Lebanon

Each of the joyful mysteries of the rosary was prayed at the basilica with a related Scripture reading and a special intention for peace.

“Christians stay and live in a kind of constant siege,” with many refusing to leave because they fear departure would mean permanent exile.

The incident, which occurred several weeks ago in the predominantly Christian village of Debel, was treated “with great severity,” an IDF spokesperson said.

“The incident will be investigated, and command measures will be taken against the soldier in accordance with the findings.”

“First, it was a surprise, then it was a great joy,” Lebanese Maronite Catholic parish priest in Rmeich, Father Toni Elias, told OSV News.

“In whose name and for what motivation can sacred places be destroyed and outraged, human beings offended and humiliated, religious signs and symbols trampled upon?”

Lebanese Christians in Debel are celebrating the gift of a new statue of Jesus on the cross after a recent act of desecration by two Israeli soldiers drew global outrage.

“(It’s) a grave affront to the Christian faith and adds to other reported incidents of desecration of Christian symbols by IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon.”

So far, more than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon resulting from Israeli bombardments since the beginning of March.

A U.S. bishop is calling for peace and humanitarian aid to Lebanon, where the U.S.-Israel war on Iran has spread with devastating consequences.