The Pontifical School of Theology celebrated the inaugural Mass of its 2024-2025 Academic Year on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Presided over by His Excellency Antoine Nabil Al-Andary, representing the President of the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon (APECL), this inaugural Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Georges Hobeika, General Vicar of the Lebanese Maronite Order (OLM), representing the Reverend Superior General Fr. Abbot Hady Mahfouz, and Fr. Elias Hanna, Dean of the School. The mass also welcomed superiors of seminaries, faculty, staff, and students of the School.

In his homily, Bishop Andari addressed Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical, "He Has Loved Us” (Dilexit nos), issued on October 24. In this letter, the Pope explores the tradition and reality of ecclesial thought on human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ. He calls believers to renew their devotion to the Heart of Jesus, so that we may not forget the tenderness of faith, the joy of service, and the warmth of mission, as the Heart of Jesus drives us toward love and sends us forth to serve our brothers and sisters.

Following the Holy Mass, a reception was held in front of the chapel entrance.