Despite the ceasefire negotiated during a new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, D.C., military engagement has continued.
The town of Rmeish is one of the places suffering most from the consequences of this ongoing engagement. Near the Israeli border, it is the southernmost town in Lebanon.
But amid the military conflict, the Church continues to serve its parish community, and 49 children received their First Communion there.
FR. TONI ELIAS
Maronite parish priest in southern Lebanon
It was beautiful, they brought a little joy back to our parish. There were 49 children. And there are still another 18 who have yet to receive it. In any case, it helped us return somewhat to the true meaning of First Communion. The important thing is to pray again and to enter into communion with Christ.
The children to whom Fr. Elias refers are those he helped prepare for First Communion through catechesis. The 18 children who are still waiting to receive are currently in Beirut.
For now, they cannot travel because of the seriousness of the situation, and communictions are becoming increasingly difficult due to the bombardments.
FR. TONI ELIAS
Maronite parish priest in southern Lebanon
In short, they have bombed both networks, Alfa and MTC, which are the mobile phone lines. So I don't know whether I will have coverage.
Rmeish is a Christian village with no formal defense force of its own. It is also difficult for humanitarian aid to reach it. But entire families remain, and together with clergy like Fr. Elias stand as an example of resilience and faith that their presence in the land matters.
