Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi reiterated on the occasion of St. Maroun Day on Thursday his call for the adoption of a new social pact to renew the national pact of 1943.

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi reiterated on the occasion of St. Maroun Day on Thursday his call for the adoption of a new social pact to renew the national pact of 1943.

During a sermon at the St. George Cathedral in downtown Beirut, al-Rahi said the new pact would be based on mutual respect, equality and cooperation that would neutralize Lebanon and steer it clear of regional and international axes.

The national pact is an agreement that laid the foundation of Lebanon as a multi-confessional state.

Al-Rahi reiterated the need for dialogue among religions mainly with Muslims, saying “the apostolic exhortation reminds us that the advancement of Lebanon is a joint mission.”

“We should preserve cooperation, equality and balance among the different components of the Lebanese society in accordance with the constitution and its spirit,” he said.

The mass was attended by Lebanon’s President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, Premier Najib Miqati and other top officials.

The patriarch also called in his sermon for commitment to the improvement of people’s rights at the economic and social levels.

“Lebanon’s glory could only be achieved through the unity of its people and their coexistence,” al-Rahi said.

St. Maroun was a 5th century monk who after his death was followed by a religious movement that became known as the Maronites.