Joseph Hazboun<\/strong>, Director of CNEWA Jerusalem, and
Michel Constantin<\/strong>, Regional Director for Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their testimonies offered a profound look into the reality on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joseph spoke passionately about the urgent need to invest in future leaders<\/strong>, even when the fruits of this investment may not be immediately visible. Humanitarian assistance is essential, he reminded us, but unless we create pathways for young Christians to remain in the Holy Land, the Christian presence in the places of Christ will continue to shrink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He shared a deeply personal moment about his own daughter, who recently married and moved to Spain, because in the Holy Land it has become increasingly difficult to move freely from one place to another, and young people feel their prospects narrowing. His message was call that alongside humanitarian, educational, and pastoral programs, supporting young people to stay rooted in the Holy Land is vital<\/strong> if we hope to safeguard the Christian heritage of this region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michel offered a sweeping overview of CNEWA\u2019s programs across the four countries he oversees. With more than 25 years of service, he reflected on how needs have evolved\u2014and how his passion for this mission has only grown. For him, working with CNEWA is \u201clike being part of a family,\u201d one that accompanies the vulnerable with tenderness and perseverance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As I contemplate Joseph\u2019s and Michel\u2019s mission on the ground, I cannot help but think of Christ\u2019s words in Matthew 10:16: \u201cI am sending you out as sheep among wolves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joseph and Michel truly embody this mission. They often work in dangerous environments, serving communities that live under immense pressure. Yet they also live out the rest of Christ\u2019s instruction in the same Gospel: \u201cBe therefore wise as serpents and innocent as doves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their courage, wisdom, and humility are a constant source of inspiration for all of us at CNEWA Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the\u00a0\u201cLight in the East\u201d Gala Dinner<\/em>, we had the joy of presenting the\u00a0Faith and Culture Award<\/strong>\u00a0in honour of\u00a0Stan and Marge Owerko<\/strong>. Their generous philanthropic commitment has had a profound impact, especially through projects that foster education and hope for young people at the\u00a0Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0Three Holy Hierarchs Seminary in Kyiv.<\/strong>\u00a0We gratefully acknowledge their dedication to forming the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking back on this milestone evening, I am deeply moved by the commitment of CNEWA Canada team, current and former, who poured their hearts into planning every detail. Their dedication reflects the spirit of CNEWA: a mission carried forward through faith, compassion, and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CNEWA Canada, <\/strong>born 20 years ago at the Canadian Bishops initiative, extended the mission of CNEWA established in 1926, by Pope Pius XI. <\/strong>It was their desire to build bridges of love between East and West, between Canadians and their brothers and sisters in the East, between those who have and those in need, the strong and the fragile, those who give and those who receive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Two decades of work mean countless lives touched through education, healthcare, pastoral support, and emergency relief. And we move forward strengthened by the stories, the challenges, and the unwavering resilience of the communities we serve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n May our work continue to be a light in the East, and a bridge of solidarity from Canada to the most vulnerable corners of our world.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cnewa.org\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/11\/61-DSC_2355_-1024x681.jpg\")
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