Priests in Lebanon receive essential support that enables them to remain alongside their people and sustain their pastoral ministry amid severe economic depression, inflation, and the devastation of recent conflicts in the Middle East that have forced many families to flee their homes. In this climate of fear and instability, the Church has remained steadfast beside the population, with priests consoling displaced families, comforting the afflicted, guiding the community in prayer, and spreading the hope of the Gospel.
“I live, but it is no longer I who live; it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20).
“Our archdiocese, though wounded, remains standing, convinced that prayer opens paths where human circumstances seem to close every door.”
With these words, Archbishop Georgas Iskandar of the Melkite Archdiocese of Tyre reflects on the resilience of the local flock and the profound impact of the Mass intentions provided through the generosity of benefactors.
Vital and spiritual support for priests in Lebanon
Through a one-year project (reference LEBANON / TYRE-MLC 25/00019), the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) allocated €11,200 in Mass stipends covering 1,400 Masses—including ordinary Masses, triduums, novenas, Gregorian Masses, and sung liturgies—to support 14 priests across the diocese of Tyre in South Lebanon.
These Mass intentions represent not only essential material subsistence during widespread hardship, but also a tangible sign of communion and spiritual solidarity within the universal Church. Father Antoine, one of the 14 priests in the Archdiocese of Tyre receiving this aid, stated:
“Your generous and kind support sustains me despite the serious economic difficulties our country, Lebanon, is going through.”
Pastoral gratitude from Archbishop Georgas Iskandar
Archbishop Iskandar conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the benefactors of ACN, assuring them that every liturgy is offered in communion and strict accordance with canonical norms:
“We ask the Almighty Lord to abundantly bless all ACN benefactors, to reward them many times over for what they offer with such generous hearts, and to fill their families with peace, health, comfort, and grace.”
“For our bishops and priests, these Mass stipends have been a tangible sign of ecclesial communion, fraternal closeness, and spiritual solidarity, helping them continue their ministry with dignity, faithfulness, and hope, while keeping in their prayers the intentions of the benefactors who accompany us with such love and thoughtfulness.”
“Rest assured that these divine liturgies are celebrated with a profound spirit of gratitude and according to the benefactor’s intention, in compliance with the canonical norms governing Mass stipends and in prayerful communion with all those who have wished to support our Church during these particularly difficult times.”