Like every year, Notre Dame University- Louaize (NDU) Campus Ministry and Pastoral Community gathered for a three-day unforgettable summer camp from July 26 to July 28, 2018, in the Convent of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family – Sourat.
In an effort to outdo the activities that took place during the spring semester, Pastoral Community students were extremely happy with the spiritual and entertainment activities.
Enriched by Holy Mass, prayer, adoration of the Holy Sacrament and spiritual discussions, the summer camp expanded participant knowledge in terms of how to faithfully implement in our daily lives the Teachings of the Bible and the Church and to seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, especially in the time of trial and tribulation.
In a dynamic atmosphere, Pastoral Community participated in two games; the first one aiming to enhance the solidarity of the members of a particular group, and to spread confidence among its members. The second, a trivia competition with questions deriving from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Among the lecturers, University Chaplain General Fr. Albert Assaf (OMM) spoke about the criteria of community life; Trust, Service, and Love according to the Holy Bible, and he gave many examples, the most important of which was the First Church so that the Community becomes a place of growth, continuity, forgiveness, and security. For her part, Missionary Sister of the Holy Rosary Sister Roula Akar talked about self-sufficiency for the good of the community instead of self-realization at the expense of the community. Part-time faculty member at the Media Studies Department Dr. Rabih Freiha spoke of self-confidence and appreciation and the role of the Community in promoting confidence among its members.
The last day of camp started by the Holy Mass, followed by a visit to the Holy Family Convent in Ibreen, Batroun. This Congregation was founded by Patriarch Elias Howayek (1843-1931) in 1895, who believed that a young woman is a future mother, who is the heart of the family, to form a healthy society. Therefore, God gifted him with the vision to establish the Congregation of the Holy Family, and he encouraged the nuns to follow the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Moreover, Patriarch Howayek claimed independence for his country and led General Gouraud to proclaim the “State of Greater Lebanon” in 1920. Following the visit of the Museum and the tomb of the Patriarch, Pastoral Work headed to Kfarhey and was blessed with the relics of Saint Maron.
Afterward, Fr. Assaf thanked the previous committee for its efforts, he said, “I thank the Lord for inviting me to be a Chaplain General for this year with you, and I thank the previous Committee for its efforts and contribution to the improvement of the Pastoral Community’s mission and participation in the University's spiritual life”, he also announced the members of the new committee.
The participants described the summer camp as an opportunity to strengthen NDU community life in a cordial atmosphere.