The Youth Pastoral Ministry of the Maronite Patriarchal Departments, in coordination with the Maronite Expansion Office, organized the World Maronite Youth Forum from June 28 to July 7, 2015, in response to the recommendations of the Maronite Patriarchal Synod.

The Forum brought together 150 young people representing Maronite dioceses in Lebanon, the Patriarchal territory, and the worldwide Maronite expansion. It aimed to strengthen the bonds between Maronite youth worldwide and deepen their connection to the Maronite Church, its history, and its spiritual heritage.

The Forum aimed to:

• Strengthen young people’s sense of belonging to the Maronite Church and its roots.
• Establish a worldwide communication network among Maronite youth.
• Encourage the exchange of social, cultural, and spiritual experiences.
• Launch preparations for the World Maronite Youth Days 2017.

Theme and Spirituality : “Like the Cedars of Lebanon…”

Inspired by Lebanon’s iconic cedars, the Forum invited young people to remain firmly rooted in their Maronite identity, grow in faith following the example of their ancestors and saints, and extend their mission across the world to reach Maronite communities in the expansion.

The ten-day Forum combined spiritual formation, cultural exchange, pilgrimage, and fellowship. Activities included visits to historical and religious sites across Lebanon, a gathering at Bethania in Harissa, and a closing Mass at the Patriarchal residence in Diman, presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Raii.

Participants also visited the Cedars of Lebanon and the sacred Qadisha Valley, where they met hermits and discovered the spiritual heritage of the Maronite Church. The program concluded with a closing evening in Beirut.

Before the Forum officially began, young people arriving from the Maronite expansion were hosted by Lebanese Maronite families, fostering personal connections and strengthening the bonds between communities.

Entrusted to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Lebanon, Saint Maron, Saint John Maron, and all Maronite saints, the World Maronite Youth Forum marked an important milestone in bringing together Maronite youth worldwide, renewing their faith, and preparing the way for the World Maronite Youth Days 2017.