Lebanese Christians Still Hoping, Says Priest

By Tony Assaf -ROME, FEB. 13, 2008 (Zenit.org).-
Lebanese Christians' cry for peace was heard in Rome with a "Concert of Hope."
Father Daoud Reaidy, superior of the community of the Maronite Antonian Order in Rome, inaugurated the Feb. 8 concert in Rome's Trastevere district.
"Normally we use the voice to speak, to dialogue, to cry and to discuss [...] but this afternoon we will listen to the sublime expression of the human voice that raises the heart to the noblest feelings and especially toward God," he said.
The concert was held on the vigil of the feast of St. Maron, the patron of this Eastern Catholic Church.
Father Reaidy referred to the "problematic situation" of Lebanon, especially noting the power vacuum created when Emile Lahud stepped down from the presidency in November.
But, the priest said, Maronites look to the future with "evangelical hope, following the footsteps of St. Maron. [...] The difficult political situation of our country throughout its history and the difficult tests we have faced have never stopped the creativity of our people."