Antonine University (UA) celebrated the beginning of the academic year 2023–24 with a momentous Inauguration Mass held at Our Lady of the Seeds Monastery on the Hadat–Baabda Main Campus. The mass was presided over by Most Reverend Abbot Joseph Bou Raad, Superior General of the Antonine Maronite Order (OAM). Joining him in this ceremony were Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA’s Rector, and a congregation of priests, deans, heads of departments, chairpeople, faculty members, administrative staff members, and students. The spiritual service was enriched by the participation of the UA Choir, led by Maestro Fr. Toufic Maatouk, along with the University Pastoral Care students.

In his sermon, Fr. Bou Raad emphasized the pursuit of knowledge and the role of humility in the quest for learning among John’s disciples. He highlighted the significance of truly seeing and understanding individuals, a concept deeply rooted in the Holy Bible. This perspective transcends mere intellectual comprehension and delves into the realm of emotions. Fr. Bou Raad drew a parallel with the apostles who spent time with Jesus Christ and, as a result, began to preach about Him upon their departure.

Quoting John’s message, “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen,” Fr. Bou Raad explained that this is the essence of joy. He emphasized the importance of sharing both joy and knowledge, as genuine joy finds its fullness when it is shared. True happiness cannot be found in isolation, and one cannot celebrate while their neighbor is in sorrow, for that would entail closing oneself off from the world and seeming oblivious to that sorrow.

Furthermore, Fr. Bou Raad addressed the tendency to shield oneself from the world’s troubles by turning off the television and news channels to avoid witnessing crimes, inhumanity, and violence beyond our borders. He raised the question: “To what extent can humanity descend when ‘the other’ becomes their sole enemy, when that ‘other’ is perceived only as a threat to one’s life, making coexistence impossible? Such depths can indeed be reached.”

Continuing his discourse, he emphasized the value of this kind of knowledge by referring to the story of Job, who rebelled against everything, even against God, by posing profound questions such as “Why me? Why must I endure this? Why am I subjected to such violence, and why have I lost the life I cherished with loved ones and the joy shared with others?”

The mass also served as a moment for the UA community to remember those who have passed away, notably our student Marcelle Baaklini. It was a dedicated remembrance and an opportunity to find solace.

Lastly, as a token of appreciation, Fr. Saghbiny presented Abbot Bou Raad with the Good Shepherd icon, a creation of the Antonine Art Institute.