace that only the Lord can provide.
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