Maronite Patriarch visits Münster and strengthens cooperation of the universal Church
Meeting with Bishop Emeritus Genn in the spirit of pastoral support for Arabic-speaking faithful and concern for the Middle East
Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï, Patriarch of the Syriac Maronite Church based in Beirut, visited the Diocese of Münster and was received there by Bishop emeritus Felix Genn at St. Paul's Cathedral. The visit emphasized the unity of the universal Church and provided an opportunity for personal exchange on pastoral and ecclesiastical matters. This was reported by the Diocese of Münster. The occasion for the trip was the opening of St. John's Church in the Dutch city of Enschede as a new worship space for Syriac Maronite communities from the region. The community in Münster had also supported the preparation, for which the Patriarch expressed his gratitude. At the same time, the importance of pastoral care for Arabic-speaking faithful in the diocese was emphasized.
In addition to pastoral themes, the difficult situation in the Middle East and particularly in Lebanon was also at the center of the discussions. The consecration ceremony in Enschede with around 800 participants, including many young people, was viewed as a sign of a vibrant and growing community.
Previously, UOJ reported that the Medical Assembly demanded reform of abortion law.
