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LEBANON-UNITE Jul-21-2006 (440 words) xxxi
Maronite priest says war has not divided Lebanese Christians, Muslims
By Doreen Abi Raad
Catholic News Service
FORDS, N.J. (CNS) -- The war in Lebanon has failed to divide Lebanese Christians and Muslims, said a Maronite Catholic priest in Lebanon, and "their unity is the only way to survive."
"Dialogue is the only way to solve problems between countries," said Father Charles Ksas, a parish priest in Bziza, Lebanon, a village near Tripoli, in northern Lebanon.
"This war failed to divide the Lebanese," Father Ksas said in an e-mail from Lebanon July 21. "Christians and Muslims are both damaged, and they have found that their unity is the only way to survive."
Father Ksas said relatives of his parishioners traveled to Bziza to escape the dangers of Beirut. The parish was hosting four Muslim families -- women and children -- whose homes were destroyed.
"We support all and help all. Christians and Muslims alike, there is no difference," the priest said.
Father Ksas said the Lebanese did not expect to be drawn into a war.
"I spend several hours watching TV, watching my country being destroyed," the priest said. "I pray that Jesus save us, save the children, the women, the old ones, the men. But I also pray for our enemies: Stop the war, we care also about your children!
"Israel is destroying the country," Father Ksas added.
He said that every day people pray for peace.
"We don't want war inside the country, (or) outside it," Father Ksas said. "We expect that war will be over soon. We think no one will win and the problems will be unsolved. But who will give life to the dead and rebuild the houses and restore the bridges and reconstruct the economy?"
Father Ksas said that "no roads are secure" in Lebanon.
"We avoid the trucks," he said, noting that they have been targeted by Israelis.
The priest said that many Christian soldiers, including some from his area, have been killed. July 20 was the feast of St. Elias of Jerusalem, a popular saint in Lebanon, for whom many Christian males are named.
Normally, the feast is a festive day in Lebanon, beginning on the eve with a continuous stream of fireworks and firecrackers and the numerous St. Elie churches filled with Lebanese Christians who attend Mass, pray, light a candle and bless their children with sacred oil.
Father Ksas said his young neighbor, Elie, went with him to church. Elie's father, a Lebanese soldier, was not there to attend.
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Doreen Abi Raad, who covers Lebanon for Catholic News Service, was in New Jersey when the fighting started.
END
Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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