Pope Francis sent Thursday a congratulatory letter to Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Beshara Boutros al-Rahi, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his election as Patriarch of the Antioch and the Maronite community.

Papal Ambassador to Lebanon, Archbishop Joseph Spiteri, read out the letter following the ceremonial Mass presided over by the Patriarch marking the occasion in Bkirki today, in presence of the Maronite Church bishops and clerics.

In his letter to al-Rahi, the Pope said: “I gladly extend my congratulations to you, along with my warm wishes and prayers on the occasion of the feast of your Patron Saint, Our Lady of the Annunciation. I also share your joy and thanksgiving. I ask the God of Mercy to bestow upon you of His power to carry out the tasks of your episcopal mandate in the service of your Patriarchate and the Universal Church, especially during this uncertain period imposed by the epidemic, asking for the intercession and protection of the Virgin Mary. From the depth of my heart and with great affection, I grant you the apostolic blessing that I give with all devotion.”

Patriarch al-Rahi also received a letter of congratulations from the Secretary of State of the Vatican City, His Excellency Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in which he stated: “On the occasion of the celebration of your Patron’s Day, I offer you my fraternal best wishes and join you in my prayers for all your intentions.”

In turn, the Vatican State Secretary for Public Affairs, Archbishop Edgar Pina Barra, also sent a congratulatory message to al-Rahi, in which he said: “My best and warm wishes I convey to you through my prayers, and I ask, Your Beatitude, to accept my highest reverence and sincerest feelings.”