ACN calls for prayers for Fr. Pierre El Raï, who was killed in southern Lebanon
The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) calls for prayers for Fr. Pierre El Raï, a Maronite priest from the Maronite Diocese of Tyre and a project partner of the foundation in southern Lebanon, who was killed amid the current escalation of violence in the region.
According to information received by ACN, the priest was helping people affected by a bombardment in a nearby area when another attack occurred. The exact circumstances of his death are still being clarified.
Fr. Pierre El Raï collaborated with ACN in supporting the pastoral activities of Qlayaa Parish in the Maronite Diocese of Tyre, which serves around 3,000 parishioners. The foundation had been working with the priest on this project.
ACN has also received reports that another Christian killed in the same context of violence was Sami Ghafari, 70, who was killed while in the garden of his home in the village of Alma Sha’b, a Christian village located near the border. He was the brother of another Lebanese priest and was also known to ACN.
Representatives of ACN visited the village during the ceasefire period, before the current escalation of violence, and celebrated Mass there with the local parish community. Sami Ghafari was among the faithful present at that Mass.
Despite the growing insecurity in southern Lebanon, many priests and religious sisters have chosen to remain with their communities. Many Christian families have also stayed in their villages, unwilling to abandon their homes, land and livelihoods.
Fr. Pierre El Raï was known for his commitment to local communities and for his pastoral service in a region particularly marked by instability and tension.
ACN joins in prayer for his soul, for his family and for all those affected by the violence. The foundation invites the faithful around the world also to pray for peace in Lebanon and for the protection of Christian communities in the region.
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