The Missionary Society of Saint Paul in Lebanon Launches Two Books on the Second Vatican Council and the Analytical Index, and Honors Dean Father George Baliki, the Paulist
MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs Participates in the Ceremony at the Head of an MECC Delegation
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
On the occasion of the launch of the two books on the Second Vatican Council and the Analytical Index, the Missionary Society of Saint Paul in Lebanon held a ceremony to present the books, and honored the Dean of the Association Father George Baliki, the Paulist. The event took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helena in Jounieh, Lebanon.
Attendees were His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi, Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), represented by His Eminence Metropolitan Cyril Salim Bustros, His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, represented by His Eminence Bishop Elias Nassar. As well as, attendees were the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, MECC Executive Committee Member Lawyer Professor Ibrahim Traboulsi, and the Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" Programs at MECC Professor Laure Abi Khalil, along with Bishops, General Superiors, Priests, Experts, and guests.
The ceremony began with a word delivered by the Director of the Saint Paul Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Harissa and MECC Associate Secretary General Father Dr. Nicolas Bustros who pointed out that “the Church does not preserve its heritage with stones alone, but also with the word; with the word that is translated, transmitted, interpreted, and formulated in a living language, so that it remains alive in the conscience and minds of the faithful. For the Church text, no matter how important it may be, remains captive to language unless there is someone who convey it to people and carry it to future generations. Hence comes the importance of this work which presentation we celebrate today.”
As well as, speeches were delivered by Father Professor Gaby Hachem, Father George Baliki, and Superior General of the Missionary Society of Saint Paul the Very Reverend Father Marwan Sidi. It emphasized on the importance of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council in all its aspects.
At the end, greetings were exchanged and attendees stressed the need to delve deeper into the meanings and conclusions of the Second Vatican Council.
