NNA - Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, presided this morning over the annual Mass service devoted to the souls of the martyrs of the Lebanese resistance,  held at "Our Lady of Ilige" Church in the town of Mayfouk - Al-Qattara - Jbeil district. 

In his homily, the Patriarch called for the formation of an effective government and for electing a capable president of the republic prior to the end of October, having all the specifications that the Lebanese agree upon. 

He also called for protecting the judiciary from all politicization, compromise and any decision that affects its core principles. "Our eyes are pinned on protecting the investigation into the Beirut Port explosion, this major crime in history," he added.
Al-Rahi beleived that "resistance is not limited to weapons, but includes steadfastness in internal unity, total loyalty to Lebanon, the homeland, morals and values, and preservation of Lebanon's message and model."

He spoke of "the patriarchs' march throughout history in defending the homeland and its people, remaining courageous and steadfast in the face of difficulties," stressing "the continuation of this march for the establishment of the state of Lebanon on constitutional and charter foundations."

"We place these wishes in the custody of our mother, the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Ilige, relying on the prayers of our saintly patriarchs and the blood of our heroic martyrs, the martyrs of the Lebanese resistance, for God is omnipotent to answer our prayers and hear the cries of our people," the Patriarch asserted.

========R.Sh.