Ever since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic and its rapid spread in the world, an ongoing process of change of the face of humanity was triggered off.
This microscopic creature turned human existence upside down and imposed new patterns of interaction between people, be it at the level of business or at the level of family and social relations.
Economic activities witnessed a tremendous decline. Sectors faltered and shut down, and millions of users around the world found themselves without work. The number of the unemployed increased, poverty increased, and standards of life decreased even in the most affluent societies.
As for family ties and social relations, they have also witnessed a change in many of their variables under the pressure of this ruthless epidemic. Family gatherings, as well as socialization meetings between friends, parties, and public gatherings, have been canceled, leaving people in an ugly loneliness. This has threatened the social structures that have been governing our lives for decades, moreover leading to the collapse of select societal values, as people ignored one another and even going to the extent of scorning their own very selves thus leading to the increase of domestic violence as well as of other forms of psychological and social disorders.
To the physical syndromes, multiple psychosocial diseases were added, and humanity found itself in a state of severe decline as compared to the progress it had reached in the past decades.
In the face of this overwhelming catastrophe, humanity found itself actively trying to respond to its challenge with the creativity, knowledge, and know-how. As a result, vaccines and physical and psychological treatments invaded and developed communication channels as well as educational and other technologies in an attempt to save the present while yearning for a better future.
In the context of the treatments that help overcome the pandemic, the Church of Christ faced this sickliness, setting up prayers, seminars, meetings, lectures, and media campaigns in order to deal with the calamity that befell humanity.
Moreover, the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Evangelism launched the “Marathon of Prayer” based on the initiative set forth by Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Basilica, to the intention of “Wounded Humanity.” Shrines from all over the world will participate in this program, from Korea to Brazil, through Australia and the Holy Land. Throughout May 2021, the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa will be one of the places that will harbor worshipers on the twenty-ninth day of ‘Nawar’.
Mary, the Forebearer, the Lady, and the Mother of the Lord, who is countlessly revered in the Church and outside it, will host in her shrine, in Mount Lebanon, prayers for the healing of wounded humanity.
This shrine has been, since its existence, a haven of prayer and contemplation for believers of all religious affiliations. Mary, the Healing Mother, was and still is in Harissa, in Mount Lebanon, the source of reverence and love among those who believe in the Creator who created and elected her to be honored and honored us with her.
Those who go to the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa know how much this highly revered shrine constitutes a warm home for everyone looking for peace and tranquility, regardless of their faith background.
There we find pilgrims of every nationality and source coming, seeking tenderness and safety.
This shrine, in its symbolism, and in the people's unanimity of its high moral value, is a testimony to the ability of people to be one before the Creator and to transcend differences in the face of the power of the love of the Universal Mother of antagonists.
Mary the Symbol sends us messages that we understand within heart and soul before we understand them with wisdom and logic.
Therefore, humanity will gather around Her in order to be strong in prayer, in order to be enabled to continue its common path despite the bitterness of the present point in time.
Mary, who has accompanied us for two thousand years, will never stop providing us with the sustenance we need for the soul!
