Amid widespread destruction and amid the rubble in the southern Lebanese village of Tbenine, what some call a \u201cmiracle\u201d in St. George Church offered renewed hope and reminded parishioners that Christ\u2019s presence does not fade, even in war.<\/p>\n
Melkite Greek Catholic priest Father Marios Khairallah told ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, that he returned to the Lebanese town of Tbenine on April 17 following the ceasefire that had come into effect. Entering the church, surrounded by shattered glass, he found the consecrated bread exactly where he had left it weeks earlier \u2014 unchanged despite the absence of people for 47 days. He described the discovery as a confirmation of God\u2019s enduring presence amid suffering.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter 47 days, there is no scientific explanation for why the bread did not spoil,\u201d Khairallah said. \u201cBut for us, this is not strange, because we believe this is the body of Christ. This is our faith, it is neither new nor unfamiliar. We believe in God\u2019s presence in the Eucharist.\u201d<\/p>\n He said the story was a \u201cmessage of hope for the parish,\u201d adding: \u201cIt is true that there is destruction in Tbenine. But there is also an encounter with Jesus\u2026 Jesus waited for us for 47 days, without human presence.\u201d<\/p>\n Khairallah also noted that a statue of the Virgin Mary remained standing amid the devastation, describing her as \u201cthe mother who awaits her children.\u201d<\/p>\n Khairallah also spoke about the situation of residents, noting that the town is home to around 55 Melkite Catholic families who were forced to leave due to the war. After the ceasefire, some returned temporarily to retrieve clothes and belongings, while most are now staying with relatives, in rented apartments, schools, monasteries, or with friends.<\/p>\n