After 20 years as patriarch, cardinal says Lebanese inspire him

Published: 2006-04-21

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir, often cited for his humility, told approximately 700 people who gathered to mark his 20th anniversary as patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church that the Lebanese people were his source of inspiration. The people give him the courage to persevere, the patriarch said April 19, because they carry on regardless of their political and religious affiliations. "It is the chiefs that receive medals, but it is the unknown soldiers that win the battle," he said. Recalling Lebanon's tribulations since he was appointed patriarch in 1986, Cardinal Sfeir said: "During these 20 years, we experienced exile and poverty. We were lost between hopes and disillusionment. The nightmare is over, but the Lebanese still suffer from division of opinions and an unclear vision." The host of dignitaries attending the ceremony at Bkerke, the patriarchal seat and headquarters of the Maronite Catholic Church, represented a full spectrum of Lebanon's religious and political persuasions. Many of them publicly praised the prelate for his exceptional integrity and for his unwavering ability to influence the conscience of the nation.

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