Archbishop Samuel Aquila will join two Eastern Catholic bishops this weekend for a banquet, concert and Mass to welcome them to Denver and advocate for peace in the Middle East.
The events May 9-11 will honor Maronite Catholic Bishop Abdallah E. Zaidan, M.L.M., of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, and former Maronite eparchy Bishop Robert Shaheen, who will celebrate his 50th anniversary to the priesthood.
Bishop Zaidan will make his first pastoral visit to St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church in Lakewood since he was appointed the new bishop of the eparchy by Pope Francis in July 2013.
Members of the Lebanon-based Maronite rite of the Eastern Catholic Church are in communion with Rome. The Maronite Church, named after the Syrian monk St. Maron, expresses its faith through a unique liturgy and linguistic tradition but shares in the belief of the seven sacraments, the primacy of the pope and the dogmatic and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.
St. Rafka Church’s pastor Father Andre Mahanna is encouraging faithful to attend and meet the bishops.
“I welcome our bishops and all special guests who are joining us this weekend,” Father Mahanna said in a message. “Bishop Zaidan is looking forward to getting to know each of you. I encourage you all to make time for these activities and to make St. Rafka your spiritual and social priority this weekend.”
Archbishop Aquila will attend the welcoming banquet and award dinner starting 6:30 p.m. May 9 at Shrine of St. Anne Church in Arvada.
The two Maronite bishops will attend the following day’s free Sacred Music Concert for Peace and Conviviality at 6 p.m. May 10 at Holy Ghost Church downtown. The concert, which is open to the public, will include prayers for unity and peace and music derived from Aramaic, Byzantine and Latin traditions.
Archbishop Aquila will also join the bishops to celebrate Divine Liturgy (meaning Mass in Eastern Churches) in honor of mothers 11 a.m. May 11 at St. Rafka Church.
See more details below.
Concert for Peace and Conviviality with Maronite Catholic Bishops Abdallah Zaidan and Robert Shaheen
When: 6 p.m. May 10
Where: Holy Ghost Church, 1900 California St., Denver
Cost: free, donations accepted
RSVP: to 303-261-5425 or wafasawaqed@yahoo.com
Divine Liturgy and Brunch for Mothers with Maronite bishops and Archbishop Aquila
When: 11 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 12:30 p.m. brunch
Where: St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church, 2301 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
RSVP: to 303-261-5425 or wafasawaqed@yahoo.com
