The Christian village of Qlayaa, in southern Lebanon, hosted this Tuesday the funeral of the Maronite priest Pierre El Raii, who died on Monday following an Israeli attack while going to the aid of one of his parishioners.
According to Vatican News, the funeral ceremony brought together numerous faithful, ecclesiastical authorities, and civil and military representatives who wished to pay homage to the priest, who was greatly loved by the local Christian community.
Widespread participation of faithful and authorities
The funeral was marked by deep emotion and significant participation from the community. The ceremony was attended by numerous faithful from the south of the country, as well as representatives from various religious institutions.
Among those present was the Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, who wished to express the Holy See’s closeness to the Christians of the region in this moment of sorrow. As explained by Franciscan Father Toufic Bou Merhi, parish priest of the Latin Rite Catholics in the south of the country, the nuncio had planned to make a pastoral visit to several villages in the area together with the deceased priest, a trip that ultimately could not take place due to the tragedy.
The celebration also included a delegation from the Maronite Patriarchate, led by Mons. Elias Nassar, as well as the Archbishop of Tyre, Mons. Charbel Abdallah, along with numerous Catholic and Orthodox priests, in a gesture of ecclesial communion.
A priest dedicated to his community
Before the start of the Eucharistic celebration, in front of the church in Qlayaa, civil authorities and representatives of Caritas, the organization in which Father Pierre served as regional chaplain, took the floor.
During the interventions, the priest’s generous and constant service was remembered, especially his closeness to families and his commitment to the community. The villagers also expressed their determination to remain in their homes and on their lands, keeping alive the memory and pastoral example of the priest.
The message from the Maronite patriarch
The Holy Mass was presided over by Mons. Elias Nassar. After the proclamation of the Gospel, a message from the Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï, was read.
In his message, the patriarch recalled the priest’s pastoral journey since his ordination in 2014 and highlighted his availability to work with children, accompany young people, and support the families of the community.
Cardinal Raï also emphasized how the priest encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in the faith and in their homes, despite the difficulties facing the region.
A context of growing tension in southern Lebanon
The death of Father Pierre occurs amid a situation marked by Israeli attacks against Hezbollah positions in the south of the country, in a context of growing tension that affects the entire Lebanese society.
Those who knew him remember him as a priest deeply committed to his pastoral mission. As Father Toufic Bou Merhi pointed out, the priest was «a true shepherd, willing to give himself for his flock, even to offer his own life for his faithful.»