NNA - Latin American Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, Cardinal Robert McRoy, toured today the Holy Valley in Lebanon, accompanied by the Latin American Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix, John Dolan, the Pastor of the Maronite Diocese of Our Lady of Lebanon in Los Angeles, Abdallah Zaidan, the Patriarchal Vicar Peter Karam and Father General Elie Madi.

The tour kicked-off in the morning from Al-Diman, where the delegation visited the Patriarchal See, and was received by the Patriarchal Vicar General for the regions of Jubbeh and Zgharta, Bishop Joseph Naffa, with whom they toured the Church of the Sanctuary and the Library of the Holy Valley in the cellars of the Patriarchal Chair.

Priest Khalil Arab explained to the Cardinal and his accompanying delegation about the history of the church and its murals, which were painted by artist Saliba Al-Doueihy in the mid-thirties of the last century during the era of Patriarch Antoun Arida (1932-1955), and about the contents of the library, including the papers of the Qannoubine patriarchs, religious and historical books, documents and publications of the Qannoubine League for Mission and Heritage related to the Holy Valley’s heritage. He also briefed them on prominent stations in the history of the Valley, the life of the Maronite patriarchs between the years 1440 and 1819, the most prominent figures who visited it, and the events it witnessed.

Priest Arab also presented to the Cardinal and the other members of the delegation the book "The Paths of the Saints to Qannoubine", which was published in six languages on the geography of the Holy Valley, its features and its visitors.

Following their Diman visit, the delegation moved to Bekaa Kafra, where they visited the Monastery of St. Charbel and his home, after which they headed to the "Cedars of God" Forest, and then to the Monastery of St. Anthony Qozhaya where they toured its museum and all its parts.

At the end of the tour, Cardinal MacRoy expressed his strong admiration for "the uniqueness of the geography of the Holy Valley, and the uniqueness of the Eastern spirituality that was formed in it, and which still distinguishes it by the uniqueness of the continuous ascetic life in this valley."

He also commended "the various efforts exerted to take care of the spiritual and cultural heritage that the valley embraces, under the auspices and care of the Maronite Patriarchate, the Monastic orders, the Qannoubine League for Mission and Heritage, and others."

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