World Lebanese Cultural Union
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of her institution (1983-2013), Our Lady of Lebanon Parish – Toronto, opened a jubilee year, by a live concert “…Waiting for you coming, with our lamps lit!” in collaboration with the World Lebanese Cultural Union – Toronto, on Saturday April 13th, 2013, in St. Elizabeth YCDSB Centre for the Arts. The concert features the Lebanese cultural and religious heritage and was performed by the Youth and Adult Choirs of the Parish, accompanied by the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Fr. Youssef Chedid oam. The Choir sung psalms and hymns composed by Fr Boulos Al Achkar oam, Fr Albert Cherfane oam and Fr Fadi Taouk oam who also did the orchestration of all the pieces. The orchestra performed some of his instrumental composition along with Maestro Pasquale Lucia “Berceuse”. On the other side the Youth Choir delighted us with songs form Fr. Geoffrey Abdallah and Sister Jihad Al Achkar and the Adult choir performed some Lebanese songs.
At the beginning Fr. Maroun Abou Jaoude welcomed everyone, then His Excellency Msgr Paul Marwan Tabet, the Maronite Bishop of Canada addressed the assembly and after that His Worship the Mayor of Vaughan, Maurizio Bevilacqua offered a certificate of recognition to the Parish.
At the end of the concert Mrs. Ghada Sadaka, President of the WLCU – Toronto Chapter thanked Fr. Youssef for this concert that highlighted the cultural face of the Lebanese community in Toronto and offered him, along with Mr. Joe Daou, President of the Church Committee, a bouquet of flower.
This concert was also an occasion to meet the new Maronite Bishop who celebrated a Mass on the next day in Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Toronto.
