Antonine University (UA) inaugurated the academic year 2025–26 with its traditional Inaugural Mass, celebrated on Friday, September 26, at Our Lady of the Seeds Church on the Hadat–Baabda Campus. A cherished tradition at UA, the Mass sets the spiritual tone for the year ahead, offering the community a moment of renewal and reflection in light of this year’s Welcome Week theme: “Where Magic Begins: Dream, Believe, Become.”

The liturgy was presided over by Reverend Abbot Joseph Bou Raad, Superior General of the Antonine Maronite Order and UA’s Chancellor, alongside concelebrants Reverend Fr. Michel Khoury, Second Assistant General, and Reverend Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA’s Rector.

Gathered in prayer and unity, faculty, staff, students, and Council members joined their voices with the hymns of the UA Music Club, while the altar service, guided by Fr. Ruben Makol Abi Saab and the UA Pastoral Care, deepened the spirit of communion.

In his homily, Abbot Bou Raad on the day’s chosen readings in light of the theme, inviting the community to embrace this journey with God: to dream with eyes wide open, to believe even without seeing, and to build together despite challenges — finding grace in the path itself rather than only the destination.

From the Book of Genesis, he drew on the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, whose dreams, once dismissed, became reality. Linking this to the Epistle to the Hebrews, he highlighted faith as the foundation of hope — unseen, yet deeply personal and transformative, much like dreams. He reminded the congregation that when faith and dreams are shared, they grow into reality. Finally, from the Gospel of John, he recalled Christ’s trust and love for humanity, calling them not slaves but friends, and urging all to see the world through God’s eyes and to embody it by loving one another.

Fr. Jean Al Alam, Vice Rector for Integral Human Development, underlined that UA is more than a place of learning; it is a space for holistic growth, where the spiritual, intellectual, and human dimensions are nurtured together. He also introduced the University’s new mascot, Sunbula — inspired by Our Lady of the Seeds — as a symbol of vitality, growth, and rootedness in faith.

Following the Mass, participants were invited to meet Sunbula outside the church, take photos, and learn more about its story on the University’s website. Each attendee also received a symbolic gift — a Bible, a notebook, and a marker — encouraging them to pause each day, meditate on the Word, and write down personal reflections inspired by Scripture.

The celebration concluded with Abbot Bou Raad’s blessings, sending the UA community forth with renewed inspiration and a shared commitment to live in faith, love, and service throughout the new academic year.