BISHOP GREGORY BLESSES THE MARONITE COMMUNITY

OF WILKES-BARRE, PA. WITH HIS FIRST PASTORAL VISIT.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Our events on Saturday included the funeral liturgy of one of our beloved

 members, Lucy Michael which Bishop Gregory celebrated.  By 12:00 noon

the Altar and Rosary Society gathered to pray the Rosary in church then

enjoyed a meal together afterwards.

That afternoon the schedule included a time for confession then at 5:00 PM the parish youth helped to lead the prayers at our Ramsho Service for the feast of the Hemorrhaging Woman. The little children from the religious education program presented Icons which they colored for this feast.  At the conclusion of our prayer Sayidna offered a prayer to welcome  the new Pastor and he invited the youth to assist in this gesture by gathering around Father Bill (Msgr. Bonczewski).  Another spiritual moment that moved and touched everyone in a special way.

That evening the Parish Advisory Board and our guests were invited to the home of our Board President, Dr. Raymond Khoudary, for a wonderful reception.  The members visited and continued to discuss the many needs of our parish buildings and our direction for the good of our Maronite Community in Wilkes-Barre.