As the Rector observed: “In times of crisis, we choose to exhibit steadfastness and call for solidarity where lies our strength”.

Upon invitation by its Rector, Reverend Father Michel Jalakh, Antonine University (UA) celebrated its 25th anniversary on May 15, 2021, which coincided with the feast of its patroness, Our Lady of the Seeds. For this occasion, a festive Mass presided over by the Superior General of Antonine Maronite Order, Abbot Maroun Abou Jaoude, and attended by Father Jalakh and other Antonine monks, was held in the chapel of Our Lady of the Seeds at Hadat-Baabda main campus, and live-streamed on social media platforms.

In his homily, Abbot Abou Jaoude stressed that UA has succeeded in embodying Marian spirituality in its administration, initiatives, and commitment, and has taken upon itself the responsibility of planting seeds of hope and making them bloom in the hearts of its students, although this founding mission is known to be colossal in a country such as Lebanon. In addition, he drew attention to the fact that UA spent 25 years of dedication and devoted service to build the nucleus of society and its leaders, whose weapons are their minds, whose preoccupation is Lebanon, and whose hearts are cultivated with the Antonine spirituality which infuse hope, in a country where peace can only be found among those who always live in God’s presence.

After the Mass, Father Jalakh pointed out that UA’s 25th anniversary was accompanied by shortages in everything, to the point of losing joy and happiness. And he went on to say: “Let our feast be an opportunity for us to reflect on our current situation, in order to find out what we can, and most importantly what we must do, to shoulder responsibility in the face of the crisis.” Father Jalakh also prompted the community to step up efforts to resolve this crisis, which he described as profound, global and historic, and called for a true reconciliation founded on truth, justice, respect for others, acceptance of their differences, and lastly on forgiveness and love, especially that thirty years have passed since the end of our senseless war.

He then looked back with pride on the University’s own path and outlined the great strides that have led it to rank among the best Lebanese universities. In fact, not only did UA obtain accreditation from the Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality (AAQ), but also its Faculty of Music and Musicology (FMM) became the first musical unit in the Arab world to be accredited, as its programs received the official accreditation from the Music Quality Enhancement (MusiQue) Agency, not to mention that its Department of Physical Therapy (DPT) was likewise granted a prestigious accreditation by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT). Father Jalakh moved on to say that UA has changed the outlook of sports science education in Lebanon, and thus has become a pioneer in the fields of education, research, community service, and integral human development. He added: “It saddens us to see that the University is not able to find the resources, support and adequate opportunities to realize its ambition and put its innovations into practice”. Father Jalakh concluded on a positive note: “Although the night is dark, we will stay awake and keep our lamps lit. Not only success is our destiny, but also under no circumstances should it be hampered, and for this to happen, it requires willpower, solidarity and steadfastness. This is how we define our history, our present, and our future!”.