Established in 1961 Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. It’s a place where young men embark on a journey of spiritual growth and intellectual development. They prepare for service among the Maronite faithful across the United States. The seminary’s story began in the 1950s. Maronite clergy and laity worked tirelessly to establish a seminary on American soil. Washington DC was selected for its proximity to Catholic University. This prestigious institution offered pontifical degrees. It also boasted a strong department of Semitic and Oriental languages.
Archbishop Patrick O’Boyle played a crucial role. He oversaw the seminary’s establishment. Chorbishop Mansour Stephan led fundraising efforts. A $500000 goal was set. It was to be raised from Maronite communities nationwide. In 1961 a house on Alaska Avenue was purchased. It was renovated to accommodate seminarians. A chapel bedrooms and a recreation room were added.
Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary opened its doors on September 24 1961. Reverend Elias El-Hayek became its first rector. Father Seely Beggiani was the prefect of studies. The inaugural class comprised only five seminarians. A significant visit occurred in December 1961. Amleto Cardinal Cicognani the Papal Secretary of State visited the seminary. An open house followed in 1962. It was held on St Maron’s Feast Day for the Washington DC Maronite community. This event marked the genesis of a local parish.
Patriarch Paul Cardinal Meouchi formally dedicated the seminary on August 26 1962. Over two thousand people attended this momentous occasion. Nine Latin rite bishops joined the celebration at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Fulton J Sheen delivered the homily. The dedication was an event of national significance.
The seminary expanded in 1964. The adjacent building was acquired. It provided additional bedrooms and a library. Later that year Archbishop Francis Zayek ordained Robert Shaheen. He was the seminary’s first alumnus to become a priest. Archbishop Zayek also established the National Association of Maronites. It provided crucial support for the seminary.
In 1966 Archbishop Zayek became the first Maronite bishop in the United States. He assumed responsibility for the seminary. Father Seely Beggiani was appointed Spiritual Director Treasurer and parish administrator. The Washington DC parish was in its formative years. In 2001 a new wing was added. A generous donation by Mr Anthony Abraham made this possible. Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir dedicated the new structure. The new wing houses a library computer area seminar rooms and student accommodations. It also serves as a potential nucleus for Maronite research.
Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary has played a vital role. It trained sixty-eight men for the priesthood. Two alumni Robert Shaheen and Gregory Mansour became bishops. Its graduates have contributed significantly to the Maronite Church. They have written extensively on Maronite liturgy catechetics theology spirituality and history. The seminary has welcomed numerous dignitaries. These included patriarchs Maronite bishops and even former presidents of Lebanon. Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary continues to train future leaders of the Maronite Church. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the faith and dedication of its founders and those who have followed.