Dedication of the Maronite Heritage Institute
The formal Dedication of the Maronite Heritage Institute took place the week-end of May 19 -22, 2011. Thursday, May 19th was Clergy Day. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Raymond’s Cathedral with a reception following at the Pastoral Center. Many Clergy came from far and wide to celebrate this special occasion.
On Friday, May 20th conferences took place all day followed by the Liturgy and the Blessing of the Maronite Heritage Institute. Bishop Robert Shaheen and Bishop Gregory Mansour celebrated the Liturgy along with Father Gary George, Rector of St. Raymond’s Cathedral, and all the visiting Clergy. Over a hundred people, including those from out-of-town, as well as members of NAM, witnessed this historic event. After the Blessing, a cocktail reception was held.
On Saturday, May 21st a Grand Banquet was held in the Cedars Banquet Center. Over three hundred guests were treated to an elegant meal, wonderful music and exciting entertainment. The dance floor was filled to capacity all evening with celebrating guests, young and old, enjoying the Dabkee.
On Sunday, May 22nd the Closing took place celebrated by the Divine Liturgy followed by lunch at the Cedars Banquet Center.
The Maronite Heritage Institute will be a center for education, research and preservation. The Institute provides us with the information we need to learn more about the cultures of our ancestors and to pass this knowledge on to future generations. The MHI consists of a museum, a library/resource center for Eastern Culture and an auditorium and audio visual center. The MHI will be used for recollection, seminars, religious retreats, social gatherings and workshops.