The Lebanese community in Halifax received a special visit this week from Father Joseph Daiif, pastor of Saint Charbel Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His arrival brought an atmosphere of joy, nostalgia, and unity, especially among members of the Casa of Zgharta living in Nova Scotia
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Father Daiif was visiting Halifax to reconnect with an old school friend, Roger Jitani, a meeting filled with memories and deep friendship. During his stay, Father Namatallah Eid, pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Parish, graciously welcomed him to concelebrate a special weekday Mass.
Although held during the week, the church was almost full to capacity, with a crowd a lot larger than usual. The Mass, celebrated by both Father Daiif and Father Eid, was offered in honour of the recent advancement of Patriarch Estephan Douaihy toward beatitude earlier this summer.
A Legacy of Faith: The Life of Patriarch Estephan Douaihy
Patriarch Douaihy, a towering figure in Maronite history, is remembered for his intellectual brilliance, his spiritual depth, and his efforts to preserve the identity and traditions of the Maronite Church during challenging times. A writer, historian, reformer, and shepherd, he shaped the theological and cultural foundations of the Maronite community. His cause for beatification has rekindled pride among Maronites worldwide, especially in Zgharta, his birthplace, whose people see him as both a spiritual father and a guardian of their heritage.
Father Daiif’s homily reflected his passionate style, focusing on calling, holiness, and the everyday path to sainthood. His final message resonated deeply:
“If a child can dream of becoming a pilot or an officer, why don’t we raise our children to dream of becoming saints?”
The evening also offered a moment of unity for many Lebanese families, particularly those from Zgharta, who gathered to honour their shared roots. Reflecting this spirit of solidarity, the Zgharta community sponsored the dinner that followed the Mass.
In a gracious gesture of hospitality, Father Eid opened the Cedar Event Center to host the communal dinner, ensuring everyone could gather comfortably.
After the liturgy, guests enjoyed a warm and abundant dinner catered by Bassam Karam, whose culinary expertise added a special touch to the evening and helped cultivate an atmosphere of friendship, gratitude, and connection. Elie Botros, who photographed the event, dedicated his time and skill to ensuring that these meaningful moments were beautifully preserved for the community. Their contributions, along with the efforts of many organizers, volunteers, and supporters, created a welcoming and heartfelt environment filled with genuine community spirit.
The evening served as a reminder of the enduring spiritual bonds uniting the Lebanese diaspora across North America and the richness of the Maronite tradition carried wherever its people gather.
