On Thursday, February 1, Notre Dame University-Louaize’s North Lebanon Campus (NDU-NLC) organized a meeting with the Most Reverend Abbot Edmond Rizk, the Superior General of the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (OMM), accompanied by General Assistant Fr. Samir Ghsoub, and in the presence of Reverend Fr. François Akl, Campus Director at NDU-NLC, as well as NLC’s University Chaplain, Priests, Coordinators, Faculty members, staff, and students.
During the meeting, Fr. Akl addressed the audience, stating that: “Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) is a pivotal educational institution in the region, recognized today as one of the top-ranked academic institutions in Lebanon. Despite the crisis in Lebanon, education remains a treasure and it is the greatest wealth one can attain in this world. Through collective effort, progress, and the collaborative pursuit of excellence, our University is and will continue to be one of the greatest universities in the Middle East. We all share in the overall success of the University's educational level—from the Superior General of the OMM, the President of the University, branch Directors, Deans, staff members, and students.”
Fr. Akl continued his address, saying “Our Order and education go hand in hand. This university is one we are proud to be part of. This Order was founded in 1695 on Mount Lebanon. The Abbot is its leader and symbol of its unity, responsible for its spirituality, history, legacy, current affairs, and more. NDU’s Supreme Chancellor, Abbot Fr. Edmond Rizk, whom we proudly meet in person today, is an educated young individual and the patron of this Order. And the University wishes him God's blessing.”
In his turn, Reverend Abbot Edmond Rizk stated the following: “NDU-NLC Campus branch is special for us, and I view it with a sense of joy and peace. We witness its growth before our eyes, just like a mother raising her children. I would like to thank the NLC Campus Director, Faculty members, staff, and students. We always carry you in our prayers, for you are a spiritual and human radiance, and we are always in need of faith and refinement. We hold deep respect and gratitude for your parents, for entrusting us with the gift of your exceptional character. The efforts put forth in schools and universities are for the sake of education and not profit. We believe that education is a mission, as it provides individuals with the knowledge and culture needed to approach our society. Always remember that you are special wherever you go, for you are an NDU student. Lebanon might be small for your thoughts, but please cherish it in your heart.”
The Abbot subsequently mentioned the importance of not wasting time on social media but rather spending it efficiently.
The meeting was followed by a reception.