THE CANDLE OF LOVE
(2004 A. D. — … )
The leader says:
Due to the severe persecution of the Church in Lebanon, many were scattered throughout the world,
which made the Church grow outside of Lebanon. That’s how the early Church grew outside of
Jerusalem. The Maronites’ love became stronger.
The woman lights the third large candle, the candle of Love.
All recite the Act of Charity
O my God, we love you above all things, with our whole hearts and souls, because you are all good and
worthy of all love. We love our neighbors as ourselves for the love of you. We forgive all who have
injured us, and ask pardon of all whom we have injured.
The leader says:
The Maronite Church became international. She not only includes Canaanite Phoenician Maronites,
Aramean Syrian Maronites, and Arab Maronites, but also American, Brazilian, Australian, European,
and African Maronites.
The woman passes the dish of Feereh, saying:
Thank you, LORD, for everything you gave our brothers and sisters: a Church, a Patriarch, and the
mountains of Lebanon. Here is the sweetness of Independence, taste it.
They all eat and pray from Zephaniah 3:14-20:
Shout for joy, O [Bet Moroon]! Sing joyfully, O [Lebanon]!
Be glad and exult with all your heart, O [Maronites]! The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
He has turned away your enemies; The King of [kings], the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to [the Church]: Fear not, O [Bet Moroon], be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.
He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.
I will remove disaster from among you, so that none may recount your disgrace.
Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you; I will save the lame, and assemble the outcasts;
I will give them praise and renown in all the earth, when I bring about their restoration.
At that time I will bring you home, and at that time I will gather you;
for I will give you renown and praise among all the peoples of the earth,
when I bring about your restoration before your very eyes, says the LORD.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
DINNER
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