A Tree Planted Near Running Water

To the Editor:

Psalm I of the Christo-Judaic Scriptures offers us a view of the person who listens to the Word of the Lord and, like a tree planted near life giving streams, grows to full maturity.

The Bee recently announced that a Danbury native had been named Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy (Diocese) – “Our Lady of Lebanon, Los Angeles.”

This account introduced many of us to the rich heritage of St Anthony Church, one eastern rite parish serving the Greater Danbury/Newtown community and which has lovingly benefited us by its presence.

The newly ordained bishop is Robert Shaheen, who with his fine family, grew up on Stone Street in Danbury, was educated at St Peter School and Danbury High, and was ordained in the Maronite Rite of the Roman Catholic Church. Bishop Shaheen is the first American-born person to be ordained a Maronite bishop.

The purpose of this letter is twofold. First, to focus, once again, on the reality of Western Rites, such as the Latin (a bit of a misnomer today) and Ambrosian (hardly even mentioned in the United States), do not have a monopoly on the name Roman Catholic. There are 20 other eastern rites that have equal claim to the Roman Catholic label. Western history books have not duly covered this fact and people have been left in the dark. Here, in our very own area, in addition to the Maronite Rite (Church of St Anthony), is the Melkite Rite (Church of St Ann) and the Ruthenian Byzantine Community (Church of St Nicholas) – all in the City of Danbury. How important it is for our local history, to acknowledge this rich heritage of culture and faith in our midst. Secondly, congratulations to our friend, a true “Cedar of Lebanon,” Bishop Robert Shaheen, on his ordination to the episcopacy. This is a truly humble servant who follows the teachings of Jesus to the fullest. He is so blessed, and we are, too.

(Rev) Leo McIlrath

13 Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook                                   April 2, 2001