Holy Family Maronite Church

It's Friday morning, around 2am. I returned to St Paul at 10pm, after a 4 hour delay at the Chicago airport, because of the thunderstorm that was hitting Minnesota in the early evening. Where was I? I was at the NAM convention: the National Apostolate of Maronites (www.namnews.org ). This 44th annual convention was held in Richmond, VA this year. This is the 5th convention I attend, after Minneapolis, New York, San Diego and Chicago. Richmond would be the least "exciting" of all these cities :) . It's rich with museums and historic sites. It's an American history buff's heaven! It would have been an occasion for me to learn more about America history. Or I could just pick up a history book, for that matter! However, we were busy from 8am till 8pm everyday. The day started with Morning Prayer, followed by breakfast, and then a first meeting; then a noon Liturgy and lunch; then a meeting at 3pm, and Evening prayer and dinner. After that we were free to roam the city - which we were constantly warned not to do after dark or alone!
The meetings were the "Clergy Conference" part of the Convention. Few lay people are at the hotel during that part. The bishop gave us updates on finances, vocations, Liturgical renewal, etc. Priests and bishops of both Dioceses were there. We had a great time sharing and discussing, in and outside of meetings.
On Wednesday, people started flocking to the hotel. I haven't seen that many Lebanese people in one place since....well, since the last convention, I guess. Or since the last time I went to Lebanon. The interesting phenomenon is the commitment some people have to the convention, especially the youth. They return year after year to see friends they had made the previous year, to spend time with relatives from other states, and to explore a new city every year. Many couples came out of this convention actually. But the convention is not a matchmaking event. It includes a lot of workshops, seminars, lectures about theological, spiritual, historical, pastoral and social issues.
Holy Family Church hosted the NAM convention in the early 80's, and it was pretty successful. Hopefully, we'll get to do it again soon. May be when we dedicate our new Church!
Anyway, I'm back in town for the weekend Liturgies and the parish picnic. See you there!
I think I should hit the sack now. May the angels watch over your sleep!
Abouna.