On Thursday and Friday March 27 and 28, 2014, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), following the invitation of the Prorector for Events, organized its third international conference entitled “The Lebanese Presence Worldwide” in the presence of the Ambassador of Uruguay to Lebanon, Her Excellency Mrs. Marta Inés Pizzanelli, the University President, Fr. Dr. Hady Mahfouz, the Prorector for Events, Rev. Fr. Jean Maroun Mghames, members of the University Council, students, professors, and a group of outstanding speakers from the American and European continents and the Middle East, in addition to educational, social and media figures.

The opening session started with a speech given by journalist Christine Salibi who stated that “This conference aims to preserve the unity in the widespread Lebanese family by meeting some of the Lebanese who have excelled abroad, in order to tighten their links to the mother nation which is in a dire need for them in this time of crisis.”

Then, the Prorector for Events, Rev. Fr. Jean Maroun Maghames, raised the question: “Why do the Lebanese live in a relational crack? Why do they build relationships only through sedition and discord? Isn’t one secret word enough for them to overcome their differences?” He indicated that this conference revolves around three axes: the first is art and science, the second is the Earth, the environment and ecology, and the third is letters and memos dedicated to Lebanese writers and intellectuals who have enriched the world with their contribution as expatriates.

The President of the Holy Spirit University, Fr. Dr. Hady Mahfouz, declared that “Every Lebanese person in the world is the son/daughter of the Lebanese Maronite Order and everything related to Lebanon is related to us in terms of history, roots, present and future. In fact, we do not limit ourselves to boasting our past, but we look to the future.” He stressed that the University has realized distinctive results in revealing and preserving the Lebanese, Levantine and Maronite heritage.”

The inauguration session was brought to an end with an art exhibition by Maria Bou Habib, entitled “The Paths of Art”.