LEBANON: Sisters supporting families reeling from war

More than six months after a ceasefire brought an end to the latest war in Lebanon, Christian communities in the south of the country continue to face deep economic hardship and emotional trauma.

Local contacts told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the families remaining in south Lebanon are suffering the aftermath of the bombardment and need continued support.

Sister Gerard Merhej, Director of the Antonine Sisters’ School in Debel, said the local population has dwindled as many families have left for Beirut in search of work.

She added that “there used to be many educated families here, but most have left” – noting school enrolment has fallen by half, from 400 to 200 children, since the start of the war.

Sister Merhej said: “The families that have stayed have no income because they used to work in agriculture…

“The fields in the area have been destroyed in the war.”

She added that those remaining in the village are “trying to get started with farming as an alternative source of income” in order to provide for their families.

In nearby Ain Ebel, Sister Maya El Beaino of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary chose to remain with those relying on her support throughout the conflict.

In October 2024, local families were given 40 minutes to evacuate.

Sister El Beaino told ACN: “Our mission is to go to the peripheries and accompany those in need.”

Her congregation’s school, one of the highest achieving in Lebanon, moved to online learning during the war.

She said: “When there was an airstrike near the home of one of the pupils, all of them could hear [the explosions].”

Sister El Beaino added that the pupils “had a sense that they were all in it together, even though they were physically apart”.

She stressed: “Only the elderly stayed. They would rather die at home than leave.”

Sister El Beaino went on to say that ACN’s support was crucial in distributing vital medicines to those trapped by the fighting.

She concluded: “Thank God for ACN.”

In addition to emergency aid and medical help, ACN is also supporting clergy, religious congregations and Catholic schools throughout Lebanon.