Metro Detroit is home to one of the largest populations of Lebanese-Americans in the U.S., including many Maronite Catholics
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — As Pope Leo XIV embarked on his first apostolic journey outside Italy since his election, Detroit-area Maronite Catholics expressed joy, hope and prayers for a fruitful visit.
The pope's weeklong visit to Turkey and Lebanon — two countries, as the Holy See has noted, of profound significance in the history of Christianity — comes during the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and a time of instability in the Middle East.
His visit to Lebanon is the fourth papal visit to the country, following those of Pope St. Paul VI (1964), Pope St. John Paul II (1997), and Pope Benedict XVI (2012). In anticipation, Maronite Catholic churches worldwide —including St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Clinton Township — planned special liturgies and services to pray for the pope’s visit.
Tracy Saba, the media director of St. Sharbel, noted the excitement among local Lebanese-Americans, many of whom are Maronite Catholics.
“We are really honored. Lebanon is a small country, but for Pope Leo to choose it sends a big message,” Saba told Detroit Catholic. “Pope St. John Paul II said that ‘Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message.’ Despite the wars, people of different religions — Christians, Muslims, Jews — live together, share buildings, and attend each other's holidays. We hope the whole world can put divisions aside and unite under that message.”
Saba said the parish has events planned to celebrate the Holy Father's visit to Lebanon from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, and to encourage prayers for his intentions.
“In Lebanon, our patriarch has asked all parishes to offer special intentions for the pope’s visit,” Saba said. “At St. Sharbel, we are joining in with daily intentions for his safety and a blessed trip, along with adoration and confessions.”
“It is a simple but meaningful way for our community to pray and prepare for the Holy Father’s arrival,” Saba said.
Saba said the parish's pastor, Chorbishop Alfred Badawi, has reflected on the significance of the pope's visit, which will include a stop at St. Sharbel’s tomb.
“He says that St. Sharbel, who once lived in silence on the mountains, has become a beacon for the whole world,” Saba explained. “For him, the pope’s stop at the saint’s tomb shows the Church’s continued love for the East and invites all of us to return to a deeper spirituality of humility and trust in God.”
Saba also noted the large number of Lebanese-Americans in southeast Michigan and explained the relationship between the Maronite Church — an Eastern Catholic church in full communion with Rome — and local Latin-rite Catholics in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
“Here in southeast Michigan, we have one of the largest populations of Lebanese-Americans in the United States. This means there are a lot of Maronite Catholics here, too," Saba said. "Our churches collaborate regularly for joint events and efforts.”
Saba added the pope’s visit comes at an important moment for Lebanon, as the country continues to face significant challenges.
“Right now, there is a massive economic crisis and the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been going on for over a year. There are constant bombings. It is very tense. The pope’s presence will reiterate that war is not the answer; we need peace and reconciliation,” Saba said.
“Usually, people only hear bad news — bombings and war. I hope they see Lebanon as the beautiful country it is," Saba added. "I hope they see the hospitality, the enthusiasm, and how vibrant Christianity is there. I hope they see it as a destination for pilgrimage. I hope the world acknowledges Lebanon for its beauty, rather than just its conflict.”
