As part of its wide-ranging remit, the study group dedicated to Eastern Christians in the French Parliament undertook a visit to Antonine University (UA) to discuss the greatest challenges faced by higher education institutions and seen through the prism of the current unprecedented crisis, as well as the mission of the Antonine Maronite Order (OAM) at the national and regional levels. Moreover, the discussion focused on the presence of Christians in Lebanon and their essential role, notably that of the Maronites, whose contribution is crucial to preserve the principles of coexistence in mutual respect, and to reflect on the importance of multiculturalism that is Lebanon’s identity, in addition to the political system in this country and its consensus democracy.

On behalf of UA Rector, Fr. Michel Jalakh, who headed to Barcelona to participate in the General Assembly of the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE), the deputees Ms. Sandra Boëlle, Ms. Amelia Lakrafi and Mr. Bernard Deflesselles, along with the coordinator Ms. Aurélie Prillo, were warmly welcomed by the Secretary General and Vice Rector for Administration, Fr. Ziad Maatouk, the Vice Rector for Integral Human Development, Fr. Jean Al Alam, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Research, Prof. Nidaa Abou Mrad, the Vice Rector for Cooperation and Internationalization, Prof. Rony Darazi, and the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication, Dr. Dalal Moukarzel. A convivial dinner was held afterwards in their honor at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Seeds.