On Tuesday November 19, 2013, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) organized a Holy Mass to bless the academic year of 2013-2014. The event was presided over by Rev. Fr. Abbot Tannous Nehme, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order (LMO), assisted by Rev. Fr. Emile Akiki, Vicar General, and Rev. Fr. Hady Mahfouz, President of USEK, with the presence of the assistant generals and a group of high ranking priests in the University, as well as professors, administrative staff and students.

In his exhortation, Rev. Fr. Abbot Nehme said: “We gather in a Catholic University with a special mission in the East and with a great history in educating and training the generations about proper moral ethics.” Then, he talked about the difficult situation in Lebanon and insisted that it is now even more necessary to return to God. He also warned University students about the dangers of social media, which take people away from God and stated: “We humans, cannot do anything without the help of God. We should trust in him and surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, so that it can live in us and enlighten us.”

He concluded by reiterating his call to prayer “…so God protects us from evil…We live under threat in our country and you, students, should build Lebanon on sound pillars. You cannot overcome crises without sanctity and prayer.”