Lebanon's newly elected Christian Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai greets his audience at the patriarchate in Bkerki
Much excitement amongst the Maronite here in the US. They consider him young - he's 71!! He is also a monk and well respected by the clergy.
The new patriarch's first name Beshara means annunciation. He has chosen to be installed on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation. Since the Maronite Church traces its roots to Antioch where St. Peter served as bishop before proceeding to Rome, it is the tradition of each elected patriarch to adopt the name Peter as part of their official name.
May God bless the new patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church!