Today, the Antonine University (UA) community came together for a Christmas Mass at Our Lady of the Seeds Church on the Hadat–Baabda Campus. The Mass was presided over by Rector Fr. Michel Saghbiny, alongside concelebrants Fr. Elie Abdel Masih, Vice Superior of Our Lady of the Seeds Monastery, and Fr. Jean Al Alam, Vice Rector for Integral Human Development. This heartfelt celebration, enriched by the uplifting chants of the Music Club, featured the dedicated service of the UA Pastoral Work, uniting vice rectors, deans, heads of departments, instructors, staff, and students in a spirit of prayer and festivity.
In his sermon, Fr. Saghbiny emphasized the essence of hope during challenging times, stating, “Hope grants insight and allows us to overcome the darkest circumstances.” He continued by reminding the congregation that true hope is not merely a feeling but a call to action. By contrasting “good hope” with false hopes, he called on everyone to embrace a spirit of unity and care for one another. “The true measure of hope lies in our actions towards one another,” he remarked, urging the community to express this hope through compassion and support.
As the Christmas season unfolds, the UA community is inspired to care for one another, finding strength in our unity and nurturing the flame of hope. Together, we look toward a brighter future, embodying the true spirit of Christmas — one of love, peace, and shared joy. This celebration served as a poignant reminder that, united, we can overcome any challenge.