As part of its commitment to fostering dialogue and building relationships with young people from other faith traditions, the Youth Ministry Office of the Maronite Patriarchate, through its Committee for Encounters with Youth of Other Religions, organized a joint gathering with young Sunni Muslims from Al-Makassed College in Beirut. The meeting centered on the theme of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.
According to the scheduled program, the Maronite youth delegation arrived at the headquarters of the Al-Makassed Philanthropic Islamic Association in Beirut at 9:00 a.m., where they were warmly welcomed by Dr. Amin Farshoukh and a delegation of Al-Makassed youth.
Following the cordial reception, Dr. Farshoukh introduced the participants to the history of Al-Makassed College and led them on a brief tour of the campus. The visit provided an opportunity for participants to become acquainted and engage in informal conversation before gathering in the lecture hall to begin the day’s program.
The session opened with introductory remarks by Dr. Farshoukh, who presented the history and current mission of Al-Makassed College. He was followed by Msgr. Toufic Bou Hadir, Coordinator of the Patriarchal Youth Ministry Office, who offered a brief overview of the Office’s mission and activities, with particular emphasis on the work of the Committee for Encounters with Youth of Other Religions.
Sheikh Dr. Wafic Hijazi, representing Al-Makassed College, then introduced the theme of the Document on Human Fraternity from an Islamic perspective, while Dr. Ziad Fahd presented the Christian perspective.
Participants were subsequently divided into four discussion groups to reflect on the document and formulate practical recommendations from four complementary perspectives: religious, social, media, and educational. All participants actively contributed their ideas and opinions. Following the presentation and evaluation of the proposals, it was agreed to establish a follow-up committee to ensure ongoing communication and continued cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Maronite youth delegation visited the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque in Beirut, accompanied by Sheikh Zaher Eitani and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Masri. During the visit, the two guides provided a detailed presentation on the history of this landmark mosque and explained several aspects of Islamic prayer and worship.
The gathering concluded with a shared lunch in downtown Beirut, in a spirit of fraternity and friendship, with the hope of maintaining continued dialogue and organizing similar encounters in the future.
