THE CANDLE OF HOPE
(1516 A.D. -1842 A.D.)
The leader says:
God heard the Maronites’ cry for help. In 1516 A.D., the Mamlooks were defeated by the Ottomans,
and the Maronites were granted protection by France. They expanded in Lebanon and mixed with other
minorities. Their hope became stronger.[23]
The woman lights the second large candle, the candle of Hope.
All recite the Act of Hope
O my God, relying on your almighty power, infinite goodness, and promises, we hope to obtain pardon
of all our sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, our LORD
and Redeemer. Amen.
The leader says:
The Maronites built churches, founded religious orders, formed schools, and cultivated rough lands.
The valleys and the mountains were filled with monks and hermits. Many families converted to
Christianity, joined the Church, and participated in the table of the Lord.[24]
The woman passes the dish of Feereh. All take from the dish (one spoon), and the woman says:
Thank you, LORD, for everything you gave our ancestors: a Church, a Patriarch, and the mountains
of Lebanon. Here is the sweetness of Freedom, taste it.
They all eat and recite:
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go
free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the LORD.”[25]
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