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Welcome, and a very warm welcome to everyone who has honored us with their presence today.

Your presence with us today reaffirms the depth of our humanitarian mission. From the bottom of my heart, it is my privilege to extend a tribute of gratitude and appreciation to Lebanon’s First Lady, Neemat Aoun, whose presence and continuous support provide a powerful impetus for every step taken in the service of humanity and human dignity in Lebanon.

I would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the Antonin Maronite Order, who welcomed us with such warmth and generosity. We thank them for allowing us to establish this center near their monastery and this beautiful church, whose presence feels like a watchful guardian protecting us. We are truly delighted to be establishing this new endeavor in a place so deeply rooted in faith.

Today, we are gathered in Jezzine, with joy, humility, and great pride, here in the South, a beautiful region that is incredibly dear to our hearts. The South has asked for nothing more than to live in peace, yet it continues to suffer and ache from the devastation of war. South Lebanon embodies the message of coexistence, which Saint John Paul II spoke of after his visit to our beloved country when he declared, "Lebanon is more than a country; it is a message." This love and coexistence are what we wholeheartedly hope, believe, and pray will be the foundation for the resurrection of a new Lebanon.

From here, from the heart of this symbolic city, which serves as an anchor for all its surrounding villages, and on this land that unites all communities and backgrounds, the Order of Malta Lebanon wished to open its socio-medical center. Our goal is to be at the service of everyone who is suffering in silence, facing immense needs, and feeling a loss of hope.

This center was established to be a haven for healthcare and social services, and most importantly, to be an open space for everyone, without any exception or distinction, serving the people of Jezzine and the entire region.

Yet, this center was also born out of a deeply moving human story. It grew from the vision of a remarkable lady from our Order, Mrs. India Abdeni, a deeply generous woman who has given so much for many years. Through this space, she wished to immortalize the name of her son, Gabriel, who left us far too soon.

Gabriel and the Order of Malta are, quite simply, a story of love, immense generosity, and a heart overflowing with compassion. He was always by our side, despite his busy life and responsibilities. He supported us in a way that beautifully mirrors the teachings of the Bible, silently, away from the spotlight, but with his whole heart.

He championed the journey of our patients on their pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes, and whenever he could, he would personally accompany us. Moreover, at Chabrouh, the "School of Love," that unique sanctuary where we welcome individuals with severe physical and mental challenges, whose families have entrusted them to the care of the Sisters of the Cross may God protect them, Gabriel and his mother, Mrs. India, built a church. Knowing that these guests rarely get the chance to step outside or change their surroundings from their regular institutions, they also installed an elevator there to ease the burden for both the staff and the beautiful souls we host.

Gabriel lives on through every single one of his deeds and in the souls of everyone who benefits from his enduring generosity. Thank you, India.

This center, whose state-of-the-art infrastructure aligns with international standards, is equipped with the latest medical technology and devices, and is operated by a passionate medical team entirely dedicated to service.

It arrives to reinforce and expand the services already being provided in this region by our mobile medical unit, which is supported by a wonderful family, the family of Jorge Aziz and his sons, Jorge and Luis Alberto, through the "George and Juliette Aziz Foundation." Demonstrating their deep trust in the work of our Order, they too wished to contribute to the development of this center.

I would also like to recognize the Saputo Foundation in Canada, who wished, through the organization Développement et Paix, to partner with us in this endeavor and provide their contribution to make this project a reality. In this context, I would like to specifically mention Monsignor Marwan Tabet, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maron in Canada. Our gratitude also goes to the Région Sud PACA in France, which supported this center as well.

There is so much more I could tell you, but time flies. Therefore, allow me to simply conclude with a few words dedicated to Jezzine and to all regions of South Lebanon, where we, as the Order of Malta, have deep roots and an active presence for a very long time.

We do this because we believe in the South, this sacred land of Lebanon that is aching but standing tall, passing through incredibly difficult times but still bursting with life. And we believe in Lebanon, a nation that, despite everything, refuses to die.

Today in Jezzine, alongside you and with our brothers and sisters from all communities and backgrounds, we will carry on our mission, continue to develop our work, and by the grace of God, we will remain together through service, in absolute love.

Thank you.