Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries

Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries
Abbreviation	Kreimist
Formation	May 8, 1865 (1865-05-08) (146 years ago)
Type	Catholic religious order
Headquarters	Convent of John the Apostle
Location	Jounieh, Lebanon
Superior General	Elie Madi
Key people	Father John Habib
Website	www.kreimists.org

The Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries (known also as Kreimist or Krayme) was founded at the monastery of Kreim - Ghosta (Mountain of Lebanon), in the year 1865. This formation was the result of the relentless efforts of Father John Habib (later Archbishop) and numerous dedicated priests. The founding fathers wanted the members of the Congregation to walk the way towards perfection, to work for the spiritual welfare of others, to preach the Gospel, to warn, guide, counsel, and educate for the Glory of God. The Congregation with patriarchal jurisdiction enjoys special consideration from the Patriarch and Bishops. The Congregation numbers at this time: 2 Bishops, 100 Priests, 14 Seminarians, 7 Novices. More up to date figures can be found on the official website

Goals

The Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries grew and according to the founders' notes "the people started coming to see the missionaries seeking assistance, counseling and listening to their talks and guidance. Then the priests went all over Lebanon preaching and hearing confessions... and the people loved them and respected their way". This Congregation takes part in all kinds of missionary work, because "We are in need of mission's project", as Father Stephan Kozah, one of the founders of the Congregation and its first Superior General, repeated many times. Archbishop John Habib's wish when he addressed the first members, constitutes a good summary of the Congregation's goals: "The best thing for me that I see you before my death spread as Jesus' disciples around the world and the east, proclaiming the Good News, tolerating the need, persecution, and death out of love for the One who shed His blood for us" (Hebrews 11:26). So, the Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries is a community working to announce the gospel anywhere, in the east or the west, without hesitation or delay.

Principals

The formation of the Congregation is founded on a solid education including human, spiritual, and practical elements. The most important centers of the Congregation are the ones which take care of the preparation of the future missionaries. Their religious, educational, missionary and priestly formation prepare them to be "sheep among wolves" in the midst of the world seeking the repentance of sinners and the commitment of the believers.

Missionary locations and work

The Congregation of Maronite Lebanese Missionaries exists today in Lebanon and around the world where the Maronites are present. Current mission locations include:

• In Lebanon

- Monastery of Kreim - Ghosta, the Mother House.
- Monastery of Deliverance in Mayrouba.
- Convent of John the Apostle, Jounieh.
- Operate National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, since 1908. - Apostles College in Jounieh - School from Elementary to High School grades.
- Maronite Orphanage and Cadmus College in Tyre - School from Elementary to High School grades.
- Seminary of St. John The Beloved.

In addition, there is an orphanage and school under construction in Edde, Batroun. There is a printing press used for the liturgical and religious publications among them those of the Patriarch and others. Amongst these is the publication of "Al Manarat" ("The Lighthouse"), which is a magazine discussing religious topics in depth. There is an associated radio station called "The Voice of Charity" which began broadcasting in 1984. A particular tradition is that on of the Congregation fathers gives an annual retreat for the Patriarch and Bishops.

• Abroad

- Buenos Aires, Argentina: The mission was established in 1901 and it includes a parish, a school, a printing press and the publishing of their own journal in Arabic and Spanish.
- In 1931 a mission was set up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and it includes a Parish and Pastoral Center.
- In 1931 a mission, the Parish and Pastoral Center, was also set up in Johannesburg, South Africa and in 1991 another church was founded in response to the growing community.
- 12 priests are helping in the missionary work in the U.S.A.
- In 1993, a mission started in Sydney, Australia where the priests help in the pastoral work of the Eparchy and in the "Voice of Charity".

All of these places become a second home for the Maronites, as well as for the Lebanese in general. These centers are a place to renew their Christian beliefs and their Lebanese traditions and heritage.

External links

• The Official Mission Website
• An Australian Maronite Website
• Bethania - Harissa
• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon
• Apotre college - Jounieh
• Cadmous College - Tyre
• Voice of charity - Jounieh
• Saint Maron College - Argentina
• Lebanese Mission in Argentina
• Lebanese Mission in South Africa
• Music center - Jounieh
• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon