Amid widespread destruction and debris in the southern Lebanese village of Tbenine, what some call a “miracle” at St. George’s Church offered new hope and reminded parishioners that Christ’s presence does not diminish even in war.
Father Marios Khairallah, a Melkite Greek Catholic priest, told EWTN News’ Arabic-language affiliate ACI MENA that he returned to the Lebanese city of Tbenine on April 17 after the ceasefire took effect. Entering the church, surrounded by broken glass, he found the consecrated bread exactly where he had left it weeks earlier – unchanged despite the absence of people for 47 days. He described this discovery as confirmation of God’s enduring presence in the midst of suffering.
“There is no scientific explanation for why, after 47 days, the bread has not gone bad,” Khairalla said. “But for us, it is not strange, because we believe it is the body of Christ. This is our faith, it is neither new nor unfamiliar. We believe in the presence of God in the Eucharist.”
A Melkite priest returned to his church damaged in an attack in southern Lebanon to find the eucharistic bread unchanged after 47 days. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Marios Khairalla
He said the story was “a message of hope for the parish”, adding: “It is true that there is destruction in Tbenin. But there is also an encounter with Jesus… Jesus waited for us for 47 days, without human presence.”
Khairallah also said that a statue of the Virgin Mary remained standing even amid the devastation, describing her as a “mother waiting for her children”.
Khairallah also spoke about the situation of residents, noting that the town is home to approximately 55 Melkite Catholic families who were forced to leave due to the war. After the ceasefire, some returned temporarily to collect clothing and belongings, while most are now living with relatives, in rented apartments, schools, monasteries or with friends.
The priest said assistance so far has been almost negligible, except for assistance received through the Papal Mission, while some individuals have helped provide medicine.
Melkite Greek Catholic priest Father Marios Khairalla told ACI MENA that he found the eucharistic bread intact after 47 days in the damaged parish. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Father Marios Khairalla
He also praised the role of Lebanon’s Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, describing him as “a true shepherd and father who cares for all” and saying “he does what no one else does, coming to visit us even during shelling.”
As for the city, he said it suffers from an almost complete lack of basic necessities: no water, no electricity, no internet, as well as bitter cold that worsens already difficult conditions. He pointed out that most of Tbenine’s residents are those of limited means: retirees, teachers, soldiers and farmers, with no affluent class able to absorb the impact of the crisis.
this story was first published It is produced by EWTN News’ Arabic language partner service ACI MENA, and translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
