Los Angeles Maronite Catholic Church Connects Faithful to their Homeland

April 9, 2005

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-me-beliefs9apr09,1,7293191.story?coll=la-news-religion&ctrack=1&cset=true

On April 9, 2005 the Los Angeles Times reported, "Like many ethnic churches throughout California, Our Lady of Mount Lebanon is a focal point for spiritual nourishment but also a place to connect with others who share the pride and pain of their beloved homeland... The congregation has nearly 900 families — a mix of young and old families, many first-generation immigrants who moved to the United States to escape the Syrian forces that have occupied Lebanon for nearly three decades...t the social and religious activities at Our Lady of Mount Lebanon help remind Challita of the positive influences of her native land and keep traditions going into future generations, she said. Active in the church for 19 years, Challita helps to organize its annual children's festival and a summer Lebanese cultural fair. Two of Challita's three American-born children are regular attendees at Sunday school, where they learn to speak Arabic, study religion and perform in a choir."