A Lit Candle

“LEBANON is one of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East. In the past it was called the Switzerland of the East.” says Father Elias Marswanian, the guardian of the San Francesco d’Assisi Convent in Zahle, Lebanon. “This small country has experienced many wars throughout its history. A country that does not know peace, where the politicians have no allegiance to this country. In 2019 a revolution began against the government and also against political parties, and since then there has been an economic crisis which lasts until today. No one knows when it will end.”

Devastated economy

In the midst of this deepening economic crisis, Zahle, home to around 53,000 souls, is a testament to Lebanese resilience and community spirit. Located some 45 kilometres from Beirut in the Beqaa Valley, Zahle has been heavily impacted by the country’s ongoing financial turmoil. The crisis has caused widespread despair, with many people leaving the country in search of better opportunities. “Many young Lebanese have chosen to leave the country to seek a better life,” Fr. Elias explains. “Recent statistics say there are over 650,000 who have left. At the same time, Lebanon is home to more than 2,500,000 refugees.” Those who do remain in Lebanon face severe hardships, including soaring prices for basic goods and stagnant wages.

Fr. Elias continues to describe the dire situation, “Unfortunately, people today line up to buy bread, if they can find it; otherwise, they have to buy it on the black market at a very high price. In supermarkets, some products are no longer available, or if they are, they cannot be bought by everyone because they are very expensive. For example, oil that used to cost 20,000 Lebanese lira now costs 300,000 Lebanese lira. All products have crazy prices, the worst thing is that people’s salaries are the same as before.” The convent frequently sees desperate families seeking aid, and the friars do what they can to help, but the need far exceeds available resources.

The San Francesco d’Assisi Convent has been a fixture in Zahle since 2010, serving as the only Roman Catholic religious order in the Beqaa Valley. The friars engage in various community services, including parish work, prison ministry, education, and visiting the sick. Their presence has been a beacon of hope for many in the region, especially during these challenging times.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the friars initiated a project named “Candela Accesa” (Italian for “A Lit Candle”), which aims to provide food aid to the most vulnerable families in Zahle, regardless of their religious affiliation. The project seeks to support 90 families monthly with essential food packages. This inclusive initiative extends help to local Lebanese families, as well as Filipino and Syrian refugee families living nearby.

€24,400 given

The project required substantial funding: €35,600 annually, covering food packages, administrative costs, and transportation. St. Anthony’s Charities, recognizing the project’s potential, approved a grant to cover a large proportion of the expenses for the first year which, after taking into account local contributions and grants from other partners, amounted to €24,400.

To implement the project, the friars collaborated with the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) and the youth group GiFra. The OFS is an order of laypeople who strive to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis, while GiFra (Gioventù Francescana) is a Franciscan youth group dedicated to service and community engagement. Together, they secured discounted prices and some free products from local suppliers and set up operations in a large hall under the church. Additionally, they employed a local youth, providing much-needed work and support for his studies, amidst the grim employment landscape in Lebanon.

Ninety families

The project began in December 2022, with the first phase funded by an initial grant instalment. To give an example of the quantities involved, the purchases during the first phase included 1,080 bottles of oil, 1,080 boxes of tea, 1,080 jars of jam, and 2,160 bags of pasta. Despite fluctuating prices and logistical hurdles, the team managed to procure and distribute food packages each month. Each package contained around 27 essential items, including oil, tea, pasta, rice, lentils, flour, sugar, salt, canned goods, and other necessities. These items were either collected by families at the convent or, where a family lacked the means to go to the convent, delivered directly to their homes. Other then food expenses, costs included transport, fuel, tips for drivers, and $3,600 towards the studies and daily expenses of the young people who helped in preparation and distribution of the packages.

The project’s first year concluded in November 2023, having distributed food aid consistently to 90 families. Each package contained vital items such as oil, tea, pasta, and canned goods. The effort not only provided immediate relief, but also fostered stronger community ties and a sense of solidarity among the residents of Zahle. “We didn’t experience any major difficulties during the project,” says Fr. Elias. “But there was a change in the price of some of the box items, and we had requests from more people than expected. Many people came to knock on our door asking for help. Fortunately, sometimes, we were able to help them.”

Help continuing

As the project moves into its second year, the friars remain committed to their mission. They continue to seek ways to optimize their efforts, ensuring that every dollar is stretched to its maximum potential. Ongoing support from benefactors is crucial in sustaining this lifeline for the people of Zahle.

Fr. Elias concludes, “Here in Zahle people are always knocking on the convent door asking for help. We give what we have and what we can. Poverty is increasing very quickly, and to this day there is no way out. We have been living in this situation since 2019, and it will last for a long time. We thank St. Anthony’s Charities and the readers of the Messenger of Saint Anthony for their precious support.”