A statue of Jesus in a garden devastated by the Israeli army on Nov. 5, 2025, in the Lebanese border village of Alma al-Shaab in the district of Sour. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient-Le Jour)
Father Mario studies the basalt facade of Saint Daniel Church in Menjez (Akkar district), displeased.“That electrical cable needs to be covered. And the white paint on the stones here,” he sighed. “What a shame.”The 36-year-old priest, who has led the parishes of Menjez and Kfar Noun for five years — the two northernmost Maronite-majority villages in Lebanon — is not here to rest.“We have already spent more than $30,000 on repairs. The hall behind the church is being redone. The cemetery was renovated, and the adjoining room will eventually become a church. So, I’m keeping the church repairs for later,” he said with a hint of regret. Looking back From 1964 to 2012, three popes in Lebanon and three (geo)political messages “My motto is God provides,” he added in his booming voice, insisting that every cent of church money is spent...
Father Mario studies the basalt facade of Saint Daniel Church in Menjez (Akkar district), displeased.“That electrical cable needs to be covered. And the white paint on the stones here,” he sighed. “What a shame.”The 36-year-old priest, who has led the parishes of Menjez and Kfar Noun for five years — the two northernmost Maronite-majority villages in Lebanon — is not here to rest.“We have already spent more than $30,000 on repairs. The hall behind the church is being redone. The cemetery was renovated, and the adjoining room will eventually become a church. So, I’m keeping the church repairs for later,” he said with a hint of regret. Looking back From 1964 to 2012, three popes in Lebanon and three (geo)political messages “My motto is God provides,” he added in his booming voice, insisting that every cent of...
