THE BISHOP’S BLESSING
On May 9, 2004, I
drove from Ann Arbor, Michigan to St. Louis, Missouri, to meet Bishop Shaheen.
He gave me his approval. On May 10,
2004, Bishop Shaheen gave me a written permission to use the Maronite Tauditho in his Eparchy. He said it is a good idea to use it with
the MYO and some parish groups.
EXPERIENCED IN
DIFFERENT PARISHES
On May 19, 2004, a
group of 45 people gathered in St. Maron Parish, Detroit, and experienced the
Maronite Tauditho Meal.
Most of them were
elderly faithful Maronites who were born in the USA. After we finished, they
expressed their joy and excitement about it.
On June 5, 2004, a
group of 16 people from St. Sharbel Parish, Warren, gathered in Gary Housey’s
house. He is a Maronite born in the USA.
On June 13, 2004, the
Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, I finished the last draft.
On July 1, 2004, a
group of 12 people gathered in Tamer’s building in St. Sharbel, Warren. One of
those who participated (Paul) happened to have a printing press. He got excited
about the Maronite Tauditho Meal. He decided to print the document in September
2004.
On July 11, 2004, a
group of 112 Maronites gathered in St. Maron Parish, Detroit, Michigan. It was
a powerful Tauditho meal that stirred
excitement and great interest in the Maronite Church and Heritage.
On July 20, 2004, a
group of 26 people (The Kesrwanis) gathered
in St. Sharbel Parish, Warren. We celebrated the Tauditho meal. It was
very inspiring for many.
On October 25, 2004,
115 Maronites gathered in St. Sharbel Parish’s Banquet Hall.
After 2 days, on October 27, 2004, 95 people gathered at the same place for the Tauditho Meal. I started with explaining the meaning of Salt water, Horseradish, fruit, wine, bread, etc. in the Passover meal, on the Last Supper, during Mass, and in the Maronite Tauditho meal. After explaining all this, we began the service, going together through our history, remembering the difficult moments our ancestors had to go through and the prosperous moments of our history. We also remembered the martyrs who shed their blood for the sake of Faith, Freedom, and Independence.
The main dish was Rice and Chicken. There was also “Fattoush” and “Hummus”. After the dinner, we concluded with eating the second piece of bread wrapped in a cloth saying, “For 1600 years, we were being nourished with the Bread of Life given to us through Maron, Bet Moroon, and the Maronite Church. Eat it in this “Thanksgiving”. After the conclusion, people gave their comments. “As American, I found it very informative”, Joe said, “I will carry what I learned to my grave.” Many found the Tauditho meal enlightening and educational. One person said in a sense of humor, “I was very offended. I am an Ottoman-Mamlook.” Most of them enjoyed being a part of the celebration.
After 2 days, on October 27, 2004, 95 people gathered at the same place for the Tauditho Meal. I started with explaining the meaning of Salt water, Horseradish, fruit, wine, bread, etc. in the Passover meal, on the Last Supper, during Mass, and in the Maronite Tauditho meal. After explaining all this, we began the service, going together through our history, remembering the difficult moments our ancestors had to go through and the prosperous moments of our history. We also remembered the martyrs who shed their blood for the sake of Faith, Freedom, and Independence.
The main dish was Rice and Chicken. There was also “Fattoush” and “Hummus”. After the dinner, we concluded with eating the second piece of bread wrapped in a cloth saying, “For 1600 years, we were being nourished with the Bread of Life given to us through Maron, Bet Moroon, and the Maronite Church. Eat it in this “Thanksgiving”. After the conclusion, people gave their comments. “As American, I found it very informative”, Joe said, “I will carry what I learned to my grave.” Many found the Tauditho meal enlightening and educational. One person said in a sense of humor, “I was very offended. I am an Ottoman-Mamlook.” Most of them enjoyed being a part of the celebration.
THE PATRIARCH’S BLESSING
On February 05, 2005,
290 people experienced the Maronite Tauditho Meal at Our Lady of Lebanon
Parish, Flint.
On March 12, 2005, 30
people experienced the Tauditho at St. Ignatius Maronite Catholic Church,
Dayton, Ohio.
On March 17, 2005, I met the Maronite Patriarch, Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, in
Washington DC, where I offered him a copy of the Maronite Tauditho Meal. The
Patriarch blessed the book and signed it.
It was a powerful moment when the Patriarch looked into my eyes while receiving the book. Three seconds seemed to be thirty
years.
On Sunday April 17,
2005, the children of St- Raymond Parish in St. Louis experienced the Tauditho
meal.
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