On September 24th, 2022, a solemn mass was presided over by His Eminence and Beatitude Cardinal Bechara Al Rahi, Patriarch of the Maronite Church of Antioch. The dignified ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed bishops and priests, including the Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli, His Excellency Youssef Soueif. Among the honored guests were Don Pasquale Gravante, the rector of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace and Saint Maria Goretti in Nettuno, Italy, and Don Antonio Coppola, the rector of the sanctuary of Saint Maria Goretti in Paliano, Italy, as well as Padre Alberti Giovanni, a renowned biographer of Saint Maria. Additionally, Lady Ines Orsini, the famous Italian actress known for her portrayal in the most renowned movie depicting the life of Saint Maria Goretti, was also in attendance, adding to the solemnity and significance of the occasion.
To partake in this extraordinary event, guests from around the globe gathered, including Sister Gloria Maalouf, who made a special journey from the sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. Sister Gloria brought with her a sacred offering: the relics of Saint Jacinta and Saint Francesco, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the occasion.
DATE
24 September 2022
He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant.
Maria Goretti
Story of the shrine
The first shrine in Lebanon and the Middle East, dedicated to the martyr Saint Maria Goretti, on the hill “ROSES AND CANDLES FOR RAYA”, Miziara, Lebanon.
